Secunderābād, India

Reading Time: 5 minutes

Secunderābād, India

Region: Telangana


Geographic Coordinates: 17.439900, 78.498300
Temperature Range: 20.0°C to 40.0°C (68°F to 104°F)
Climate: Seasonal.
Population: 213698
Language: Telugu

Secunderabad is a vibrant city located in the Indian state of Telangana, Situated in the northern part of Hyderabad and often referred to as the twin city of Hyderabad. Its rich history dates back to the 18th century when it was established by Sikander Jah, The third Nizam of Hyderabad. One of Secunderabad’s most recognizable landmarks is its railway station, Built during British rule and serving as an important transportation hub today. The station’s distinctive Victorian-style architecture features arches and domes that evoke England’s colonial past.

In addition to its historic railway station, Secunderabad boasts many parks and gardens that offer a serene escape from urban life. Lumbini Park is one such attraction with a large lake for boating or relaxing on benches. For history enthusiasts, St. Mary’s Church is worth exploring with its Gothic-style architecture dating back to 1860 when it was built by British soldiers stationed in Secunderabad.

Shopaholics will love General Bazaar, Paradise Circle, And MG Road among other markets offering traditional handicrafts and modern electronics while foodies can enjoy traditional South Indian cuisine or international fare like Chinese, Italian or Mexican food at numerous restaurants throughout the city. Overall, Secunderabad has something for everyone – old-world charm combined with modern amenities making it an ideal destination for travelers seeking an authentic Indian experience with all comforts of home.



Important Landmarks

  1. Hussain Sagar Lake
  2. Secunderabad Clock Tower
  3. St. Mary’s Church
  4. Trimulgherry Fort
  5. Sri Subrahmanyaswamy Temple, Skandagiri
  6. Ujjaini Mahakali Temple
  7. Birla Mandir
  8. Kailasagiri Park
  9. Mahatma Gandhi Digital Museum
  10. The Nizam’s Museum

Primary Industries

  1. Defense: Secunderabad is home to several defense establishments, including the Indian Army’s Southern Command Headquarters, the Military College of Electronics and Mechanical Engineering (MCEME), and the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO).
  2. IT/ITES: The city has a growing IT/ITES industry with companies such as Infosys, Wipro, Tech Mahindra, HCL Technologies having their offices here.
  3. Pharmaceuticals: Several large pharmaceutical companies have their manufacturing units in Secunderabad such as Dr.Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd., Aurobindo Pharma Ltd., Divis Laboratories.
  4. Textiles: The city has a thriving textile industry with many small-scale units producing garments for local markets as well as for export.
  5. Education: With many prestigious educational institutions like Osmania University, NALSAR University of Law etc., education is also one of the major industries in Secunderabad.
  6. Hospitality and Tourism: There are several hotels catering to business travelers as well as tourists visiting nearby attractions like Charminar or Golconda Fort.
  7. Retail: With many shopping malls like Inorbit Mall etc., retail industry is also growing at a fast pace in Secunderabad.

Noteable History

  1. The founding of Secunderabad in 1806 by the Nizam of Hyderabad, Sikander Jah.
  2. The establishment of the British cantonment in Secunderabad in 1808.
  3. The construction of the iconic Clock Tower in 1860, which still stands as a landmark today.
  4. The role played by Secunderabad during India’s struggle for independence, particularly during the Quit India Movement of 1942.
  5. Notable people associated with Secunderabad include former Indian Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao, who was born and raised in the city; cricketer V.V.S Laxman; and actress Sridevi Kapoor, who spent part of her childhood living there.
  6. Another notable person is Lieutenant Colonel James Achilles Kirkpatrick (1764–1805), who served as Resident at Hyderabad from 1798 to his death in 1805 and was buried at St George’s Church cemetery located near Trimulgherry Fort on outskirts of Hyderabad city now part of Telangana state. He fell deeply in love with Khair-un-Nissa Begum (1786–1813), one among the daughters of Asaf Jah II – Nizam-ul-Mulk (1749–1803), then ruler of Hyderabad.Kirkpatrick married her secretly according to Muslim rites at her residence on May 4th, 1798.They had two children before Khair-un-Nissa died following childbirth complications on April16th ,1813.
  7. The establishment of several educational institutions such as Osmania University College for Women and St Mary’s College have contributed significantly to shaping up education system here over years.
  8. In more recent times it has been known for its IT industry, with several multinational companies setting up their offices in the city.

