Prison Tourism In Tihar: Soon, Outsiders Can Pay To Have A Taste Of Life Behind Bars

Well, those who are game for this idea of prison tourism, there will soon be a way to experience life in country's largest jail facility

By: Rakesh Jha |
March 1, 2018 2:59 pm

Ever wondered what it feels like to be inside a prison unless you have had the special honour of being caught on the wrong side of the law. Well, those who are game for this idea, there will soon be a way to experience life in country’s largest jail facility.

Tihar Jail, which houses the likes of Yasin Bhatkal, gangsters Chhota Rajan and Neeraj Bawana, and don-turned-politician Shahabuddin, will soon open its gates “guests” over the next few months.

Prison authorities have come up with a comprehensive plan to start a new project titled ‘Feel Like Jail’ that will offer people the chance to experience criminal detention at a price.

Inside Tihar/ Indian Express

The visitors, according to Hindustan Times, will be given a set of prison clothes and will have to work like other inmates, taking up jobs such as gardening and carpentry. However, they would not be allowed to interact with other prisoners, an officer said, citing security reasons.

The visitors will be given food cooked by prisoners and will not be allowed to use cellphone or other electronic devices. The facility will be set up near the prison headquarters in the 400-acre Tihar complex where the visitors will have to follow the routine of a regular prisoner during their stay, officials said.

Located in West Delhi, Tihar is the largest prison facility in the country housing over 15,300 inmates.

Malaysian tourists/Indian Express

Last year, a district central jail in Telangana’s Sangareddy launched an initiative termed ‘Feel the Jail’ allowing tourists to spend 24 hours inside prison at a price of Rs 500. They are provided with all the requirements like a uniform, bedding and other facilities, strictly as per the state prison manual.

In January, two Malysian nationals flew all the way from Kuala Lumpur to Hyderabad to get a taste of life inside the prison. Interestingly, there are quite a few jails in India where outsiders can visit to have a glimpse of prison life but the opportunity to become a prisoner seems to be a new trend.