A former British prison, the evocative Cellular Jail National Memorial now serves as a shrine to the political dissidents it once jailed. Construction of the jail began in 1896 and it was completed in 1906 – the original seven wings (several of which were destroyed by the Japanese during WWII) contained 698 cells radiating from a central tower. Like many political prisons, Cellular Jail became something of a university for freedom fighters, who exchanged books, ideas and debates despite walls and wardens. Guides (₹200) are available to show you around.
There’s a fairly cheesy sound-and-light show detailing the jail’s history in English at 7.15pm on Monday, Wednesday and Friday – weather permitting.
