The 150-year-old Yerawada Jail in Pune has been the silent witness to India’s freedom struggle. Iconic freedom fighters like Mahatma Gandhi, Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Sarojini Naidu, Subhash Chandra Bose and even Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel were all imprisoned here by British rulers. Spread over 500 acres, this is Maharashtra’s largest jail and houses aeons of history in its prisons. This Republic Day 2021, Maharashtra government launched jail tourism in the state. Starting from Yerawada Jail, you can now visit iconic prisons in the state and be part of our country’s most significant moments. Read on to know more about how you can visit Yerawada Jail.
Maharashtra Government Starts Jail Tourism In State
Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh announced that from January 26 onwards, the government shall commence ail Tourism in the state. First, Pune’s Yerwada Jail will be thrown open to the public for tourism. The second phase would include opening prisons in Nagpur, Thane and Ratnagiri. Deshmukh stated to Financial Express that this jail tourism shall be a novel experience for students, citizens and even history scholars to learn more about its historical values. Constructed in 1866, Yerwada Central Prison is Maharashtra’s largest jail. It’s also one of the biggest maximum-security jails in India housing around 5000 inmates.
Also Read: This Unique Park In Bangalore Will Give You Jail Feels
Tourists Can Now Visit 150-Year-Old Yerawada Jail In Pune
As part of jail tourism, visitors can explore the two historic yards or group cells in Yerawada Jail, named after Gandhi and Tilak. These don’t house inmates. Tourists can also witness the faasi yard where death sentences are executed. This is the place that last hanged Ajmal Kasab, a convict of 26/11 attacks. He was buried inside the jail premises. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, initially, only 50 people can visit here every day. School, college or registered organisation groups can visit this iconic prison by sending an application to the Yerawada Prison superintendent, one week in advance.
Also Read: Pune’s Sinhagad Fort To Get Swanky Resort & Restaurant Soon
Things To Keep In Mind When Visiting Yerawada Jail
- The Maharashtra Government shall levy a small fee for jail visits. School students must pay ₹5, College student ₹10 and for the general tourists it’s ₹50.
- Only 50 tourists can visit this jail per day due to the coronavirus pandemic.
- Tourist guide to be provided by the government.
- Visitors must carry Aadhaar Card, passports or ID cards of the institution.
- Baggage, eatables, water bottles, mobiles and cameras will not be allowed inside the jail.
- The jail department has the authority to refuse undesirable persons.
- Those who wish to visit Yerawada Jail must contact the Superintendent of Yerawada Jail or ADG prisons. The contact number of the prison is 020-26682663 and for ADG prisons is 9823055177.
So, the next time you visit Pune, a trip to Yerawada Jail must be on your itinerary. After all, it’s your chance to understand our country and it’s fascinating history in a deeper way. When in Pune, here are cool things you can do in FC Road.