Ends of the Earth: In their 60s, three Indians celebrate friendship with trips to Arctic, Antarctica
Credit: Special Arrangement
Credit: Special Arrangement
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Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
Behind the barriers: Myths and mysteries of 10 forbidden places on Earth
Throughout history, humanity's most secretive and off-limits places have captivated our imaginations not just for their mystery, but the legends that swirl around them. From haunted forts to islands sealed away from human contact, these forbidden spots aren't just about security or preservation—they pulse with stories that blur the line between fact and folklore. Let's journey into the myths that cloak the world's most inaccessible places, adding a dash of drama and quirk to the tales they tell. 1. The Svalbard Global Seed Vault, Norway Deep inside a cold mountain on the remote Arctic island of Spitsbergen lies the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, a fortress built to protect the future of humanity's food. Housing over 1.3 million samples of seeds from nearly every country, it is the world's largest conservation site for crop biodiversity, designed to safeguard against catastrophes like war, climate change, or disease outbreaks. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category MCA Data Analytics Project Management MBA Others Data Science Management Healthcare Leadership others Degree CXO Cybersecurity Data Science Design Thinking Technology Artificial Intelligence Public Policy Product Management Operations Management healthcare Digital Marketing PGDM Finance Skills you'll gain: Programming Proficiency Data Handling & Analysis Cybersecurity Awareness & Skills Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning Duration: 24 Months Vellore Institute of Technology VIT Master of Computer Applications Starts on Aug 14, 2024 Get Details Often called the 'Doomsday Vault' or a modern 'Noah's Ark,' it inspires dramatic myths about a secret bunker for global elites or a post-apocalyptic sanctuary. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like If you have a mouse, play this game for 1 minute Navy Quest Undo 2. North Brother Island, USA Just off the coast of New York City, abandoned since the mid-1900s, this island is said to be haunted by spirits of tuberculosis patients and typhoid victims who were quarantined there during epidemics. Locals speak of eerie cries echoing over the water and shadowy figures wandering broken hallways. The island's silence and decay fuel ghost stories that have earned it the nickname 'America's Island of the Dead.' 3. Lascaux Caves, France Live Events Housed in southwestern France, the Lascaux Caves protect some of the most remarkable Paleolithic art ever discovered, with murals of animals painted some 17,000 years ago. To prevent damage caused by exposure to modern air and visitors' breath, the original caves have been closed since 1963, replaced by exact replicas open for public viewing. Legend holds that these vibrant paintings were not mere art but spiritual channels created by ancient shamans to commune with unseen worlds, invoking protection and fertility. Such sacred significance amplifies the strict access controls, preserving the site's mystique and ancestral power. 4. Pluto's Gate, Turkey Near the ancient city of Hierapolis stands Pluto's Gate, a natural cave that emits toxic gases deadly to animals and humans alike. The site was believed in antiquity to be a literal 'gateway to the underworld,' where priests conducted rituals and oracles sought visions from beyond through poisonous mists. Today, the lethal carbon dioxide fumes keep visitors at a distance, reinforcing the mythic fear of entering a threshold to hell itself—a place never meant for mortal feet. 5. Coca-Cola Recipe Vault, USA While not a physical place in the traditional sense, the vault holding the Coca-Cola recipe in Atlanta embodies the mystique of one of the world's most guarded commercial secrets. Encased under high security, the formula is often depicted as a magical elixir or wizard's potion, protected from all but a few trusted executives. Myths swirl about secret societies or ancient origins behind the recipe, turning this corporate vault into a modern chamber of secrets—an enigma that adds allure to the global brand. 6. Vatican Secret Archives , Vatican City Ancient and enigmatic, the Vatican Secret Archives store centuries of Church documents, ranging from papal correspondence to state secrets. Contrary to popular belief, 'secret' means private rather than hidden, but the strict access policies have fueled dense webs of conspiracy theories. Tales of lost gospels, coded prophecies, and even extraterrestrial evidence abound, sparking imaginations worldwide. The vast and forbidding doors of the archives symbolize the eternal quest for hidden truths locked away beyond ordinary reach. 7. North Sentinel Island, India Isolated in the Bay of Bengal, North Sentinel Island is home to the Sentinelese, one of the last peoples who live entirely untouched by modern civilization. Marked by a governmental exclusion zone and rigorously enforced laws forbidding entry, the island evokes myths of curses that befall anyone who dares to trespass. The tribe's fierce resistance to outsiders feeds stories of spiritual wrath and unyielding guardianship—an uncanny living time capsule embodying humanity's primal origins and a protective mystery. 8. Bhangarh Fort, India Known across India as the country's most haunted fort, Bhangarh in Rajasthan is steeped in dark tales of love, betrayal, and curses. Local legend tells of a magician whose spurned affection unleashed a doom upon the fort, dooming it to eternal desolation. Visitors report paranormal phenomena and ghostly screams, and government authorities have banned entry after sunset for safety and respect for the supernatural lore. The fort stands as a monument to the mingling of history and haunting myth. 9. Lake Natron , Tanzania The stark beauty of Lake Natron, with its reddish, caustic waters and lethal alkalinity, conceals a deadly nature. Its extreme chemical properties preserve the remains of animals in petrified forms, inspiring local myths of a vengeful spirit turning intruders to stone. Yet, the lake remains ecologically vital, supporting massive breeding colonies of lesser flamingos. The interplay of natural science and eerie folklore creates a place both mesmerizing and forbidding to human visitors. 10. Snake Island (Ilha da Queimada Grande), Brazil Often described as the deadliest island on Earth , Brazil's Snake Island teems with lethal golden lancehead vipers, whose venom evolved for swift killing. Government restrictions ban all human landing except for essential scientific research, under strict supervision and safety protocols. Myths about pirate treasures guarded by these snakes or ancient curses circulate widely, but the real danger stems from the natural world's apex of venomous defense. The island's silence and menace endure, a stark reminder of nature's deadly secrets. These forbidden places are more than geographic curiosities—they are cultural vaults of stories, warnings, and wonders. Whether steeped in danger, spirituality, or human secrecy, they remind us why some boundaries, both physical and mythical, exist: to keep mystery alive, and to teach respect for the unknown. In that sense, the forbidden isn't just about restriction—it's an invitation to dream, speculate, and wonder what lies beyond the veil.
