Secunderabad is one of the twin cities of the Hyderabad-Secunderabad duo that still carries the old-world charm amid the urban jungle. With the cantonment area from the British era, old churches dating back to a couple of centuries and stunning greenery, Secunderabadis will tell you that this part of the city is a little paradise in itself. So if you find yourself burnt out from the sprawling concrete jungle, or are looking to discover a side of town that's less spoken about amid the Nizami history, take a trip down memory lane at Secunderabad. While the area is huge with each locality deserving its own Hood Guide, we've put together some highlights from Secunderabad, so read on!
Eat, Shop and Chill: Here's What You Can Do In Secunderabad!
Iconic Places To Visit
St. Mary's Basilica
St. Mary's Basilica or Basilica of Our Lady of the Assumption was built in 1850 by Irish Catholics in the British Army. Built in Indian Gothic style architecture, complete with four bells that were brought in from Italy and installed in 1901, the church is an important place of worship for Catholics and other believers. An annual fete is conducted in the church premises to mark the Annual Feast on the 15th of August. A visit to the St. Mary's Basilica is a must during Christmas celebrations to soak in the season's spirit and witness cheerful carollers!
Chenoy Trade Centre (CTC)
Chances are you've visited Chenoy Trade Centre (popularly called CTC) at least once while shopping for electronics. This massive complex is the one-stop shop to get your hands on electronics like laptops, desktops, printers, computer accessories, mobile phones and all other computer hardware at great bargains. If you prefer assembling your computers by yourself, or are looking to upgrade your existing desktop with higher configurations, CTC is a safe bet to find any hardware. The shopkeepers here often sell their stock at wholesale prices, so you'll surely grab a deal if you're willing to bargain a little.
Blue Sea Tea & Snacks
Any chai lover worth their might will list Blue Sea's iconic Gold Tea while naming their favourite chai spots in Secunderabad. If you find yourself craving some good Irani Chai, you need to put Blue Sea on your must-visit list if you haven't visited already. Couple that with crowd-favourite Osmania biscuit or super crispy onion samosa, and we bet you'll leave with a smile on your face! You can even get to Blue Sea via the Metro - just get off at the Secunderabad East Station and take an auto ride, or walk there to work up an appetite!
Clock Tower
Secunderabad's Clock Tower stood as an important landmark and heritage structure since it was built in 1860. Nicknamed the 'Big Ben' of Hyderabad, the clock was installed as part of a park built by the then British Army. While the clock was defunct for several years, it was restored by Hyderabad's own 60-year-old establishment - Ramesh Watch Company. It is designed to automatically get switched on at 6 PM everyday, and switch off at 6 AM. While you will always find traffic on this bustling road, just a drive around the aesthetic Clock Tower stands as a reminder to the city's colonial history.
Sri Ujjaini Mahakali Devasthanam
It is believed that the 191 year old Sri Ujjaini Mahakali Temple in Secunderabad was set up in 1813 when a major Cholera outbreak killed thousands in the city. A staunch believer of the deity who was transferred to Ujjain as part of the military prayed for the disease to stop spreading and promised that he would install a deity of the goddess in Secunderabad if the epidemic stops. If you wish to witness Telangana's Annual Bonalu celebrations, Sri Ujjaini Mahakali Devasthanam conducts the biggest celebrations in the twin cities. The streets leading up to the temple are lined with saree stores and other traditional wedding stores that sell clothes at heavy discounts.
Nanking
One of the OG Chinese Restaurants in town, Nanking in Park Lane rose to fame for being one of the go-to spots for celebrities and big shots in the city. Set up in 1957 by one of the Chinese immigrant families in the city, this joint still sports the old-school restaurant furniture and menu. While Nanking did lose their loyal clientele for a few years due to receding quality and taste, they've made a comeback and how! Try their Chicken Drumsticks and American Chop Suey when you visit. We'd also recommend some of their pork starters.
Best Places to Eat
Sindhi Colony
We know, we know. You're salivating at the name of Sindhi Colony and so are we! While the colony got its name for housing scores of migrants from Sindh, the area is also famous for its food. Long story short, Sindhi Colony is the ultimate place to be if you love a variety of street food. From legendary vada pavs and dabelis, chaat, RK and Nani's Tiffins, pizzas at Pizza Den or and Paans from Dimmy's, Sindhi Colony's food scene literally has something for everyone. What's amazing is you can walk away with a full tummy while spending just a few bucks in your wallet. Now, that's what we call paisa vasool!
Reshmi's Classic Restaurant
Everything about Reshmi's Classic Restaurant screams 90's Family Restaurant charm. They've retained the same style of service and quality that Reshmi's has been famous for, for years. The menu is a standard North Indian and Chinese fare, with your table loaded up with Achaar and pickled onions even before you place your order. Try their Chicken Tikka, Reshmi Kebab, Rotis and Malai Kofta that we bet will melt in your mouth!
