Now, there is an exciting new activity in town. It scares you stiff even as it lights up the dark recesses of your mind. No, you don't come to see it. Rather you experience it. Dialogue in the Dark, as it is called, takes one down a dark expanse.

Everyday chores like visiting a park, shopping in the mall and taking a boat ride -- one learns to do in total darkness. Howzzat! The hour-long programme is an eye-opener in fact.

Thrill-a-minute

Hyderabadis are set to experience this thrill-a-minute show next week at the Inorbit Mall in Madhapur. ACE, an acronym for Art, Culture and Entertainment, is bringing this one-of-its-kind programme for the first time in India.

A chill runs down the spine as one embarks on this spooky journey with a white cane in hand to grope the way around. But a visually-challenged guide is always at hand to help. The creepy feeling is only for a while till you get adjusted to the blackout.

With the eyes out of action, the other sensory organs get active. Almost involuntarily, one lumbers around with outstretched arms to discover pebbles under the feet and plants along the way. A bird chirps yonder and as one sits on the bamboo chair, it is clear as daylight that it's the Kasu Brahmananda Reddy Park.

A few turns in the dark brings one bang into the shopping mall. Here, leave it to the olfactory and the gustatory senses to tell what is in store.

Laad Bazar

As you potter around, you lay hands on the most priceless thing. Yes, you guessed right – the onions.

There are other things like spices, watermelon and soaps. Next, you saunter into the Laad Bazar. This is clear from the jingling bangles.

Grope for the familiar pan shop, the tyre puncture kiosk and the public telephone. As you are through the bangle street, get ready for a boat ride in the dark waters of Hussainsagar. It's quite an experience.

The journey winds up with the Taste of Darkness.

Here, you are served your favourite snacks. Well, that is the dark side of the story. And the bright side is that visitors begin to see the sightless not as disabled, but differently-abled persons.

Inclusiveness

“It helps promote inclusiveness and appreciation of diversity,” says S.V. Krishnan, founding director, ACE.

Also one develops concentration and listening skills.

“You gain self-confidence and try to push your limits,” adds Sudha Krishnan, chief operating officer, DiD.

This eerie experience comes for a price - Rs. 300 apiece. Dialogue in Dark is out of bounds for kids below eight.

So guys, what are you waiting for? Get ready to challenge darkness.