Hyderabad: The immersive prison tourism initiative, also called Jail Anubhavam, allows citizens to experience life behind bars through a regulated 12-hour or 24-hour stay inside the prison premises.

The initiative was officially launched alongside the inauguration of the Telangana Prisons Museum and is inspired by the success of the Sangareddy Heritage Prison Museum, where a similar concept had earlier drawn public attention. Officials say the programme has been designed not as entertainment, but as an educational and reform-oriented exercise aimed at exposing people to the harsh realities of prison life.

Under the programme, participants can opt for a 12-hour stay for Rs 1,000 or a full 24-hour experience for Rs 2,000. Upon entering the prison, visitors are required to surrender their personal belongings, including mobile phones and electronic devices, and wear standard prison uniforms made of coarse khadi fabric.

The daily routine mirrors that of regular inmates at Chanchalguda Central Prison. Participants wake up early, clean their assigned cells, and follow a strict schedule throughout the day. Meals served include basic prison food such as dal, rice, and seasonal vegetables, with no outside food or special requests permitted.

Authorities believe the controlled environment and loss of personal freedom can leave a lasting psychological impact, especially on younger participants, helping deter them from engaging in criminal activities. Officials noted that experiencing confinement firsthand may prove more effective than lectures or documentaries in conveying the consequences of unlawful behavior.

The Telangana Prisons Museum forms a key part of the initiative, showcasing the history of the penal system in the region. Exhibits include iron shackles, chains, punishment tools from the Nizam era, and records of notable prisoners housed in the facility over the decades. The museum also highlights prison industries, vocational programmes, and the historical contribution of inmates to projects such as the construction of the Nagarjuna Sagar Dam.

According to the Telangana Prisons Department, the programme also seeks to increase transparency around correctional reforms and rehabilitation efforts within prisons. Revenue generated through the initiative is expected to support inmate welfare and the maintenance of museum facilities.

Since its announcement, “Feel the Jail” has gone viral on social media, sparking debate over the ethics and effectiveness of prison tourism. While some have praised it as a bold form of experiential learning, others question whether incarceration should be turned into a public experience.