Alpha Hotel
A Hood Guide in Hyderabad is incomplete without featuring at least one legendary Irani Chai place! Secunderbad's Alpha Hotel has been loyally dishing out steaming cups of hot Irani chai, chota samosas and Osmania biscuits for decades now. Their Keema Roti is the stuff of legend, we love that Alpha Hotel serves great Hyderabadi breakfast, so our Secunderabadi friends don't have to drive all the way down to Old City to get their Khichdi-Khatta-Keema fix. They also sell yummy Dil Pasand, so pack some for later after you're done with your meal!
Kim Fung - The Golden Peacock Chinese Restaurant
Tucked away in the calm bylanes of Tarnaka is one of Secunderabad's oldest and most authentic Chinese/Pan Asian restaurants. Kim Fung was one of the first restaurants to introduce Egg drop soups and a wider range of Pan Asian options to Hyderabad. The place with its tiny seating looks completely unassuming, but wait till you try their food! We could die for their Manchow Soup and Chicken Lollipops. They also offer a wide range of options like Chop Sueys, Soya Chilli Wine Noodles, Chicken Wontons among others.
Shalimar Tiffins and Burger
Shalimar Tiffins and Burgers has been around for a while, but has gotten a fresh lease of fame, thanks to Instagram Reels. The place is now what we call Insta-famous for their cheesy Premium Tawa Burgers. They're loaded up with a cheesy vegetarian filling that's made in-house, and pan-fried with dollops of butter. We recommend you get here on your cheat day because this place is going to fill you up and how! They also serve Tandoori Paneer Puff - which looks like a deconstructed veg puff with various toppings. For the dosa lovers - they also serve freshly made tiffins, so come with a hungry tummy!
Cafe Elaichi
Locals will know that Cafe Elaichi was a tiny hole-in-the-wall place serving amazing 'Ghar ki Chai' before they opened up their current, super chic looking cafe. The place itself has super uplifting vibes, letting in ample natural light throughout the day - perfect for your monsoon solo dates with coffee. We love that their seating is diverse, with cosy couches and work tables depending on your mood and purpose of your visit. Their white sauce pasta and chai along with fries are a must-try.
Rio Cafe/Restaurant
There are standard aloo stuffing-filled palm sized samosas, and then, there are bite-sized chota samosas that we think don't get the attention they deserve! Chota samosas are super addictive, thanks to their super crispy outside and spicy filling. We know you're already dreaming about having one so let us introduce you to Rio Restaurant's Onion Samosas. Paired with Irani Chai (we're in Hyderabad, duh), the samosas here ensure you don't stop at just one. You could also try Hyderabad's famous fried snack Luqmi here. There's limited seating available here, so prepare to have your snacks on-the-go here.
Paradise
Paradise was once the most iconic restaurant to have Hyderabadi biryani. So iconic that the area in which the restaurant still is, today, was named Paradise Circle. However, the biryani quality over the years has receded, so we won't recommend this place for the biryani anymore. However, their Haleem game still is, thankfully, on point. Come Ramzan, and the place is filled with enthusiastic foodies standing around the counter eating spoonfuls of delicious Haleem. We love that you can always go in for a second round of toppings like Birista and fried dry fruits. Their Hyderabadi breakfast options Keema-Roti are also pretty great.
Makan Restaurant
Makan Restaurant at Trimulgherry has earned a reputation for being one of the best Mandi places in Secunderabad, and rightly so. We love their open, airy floor seating unlike most Mandi places that feel stuffy once you enter. They have a selection of Shawarmas too, if you're a fan. But the main attraction of the restaurant is their Mandi, that easily feeds upto five people in one portion. They're generous with their meat too, so you're not just filling yourself up with rice. Try their Mixed Mandi that comes with a selection of different meats, if you have a group with diverse preferences.
LSH Diner
LSH Diner (short for Lord of Seven Hills) is a quaint drive-in, located in the bylanes of West Marredpally. They have six eating joints - The Kultcha Kulture, The Thickshake Factory, Forkeaters, 81 Degree Tea, Amm Ahaa!! and Shawarma Kingdom. The Bauji Da Chur Chur Kulcha with Ghar Di Chach is a must-try here. They also have a wide range of hot paranthas and teas (try their Ginger and Lemon Tea) to go with the monsoon. The simple decor creates a pleasing atmosphere, a perfect background for chilling with your buddies in a relatively quieter environment.
Jaggu Mithai
Balaji Jagannath Mithai Bhandar, famously called Jaggu Mithai is a 110 year old Chaat and Mithai place in General Bazaar that is known for evening snacks like Ragada cutlet chaat, Aloo Tikki made with pure ghee, Pani Puri and Samosa Chaat. The place is well-maintained, super hygienic and affordable. Every chaat dish of theirs is just INR 60! You can also finish your tea time snacks with hot gulab jamuns served at INR 20 per piece or have their Special Jaggu's Lassi if you're thirsty for just INR 60. The legacy establishment on Malankali Road also serves freshly made Bengali sweets and pure Ghevar and is regularly frequented by shoppers in General Bazaar.
