Secunderabadpronunciationⓘ is twinned with the city of Hyderabad, the latter being the state capital of Andhra Pradesh, India. The 'Twin Cities' (Hyderabad and Secunderabad) are separated by a man-made lake, Hussain Sagar.
History
Secunderabad was founded in the 18th century as a Britishcantonment, and to this date has a large Army presence. Named after Sikandar Jah, the third Nizam of the Asaf Jahi dynasty, Secunderabad had its own municipality and city government, until recently when it was merged with Hyderabad, the district. In common parlance however, Secunderabad is seldom used these days outside the twin cities. Instead Hyderabad is used normally. The population of Secunderabad Cantonment is 204,182 (2001 census}.
The Cantonement area is further from the Hyderabad portion. Adjoining Hyderabad is the mostly civilian portion of Secunderabad which is commercially active and centrally located. Begumpet International Airport is close to Secunderabad and serves both the cities. The Secunderabad Railway station is also the main station for the twin cities and is the headquarters of the South Central Railway..
The Clock Tower, representing the past colonial rule, now a famous landmark of the city
Sir Ronald Ross conducted his initial research on the cause of malaria here. The original building is today called the Sir Ronald Ross Institute and is located on Minister Road.The city which was once said to be modern compared to its twin during the Nizam rule, has grown tremendously over the years to catch up with the metropolis of Hyderabad. Populous places of the city include Paradise Circle, Trimulgherry, Marredpally, Kharkhana, James Street, etc
As of 2001 India census[2], Secunderabad had a population of 204,182. Males constitute 51% of the population and females 49%. Secunderabad has an average literacy rate of 73%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 78%, and female literacy is 68%. In Secunderabad, 11% of the population is under 6 years of age. Secunderabad's population is a mix of cultures and religions. The city also has a good population of Christians, with famous churches and cathedrals found across the city. Many Christian educational institutions are located in the city providing primary, secondary, college and higher education.
Commercial Areas
Rashtrapathi Road - This is a major commercial road in heart of the city, fondly called as R.P road. Various businesses, hotels, malls are located here. A variety of sports shops are also located here.File:Parklane.jpgParklane, a famous shopping center of the city
Park lane - This is a famous lane known for fashion textiles, readymades stores etc. CTC (Chenoy Trade Centre), which is the largest computer bazaar in the twin cities is located here. Sales, rentals, repair of computer peripherals, name whatever is done here. Other businesses are also located here.
MG Road, Secunderabad - This is another major commercial road in the city and is one of the busiest, holding a variety of businesses. This road was formerly called James street. This place also has MMTS rail connectivity to various parts of the city.
Swapnalok complex - This is a major commercial complex situated in the heart of city. This complex houses a variety of businesses such as shopping stores, small IT companies, and other businesses.
Trimulgherry - is a cantonment area, now a well developed suburb of the city. Many well developed residential and commercial buildings are located here.
Famous Churches
Secunderabad is home to many old and beautiful churches. Most of these churches were built in the early nineteenth century during the British Raj. Some of the famous churches in secunderabad:
Gymkhana Grounds - These grounds are multi-purpose grounds and are very large. They are used for various occasions such as exhibitions, trade fairs, musical concerts etc. They are also a favorite for all kinds of sports especially inter-school/college and inter-city tournaments.
Parade Grounds
Parade Grounds - These grounds are a favorite for Independence day and Republic day celebrations. March past, parades, flag hoisting, speeches by dignitaries are common activities that take place here. Adjacent to these grounds are the Gymkhana grounds and the Polo grounds.
Golf Courses - The oldest and famous golf course is the Bollarum golf course located at Bollarum.This is the only 18 hole golf course in the city of Secunderabad. This is maintained by the Indian army and is not open to general public. You either have to be a defence personal or affiliated with the secunderbad club.
Railway golf course is a well known golf course of the city, located at Tarnaka. Spread over a vast and lush green area, this place is a golfer's paradise, and attracts various golfers from the country and the state.
Another 18-hole golf course is being planned adjacent to the Golconda fort. It is claimed to be one of its kind golf course, as it blends traditionality with modernity.
Transport
Secunderabad Railway Station, another famous landmark of the city
The city is the Head-Quarters of South Central Railway Zone of the Indian Railways. It is served by one of the oldest and largest Railway Station in the twin cities popularly known as the Secunderabad Railway Station. It is well connected to other cities of the State as well as the country. Thousands of people from both the cities travel everyday from this station, beacause of its convenient location.
The Railway station has been renovated to provide convenient facilities to passengers like toll booths for cars, increased parking space, additional ticketing counters and giving it a better overall look as well. Private Taxis are also provided for commuters. MMTS local services are also available via this station. Secunderabad is also a major railway junction in the Wadi-Vijayawada railway route.
A flyover in the city
Secunderabad is also one of the major hub for the City Bus transport run by the AP State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) and is well connected to all the corners of both Hyderabad and Secunderabad. Major bus stations are the Jubilee Bus Station and Rathfile Bus station handling thousands of commuters everyday. The city has good road connectivity to all places within it as well as with its neighbouring twin, Hyderabad. Every day thousands of people criss-cross the twin cities, and as such there is no difference between the two cities. Both of them are treated equally as one big city!
The city is also well connected by air to other cities of the state as well as to other major cities of the country and abroad, through the Begumpet International Airport which is very close to the city centre. The airport being close to the city is convenient for citizens and tourists alike.
Educational Institutions
Secunderabad is known for its well educated society. Many educational institutions have been setup partly by the British and foreign missionaries, who use to reside here during the colonial rule. Their mannerisms, strict discipline are still found in the educational institutions here. Some of the popular institutions of the city are listed below -
St.Mark's High school
Sherwood Public School
Tagore's Home New Era Institute
Govt. Institute of Electronics (GIOE)
Mehboob college
St. Thomas (SPG) Boys High school
St. Mary's high school, Junior college and Degree college
