Top 10 Places to Visit in Secunderabad: Popularly known as Hyderabad’s twin, located in the heart of Telangana, Secunderabad is a place for the multi-layered traveller in you. From adventurous to spiritual, the place caters to everyone. In the following piece, we will divulge some of the top places to visit in Secunderabad.
Unravelling the Top 10 Places to Visit in Secunderabad
1. Peddamma Temple
Derived by two terms, “pedda” and “amma,” which translates to mothers of mothers, the shrine is devoted to Goddess Laxmi. Rebuilt in the 1990s, devotion, power, and structural beauty attracted hundreds of devotees.
The temple is the hub of celebration during the festival of Bonalu in June-July, which is celebrated mostly by women.
The shrine is wrapped in myths and legends. One of the famous stories states that the well within the premises of the temple is the one where goddess Laxmi came to quench her thirst after defeating the demon.
The temple is open 7 days a week from six in the morning to 8 in night with the doors closed and goddess covered from 1 pm to 3 pm. No Darshana fee is applicable unless one desires special entry to the temple.
There is no strict dress code; however, when visiting a shrine, one should dress modestly and avoid Western outfits.
2. Secunderabad Clock Tower
It is for the heritage lover in you, the one who aims to experience the colonial construction and culture in the modern era. Built-in 1860, the tower initially aimed to provide ease to the colonial rulers with the chime every hour. With time, it became a major tourist attraction and a historical gift to the current generation.
It was to be demolished in 2003 to ease the traffic congestion and other municipal work, but many advocated for its existence which forced the then government to restore it in sync with the current time and space dimensions.
The clock tower was also recognized as a UNESCO heritage site in the twin UNESCO-recognised city of Hyderabad-Secunderabad.
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3. Hussain Sagar Lake
A mesmerizing heart-shaped lake, Hussain Sagar is the eye candy in Secunderabad. Built by Ibrahim Quli Qutb Shah, the lake divides the twin sister cities. The Musi River feeds it and feeds hundreds of tourists every other day.
In the middle, it captures a tall monolithic statue of Lord Buddha, adding to its beauty. The site is most preferred for the jaw-dropping sunrise and sunsets accompanied by the calm and composed environment.
The lake welcomes sports like boating, yachting, and speed boating for people of each age group. It is surrounded by famous tourist sites such as the NTR gardens, Lumbini park, and Eat Street to satiate one’s hunger.
4. Fox Sagar Lake
Another child of River Musi and a hub for fishing, Fox Sagar Lake is yet another attraction in the arms of the city. It is a handmade lake and the second largest in the town; the view it provides is heavenly.
A major site for migratory birds, the place is loved by bird watchers, especially during the migratory season. The dome-like structure serves as the spot for beautiful sunrises and sunsets and even for moon lovers.
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5. Kandlakoya Oxygen Park
Away from the city’s hustle and bustle and pollution, Oxygen Park (as the name suggests) is a vast 75-acre stretch of land that is a serene, calm spot for those who want a moment of alienation from the metropolitan rush of everyday life.
It is a major spot for health lovers in the early morning for running and jogging along with those who wish to meditate in peace; The park is also filled with trees and plants filled with fruits and other medicinal benefits.
The park allows one to come closer to nature and understand its needs and requirements.
6. Shamirpet Deer Park
Jawahar Park, famously known as the Shamirpet Deer Park, is home to a number of animals but mostly caters to deer. There are several deer species there that may be viewed in their natural habitat. The primary animal attractions are Blackbuck and Chital Deer.
It also shelters a butterfly park with numerous species for nature lovers. Apart from appreciating nature, caretaking, and sightseeing animals, one can also take part in adventures like trekking, boating, or even staying at the resort.
The park is open every day from 9 to five except for Monday and costs Rs. 10 for children below 6 years and Rs. 15 for adults. It is advisable to carry your first-aid kit and edibles.
7. All Saints Church
Before independence, the church served the Garrison Church and Army Chaplains. Today it serves the Tamil Anglican congregation in Secunderabad.
People gather from all across the city to the church to celebrate Christmas because of its huge celebration. It is also well renowned for its Easter and other holiday celebrations, including Good Friday and Palm Sunday. These days, special prayers are said, and various events are held. Beautiful gardens and other vegetation surround the chapel.
Prayer sessions happen every Sunday with Holy Communion service in English from 7:30 am, followed by Tamil service at 9:00 am. Given it is a religious building, one should dress modestly and maintain decorum and cleanliness.
8. Paigah Palace
An amalgamation of Indo-European architectural styles, constructed by Sir Vicar ul-Umra- who himself was a Paigah or a nobleman in the courts- it shows the beauty of European cultural style mixed and gelled well with Indian architecture.
It sits on a four-acre land that now caters to various community functions like marriage and religious ceremonies. Architecture lovers find paradise in the palace with floral designs and delicately carved wooden designs.
One part of the palace is still home to the royals, while the other two are open to the general public for free from 1000 HRS to 1700 hrs.
9. St. Mary’s Basilica
Secunderabad is home to the oldest Roman Catholic church dedicated to Holy Mother Mary. With its curving arches and pointed buttresses, the church is a classic illustration of the Indian Gothic architectural style. Like other Catholic churches, St. Mary’s contains a number of saint-focused side altars.
The church welcomes thousands of visitors every month due to its religious importance in Christianity. Every winter, it is the main arena of all Christian festivals celebrated with joy and happiness.
10. Safilguda Lake
A natural water body filled in by the Ramakrishnapuram Lake is not just nature’s beauty but also a movie lover’s home. Home to a number of music videos and famous movie scenes, many tourists tend to recreate the joyous moments.
The best time to visit the lake is September to January, when the water level is down, the weather is perfect, and the place is a wonderful picnic spot.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q.1 When is the best time to visit Secunderabad?
The best time to visit the town is October to February, when the winter is not too cold, and summers are not too harsh. To avoid peak tourism season, June to October can also be a good travel time.
Q.2 How to travel within the city?
Most places are connected by government-run bus services and local auto-rickshaws being readily available and economically beneficial.
Q.3 Are good hotels available within the city?
The hotels range from 3-5 stars, feasible to every traveler and their pockets. Some of the most loved hotels are:
– Vivanta
– The Park
– The lemon tree
– JW Marriott
ITC Kakatiya