India is an enthral country to visit; it has rich culture, heritage buildings, majestic temples, stunning beaches, and huge monuments, that attracts tourists. But have you ever wondered that visiting an Indian Jail could be in the list of travellers too? Two Malaysian nationals respectively flew to India to get jailed in India. Ng Inn Wo, a dentist, and Ong Boon Tek, a businessman, from Selangor in Kuala Lumpur spend this weekend in Sangareddy prison in Telangana.

The Telangana Prison Department runs a unique jail tourism programme known as 'Feel the Jail', where anyone can spend 24 hours in the Sangareddy prison. According to the Public Works Department (PWD), this jail is more than 220 years old and was built during the Nizam-era in 1796.

The Malaysian inhabitants learnt about this exceptional stay online and contacted the prison officials for more information. During their 48-hours stay inside the jail, they engaged themselves doing gardening, cleaning and other work exactly that are assigned to the prisoners. However, they did not cook their meal, but were delighted with Indian food cooked by other inmates inside the jail. The jail administration charges Rs. 500 per person for a stay and in return provides pre-cooked meal while rest of the facilities are similar as that of a common prisoner.

Both seemed to enjoy their time, after all the formalities were done, they were given their prisoners costumes, blankets, mugs, plates and was guided towards their cell. Jail Superintendent Santosh Kumar Rai was quoted in a media report, “Both thoroughly enjoyed their stay and kind of mesmerised with the history of the jail and life of a prisoner. Till now, 47 persons have experienced this unique tourism facility. We are hoping an increase in it with lot of foreigners coming in as several international news agencies and documentary makers have covered the government's effort”.

V.K. Singh, the Director General of Prisons in Telangana, came up with the idea of turning the heritage jail into a tourist spot. In June 2016, the jail was opened for travellers and since then many commuters have stayed in Sangareddy prison. Needless to say, it is an experience to remember for life.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 29, 2018 06:33 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).