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Secunderabad Tourism

The precious field of priceless pearls
State : Andhra Pradesh
District: Hyderabad
Type of Tourism : Historical City
Population : 204,182 (As per Indian census- 2001)  
Altitude : 543 meters
Best Tourist Season : October to March
Clothing recommended : Light cotton in summer, light woolen in winter
Languages spoken : English, Telugu
Telephone Code : India (040), International (+91)
Pin Code : 500003
What to buy : Pearl and Diamond Jewelry, Gemstone Ornaments, Handicrafts, Old Antiques, Silk and Cotton Weaves, Silver Filigree, Clothes With 'Banjara' Mirror Work, Attar (Perfumes), Hukka, 'Bidri' Work, Kondapalli Toys, Kalamkari Work, Himroo, Uppada, Ikat, Dharmavaram, Pochampalli, Mangalagiri and Venkatagiri Saris, Hand-Woven Carpets, Paintings, Brass Metalwork, Handloom Textiles, Durries, Bed Linen Etc.
Food Specialties : Rice, Sambhar, Sea Food, Pesarattu, Pulihora, Gongura, Avakkai, Kodi Iguru, Kodi Pulusu, Chepa Pulusu, Hyderabadi Biryani, Murku, Appadams, Onion Pakodas, Vadas, Idlis, Putharekulu, Kakinada Kaja, Bobbatlu, Booralu, Payasam, Sheer Khurma, Dil Khush, Phirni, Bandhar Ladoo, Ghee Rice, Kali Mirchi Pasandey, Dum Ka Kheema, Sheek Kebab, Bisi Bele Bhath, Khatta Murgh, Hara Murg, Lamb Kofta Curry, Majjige Huli, Raw Banana Curry etc.
Local transportation : Auto Rickshaws, Taxi, Car, On Foot  


About Secunderabad

Secunderabad, located on the Deccan Plateau to the north of Hyderabad in the Indian State of Andhra Pradesh, is one of the largest cantonments of the country. Originated in 1806 AD as a British Military Garrison, Secunderabad is named after the third Nizam of the Asaf Jahi Dynasty; Sikandar Jah. Geologically separated from Hyderabad by the Hussain Sagar Lake, Secunderabad is today widely reckoned as the twin city of Hyderabad. It is not an independent municipal unit any more and is included in the Hyderabad Municipality. Outside the state, both Hyderabad and Secunderabad are collectively known as Hyderabad only and together they form the sixth largest metropolitan in India. Secunderabad, a potpourri of eastern and western styles and cultures and the proud home to heritage monuments, religious architecture, lakes and gardens beckons the travelers from every corner of the country and globe. Renowned for its invaluable pearls, gemstones and other precious jewels Secunderabad really enthralls the aristocracy of the country.

History Of Secunderabad

An ancient village named Ulwul, positioned to the North East of Hussain Sagar Lake near Hyderabad can be deemed as the precursor of the present day Secunderabad. This region came under the direct power of British East India Company as the British Military Troops were harbored in the tents camped in the open lands of Ulwul Village. When Asaf Jah II the Nizam of Hyderabad was defeated by the British, he was compelled to sign the Treaty of Subsidiary Alliance in 1798 AD. According to this Treaty, the Indian Monarch committing to the subsidiary alliance with the British will allow the British forces to dwell within his territory and also pay for their maintenance and if failed to pay, a part of his territory would be confiscated as a penalty. Reciprocating that, the British Military would protect the Indian State from outside dangers as well as inside chaos.
Thus, as a result of this settlement British Cantonment was established at Ulwul and in the year 1803 the then Nizam of Hyderabad Sikandar Jah renamed Ulwul after his name as ‘Secunderabad’. The official Secunderabad Municipality as an English Cantonment was formed in 1806 AD. English was evidently the official language of Secunderabad. Secunderabad was excused from custom duty on imported goods which made the commerce extremely profitable here. After the 1857 Mutiny Secunderabad Cantonment was fortified by 7 meters high wall. This city was connected through the rail line in 1874 AD when one of the largest railway stations of the country, Secunderabad Railway Station was established.
Gradually the city developed and a number of edifices including Gandhi Hospital, Civil Jail, Rashtrapati Nilayam, etc were established. The legendary Prime Minister of UK during World War II; Sir Winston Churchill was posted as a subaltern in Secunderabad during the 1880s. Secunderabad Municipality was created in the year 1945 which was promoted to the status of Secunderabad Corporation after Independence in 1950. Secunderabad Cantonment Board came under the control of Indian Armed forces and large military units were parked there. In the year 1964, Secunderabad Corporation was amalgamated with Hyderabad Corporation making a single Municipality. Present day Secunderabad is a part of Hyderabad District and Hyderabad Municipality. Recently in the year 2006 Secunderabad celebrated its 200 years anniversary.