Andhra Pradesh: Telangana authorities launched a unique “Feel the Jail” programme at Chanchalguda Central Prison. The initiative allows ordinary citizens to spend 12 or 24 hours inside a specially designed prison setup, giving them a real-life experience of jail routines, inmate food, prison uniforms, and disciplined schedules.
Officials say the programme is aimed at spreading awareness about prison life, rehabilitation, and the importance of personal freedom.
What Is Hyderabad Feel the Jail Programme
The Telangana Prisons Department launched the initiative at Chanchalguda Central Prison in Hyderabad as part of the newly inaugurated Telangana Prisons Museum. The programme is also called “Jail Anubhavam” or “Feel the Jail Experience.”
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Visitors can voluntarily choose to stay:
- For 12 hours at Rs 1,000
- For 24 hours at Rs 2,000
Participants are expected to:
- Wear prison uniforms
- Stay inside prison cells
- Eat food served to inmates
- Follow prison discipline and routines
- Experience controlled prison conditions
Officials said the idea is educational and reform-oriented, not entertainment-based.
What is the Need of Hyderabad Feel the Jail Programme
Authorities said the project aims to help people understand:
- The realities of prison life
- The value of discipline
- The importance of staying away from crime
- Rehabilitation efforts inside prisons
According to reports, Telangana officials want visitors, especially young people, to understand the consequences of criminal activities through direct experience instead of only reading about prisons in books or watching films.
Telangana Prisons Museum Opens in Hyderabad
Along with the prison tourism initiative, Telangana also inaugurated a new Jail Museum at Chanchalguda prison complex. The museum showcases the evolution of prisons from the Nizam era to the modern correctional system.
The museum includes:
- Old prison cells
- Shackles and chains
- Historical prison records
- Rehabilitation programme details
- Information about prison industries
- Stories of notable prisoners
- Audio-visual prison exhibits
Officials also highlighted the contribution of prisoners in building the Nagarjuna Sagar Dam.
Hyderabad Prison Tourism Becoming Popular Online
Hyderabad “Feel the Jail” programme has quickly gone viral on social media because of its unusual concept. Many people online described it as one of India’s most unique tourism experiences.
Reports suggest the Chanchalguda initiative was inspired by the earlier one-day jail experience at the Sangareddy Heritage Prison Museum in Telangana.
Key Highlights of Hyderabad Prison Tourism
- Location: Chanchalguda Central Prison, Hyderabad
- Programme Name: Feel the Jail / Jail Anubhavam
- 12-Hour Fee: Rs 1,000
- 24-Hour Fee: Rs 2,000
- Includes prison food, uniforms, and cell stay
- Part of Telangana Prisons Museum initiative
- Focus on awareness, discipline, and rehabilitation