Museums and Things To See

  1. Hussain Sagar Lake is a man-made lake with a statue of Buddha in the middle, offering scenic views and boating facilities.
  2. Birla Mandir is a beautiful Hindu temple made of white marble, dedicated to Lord Venkateswara.
  3. St. Mary’s Church is one of the oldest churches in Secunderabad, known for its Gothic architecture and beautiful stained glass windows.
  4. Trimulgherry Fort was built during the British era and offers a glimpse into the city’s colonial past.
  5. Salar Jung Museum is one of India’s largest museums with an extensive collection of art, artifacts, and antiques from around the world.
  6. Telangana State Archaeology Museum showcases artifacts from Telangana’s rich cultural heritage dating back to ancient times.
  7. Nizam’s Silver Jubilee Museum is located inside Purani Haveli (Old Palace) and houses rare artifacts and personal belongings of the Nizams (rulers) of Hyderabad.
  8. Lal Bahadur Shastri Stadium is a popular sports venue that hosts cricket matches and other sporting events throughout the year.
  9. Kailasagiri Park is a scenic park offering panoramic views of Secunderabad city and surrounding areas.
  10. Charminar monument in nearby Hyderabad is also worth visiting as it is one of India’s most iconic landmarks with a rich history behind it.


Sports Teams

  1. Secunderabad Gymkhana Club: Established in 1878, the Secunderabad Gymkhana Club is one of the oldest sports clubs in India. It offers facilities for various sports such as tennis, badminton, squash, billiards, and swimming.
  2. Hyderabad Cricket Association: The Hyderabad Cricket Association was established in 1956 and has been responsible for organizing cricket matches in the city ever since. The association has produced several notable cricketers over the years.
  3. Army Sports Institute: The Army Sports Institute is a training facility for athletes from the Indian Armed Forces. It offers training programs for various sports such as boxing, wrestling, weightlifting, and athletics.
  4. St John’s Sports Coaching Foundation: Founded in 1999 by former Indian cricketer Noel David and his wife Shailaja Singh David, St John’s Sports Coaching Foundation provides coaching facilities to young athletes from underprivileged backgrounds.
  5. Deccan Chargers: The Deccan Chargers was a franchise team that represented Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League (IPL) between 2008 and 2012. They won their first IPL title in 2009 but were disbanded after the fifth season due to financial issues.
  6. Telangana State Football Team: The Telangana State Football Team represents Telangana at national-level football tournaments such as Santosh Trophy and National Games of India.
  7. South Central Railway Sports Association: South Central Railway Sports Association is a sports club that provides facilities for various sports such as cricket, football, hockey etc., to its employees working with South Central Railway Zone headquartered at Secunderabad Junction railway station.


Cultural Events

  1. Bonalu Festival: This is a popular Hindu festival celebrated in Secunderabad every year during the months of July or August. The festival is dedicated to the goddess Mahakali and involves offering prayers, music, dance, and processions.
  2. Lashkar Bonalu: Another important Bonalu festival celebrated in Secunderabad is Lashkar Bonalu, which takes place a week after the main Bonalu festival. It is celebrated with equal fervor and enthusiasm as the main event.
  3. Bathukamma Festival: This colorful flower festival marks the onset of autumn in Telangana state including Secunderabad. Women dress up in traditional attire and offer floral arrangements to Goddess Gauri.
  4. Deccan Festival: This annual cultural extravaganza celebrates Hyderabad’s rich heritage through music concerts, dance performances, food festivals, and handicraft exhibitions.
  5. Ramzan Eid: A significant Muslim festival celebrated with great enthusiasm throughout India including Secunderabad where people gather to exchange greetings and feast together.
  6. Telangana Formation Day: June 2nd every year marks Telangana’s formation day which includes various cultural events like food festivals, art exhibitions, etc.
  7. Ganesha Chaturthi: A ten-day-long Hindu festival celebrating Lord Ganesha’s birthday with grandeur involving devotional songs, processions, decorated pandals (temporary structures), etc.

Cuisine

  • Hyderabadi biryani:
    • Bawarchi
    • Paradise
    • Shah Ghouse
  • Irani chai and Osmania biscuits:
    • Nimrah Cafe and Bakery
  • South Indian food:
    • Chutneys
    • Dakshin
    • Southern Spice
  • Andhra-style spicy food:
    • Ulavacharu
    • Rayalaseema Ruchulu
  • Street food:
    • Ram ki Bandi for dosa and idli vada
    • Gokul Chaat for chaat items
  • North Indian cuisine:
    • Barbeque Nation
  • Chinese cuisine:
    • Mainland China
  • Italian Cuisine:
    • Little Italy

  • Parks and Recreation

    1. Ujjaini Mahakali Temple Park
    2. Sanjeevaiah Park
    3. Indira Gandhi Municipal Corporation Stadium
    4. Bison Polo Grounds
    5. Parade Grounds
    6. Secunderabad Club
    7. NTR Gardens
    8. Lumbini Park
    9. Hussain Sagar Lake (boating and water sports)
    10. Kotla Vijayabhaskara Reddy Botanical Garden

    Suitcase

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