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First Post
a day ago
- First Post
History Today: When USS Nautilus became the first submarine to travel under the North Pole
US nuclear submarine, USS Nautilus (SSN‑571), became the first vessel to cross the North Pole fully submerged on August 3, 1958. It was the world's first operational nuclear-powered submarine. Codenamed Operation Sunshine, the mission aimed to test the feasibility of navigating beneath the polar ice cap read more the USS Nautilus became the first submarine to travel beneath the North Pole. Wikimedia Commons It was on August 3, 1958, that the US nuclear submarine, USS Nautilus (SSN‑571), became the first vessel in history to cross the geographic North Pole entirely submerged. Operated by the United States Navy, the Nautilus was the world's first operational nuclear-powered submarine, and its journey under the Arctic ice proved both its endurance and strategic potential. If you are a history geek who loves to learn about important events from the past, Firstpost Explainers' ongoing series, History Today, will be your one-stop destination to explore key events. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD On this day in 1492, Italian explorer Christopher Columbus set sail from Spain's Palos de la Frontera on a voyage that would change the course of world history. Here is all that happened on this day. Nautilus submarine travels under the North Pole On this day in 1958, the USS Nautilus became the first submarine to travel beneath the North Pole. Operated by the United States Navy, the Nautilus was the world's first operational nuclear-powered submarine, and its journey under the Arctic ice proved both its endurance and strategic potential. Codenamed Operation Sunshine, the mission aimed to test the feasibility of navigating beneath the polar ice cap, something no vessel had ever attempted before. Departing from Pearl Harbour in July 1958, Nautilus and her crew travelled submerged for nearly 1,400 miles under the Arctic Ocean, completely hidden beneath the thick ice sheet above. The USS Nautilus permanently docked at the US Submarine Force Museum and Library, Groton. Wikimedia Commons On August 3, at 11:15 pm Eastern Daylight Time, the submarine passed directly under the geographic North Pole, transmitting the message, 'Nautilus 90 North'. It was a powerful symbolic and strategic message to the world, especially during the intense geopolitical rivalry between the US and the Soviet Union. The success of the mission demonstrated that nuclear-powered submarines could travel silently and indefinitely underwater, without the need to surface or refuel. This had vast implications for global naval strategy, especially in a potential nuclear age. Columbus set sail from Spain On this day in 1492, Christopher Columbus embarked on his momentous first transatlantic voyage, setting sail from Spain's Palos de la Frontera. His expedition, which was financed by the Spanish monarchs King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella, had a clear objective - to find a westward sea route to Asia, specifically the lucrative spice islands of the East Indies. Commanding three ships namely the Niña, the Pinta, and the flagship Santa María, Columbus and his crew of about 90 men embarked on what was considered a bold and risky journey across the Atlantic Ocean. Most European navigators at the time believed the westward route to Asia was either impossible or far longer than Columbus estimated. He, however, believed that Asia could be reached quickly by sailing west, not realising that the Americas lay between Europe and his destination. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A painting of Spanish explorer Christoper Columbus setting off on his first voyage. Wikimedia Commons For weeks, the fleet sailed into uncharted waters. Morale waned, and at times the crew feared they would never see land again. But Columbus pressed on, driven by ambition and a strong belief in his calculations. Though he never reached Asia, on October 12, 1492, Columbus and his crew landed on what is now known as the Bahamas, marking the first known European contact with the Caribbean islands. Believing he had reached the outskirts of the East Indies, he referred to the indigenous people as 'Indians.' The voyage of Columbus would lead to more expeditions and ultimately usher in centuries of European exploration and colonisation of the Americas. This Day, That Year The Republic of Niger gained its independence from France on this day in 1960. In 1949, the National Basketball Association (NBA) was formed. Lithuania was 'accepted' into the USSR following the Soviet occupation of the Baltic states in 1940.
Deccan Herald
a day ago
- Deccan Herald
Ends of the Earth: In their 60s, three Indians celebrate friendship with trips to Arctic, Antarctica
In mid 2025, Chandrasekaran, Venkatesan and Raju took their bond to the top of the world, quite literally, journeying to the Arctic. This expedition came a year after they kissed the ice in Antarctica and celebrated the historic Pran Pratishtha ceremony of Ram Lalla from there. Credit: Special Arrangement Credit: Special Arrangement
