The Hyderabad prison authorities have introduced a unique “Feel the Jail” experience at the historic Chanchalguda Central Jail, giving ordinary citizens an opportunity to voluntarily experience life inside a prison.

Under the initiative, people can opt to stay in specially designed jail-style cells for either 12 hours or 24 hours after paying a fee, offering them a rare glimpse into the daily realities of confinement.

According to officials, the programme has been designed not as a form of entertainment, but as an awareness-driven initiative to help people understand prison discipline, the process of rehabilitation, and the importance of personal freedom. During their stay, participants will be required to follow restricted schedules similar to those followed by inmates, consume simple jail-style meals, and spend time inside basic rooms created to safely recreate the atmosphere of prison life.

Authorities believe the experience could especially help young people and visitors gain a deeper understanding of how correctional institutions function and how discipline shapes life inside prisons. The initiative is also expected to attract tourists and curious visitors interested in unconventional experiences.

Alongside the programme, the authorities have inaugurated a new Jail Museum within the premises of Chanchalguda Central Jail. The museum showcases the evolution of the prison system from the Nizam era to modern-day correctional practices, displaying historical records, prison equipment, and information related to jail administration over the decades.

The initiative comes amid growing global interest in “prison tourism,” where visitors explore former or functioning correctional facilities to understand their history, architecture, and social significance. Officials hope the Hyderabad model will create awareness about the realities of prison life while also promoting the historical significance of the jail.