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Take a stroll in the Freedom Park

Bangalore is never short of ideas and innovation. In a unique move, the state government has turned the erstwhile Central Jail to a park, where people can take a stroll. It is in a way a look into the history as well. Because the jail housed our great freedom fighters and people who opposed the late Indira Gandhi during the Emergency. 

Vicky Nanjappa takes a saunter through the prison-turned-park. Follow him!       

Be behind the bars

The Central Jail has undergone a complete makeover and is now the new cultural hub. The makeover, undertaken by architects Mathew and Gosh, is a dream come true for Bangaloreans, who have been looking for a cultural space, especially when the Information Technology boom has commercialized the city once known as the Garden City.

That nostalgic feeling

The 22-acre park situated in central Bangalore also boasts of a 16-acre amphitheatre that can house 300 people. While many structural changes have been made in the old building, the watch tower and the office of the chief warden have been retained to create a feeling of nostalgia.

Barracks forever here!

The park also has six barracks which have been converted into recreational spots where the public could walk around and the cell yard continues to remain as a high-walled structure.

Face the Music here

The plan is to have a musical fountain. There is still a bit of art work that remains to be done in the park.

Cafe Clink!

A museum and a cafe have also been set up in the park. 

Tired? Then get into a museum

However, many projects are still being completed. Like, a fountain that surrounds the watch tower.

Go to the Gallows!

The gallows will be redone in due course of time.The plan is to design it on the lines of the gallows at the Belgaum Central Jail, which is the only place where executions are carried out in Karnataka.

The Freedom Wall

The plan is to put up art work in on the main walls which is known as the Freedom Wall. Apart from this in a couple of months, there would be an information corridor and another barrack which would have a multimedia gallery apart from an LeD monitor.

Prison that teaches lessons in history

So next time, you are in Bangalore, try visiting the unique prison-turned-park. And get some lessons in history.