One of the minor civs quests required going to a cobra shaped location. When I got there I was told this was a notable location and that my level was 1 and I need 4. To reaise notablelocation score I needed to research adventuring. Or words to this effect.
I get the feeling is a bug in the quest and the notable locations is a left over from Elemental.
I can send in a saved game if it helps/