Telangana Spice Kitchen
One of the most sought after and reliable restaurants for Telangana food, Telangana Spice Kitchen has opened its doors to Secunderabadis after a successful run at Jubilee Hills. We love their no-frills ambience with Warli art on the walls and comfortable seating. They even have a private dining section, if you're looking to host your family or friends for a special occasion. Their classics like Avakaya Pappu Annam and Ellipaya Karam Royyalu are a must-try along with 'Jamun ka Ghosla' - Gulab Jamuns placed on a bed of seviyan and nuts. It's no surprise why this restaurant chain is a hot favourite among celebs like Samantha Ruth Prabhu!
Chin Ling
Yet another unassuming but great restaurant, Chin Ling has been dishing up Indian Chinese food to Secunderabadis since 1982. The cosy family restaurant fills up fast, and the service is pretty fast. Their American Chop Suey and Ginger Chicken are a must-try among other dishes like fried rice and starters. Most patrons just come here and fill up their tummies with just starters, because they're that good! We love the value for money this place offers, with soups starting at just INR 90 and starters at INR 130. Dig in!
Terminal Drive In
This latest Drive In near Sindhi Colony features franchisee outlets by Gabru di Chaap, Keventers, Sizzling Joe, China Express and The Taste of Italy to name a few. They have ample seating for small to big groups, and we loved the upbeat vibe of this place. Parking is an issue here, so try getting in a little earlier than usual service hours so you can get a spot easily.
New Singh's Vegetarian Restaurant
Another family favourite at General Bazaar, New Singh's Vegetarian Restaurant is famous for its authentic Punjabi food. Unlike other commercial establishments, their rotis are made with Atta instead of Maida. The Makki ki Roti and Sarson ka Saag here is legendary and will remind you of simple Punjabi Dhaba food. We love that places like New Singh's Vegetarian Restaurant are no-frills and stick to what they know best. Make sure you order their Masala Papad before you dig into the main course - you can't miss the Paneer dishes here!
LBB's Favourite Things to Do
Attend Navratri Celebrations at Keyes High School
Come Navratri, and the Keyes High School premises lights up with festivities, food and thousands of cheerful visitors to visit the Goddess Durga pandal. Organised by the Bangiya Sanskritik Sangha (BSS), the celebrations are one of the biggest in the city and routinely feature cultural programmes, concerts and plays as part of the nine-day fare. They say Kolkata is the ultimate place to witness the grandeur of Bengali festivities in India during Pujo, but the Bengali community in Secunderabad leaves no stone unturned in making Navratri a grand fare every year!
Visit Sri Ganesh Temple
This 19th Century Hindu Temple built in 1824 is a testament to Telangana's ornate architecture, reflecting the architecture of the Kakatiya Dynasty. It is said that the deity in the temple was discovered by the then Nizam rulers, while digging a well in the agricultural land adjacent to the temple to lay a railway line in Secunderabad. Sri Ganesh Temple is known to be one of the most peaceful temples in the area, despite being surrounded by bustling traffic everyday. Prayers are conducted here on a daily basis both to the prime deity as well as nine other deities in the premises.
Visit Century-Old Churches
Aside from the iconic ones like St Mary's Basilica, the neighbourhoods in Secunderabad also have some of the oldest churches in South India. St. John the Baptist Church was built in 1813 and still has the original Burma Teakwood roof that was used when it was first constructed. All Saint's Church at Trimulgherry wad constructed in 1860 AD won the INTACH Heritage award for its spectacular maintenance over the years. The Holy Trinity Church at Bolarum should be on your must-visit list for their Victorian-Gothic style architecture. It's also known as the 'Queen's Church' since it was commissioned by Queen Victoria during the British rule in India. Queen Elizabeth the Second also visited the premises in 1983 and celebrated her wedding anniversary there. All the churches are affiliated to the Church of South India (CSI) and are extremely well maintained.
Get a Tattoo at Koru Ink
Getting inked is a nerve-wracking experience unless you have experienced professionals guiding you through the process. Koru Ink at Ramgopalpet offers just that, with experienced tattoo artists designing and conceptualising your designs right from the beginning, to finally getting inked. Their studio is well-maintained, follows superior hygiene standards and is an overall calming and professional experience. The next time you want to get inked, you know where to head!
Visit Parade Grounds
One of the best parts of Secunderabad is the ample greenery, parks and open spaces. Parade Ground in this part of town is one of the biggest public grounds that is regularly used for various celebrations. Scores of people visit the grounds to witness the Independence Day and Republic Day celebrations conducted by the Indian Armed Forces every year. The ground also plays host to an annual kite festival, where kite flyers all over the country come down to participate in the competitions. You could also head here on any given day for a game of cricket, or simply to walk around the greenery.
Binge on Chaat at Park Lane
Park Lane was one of the only places in Secunderabad where you could shop for branded clothes from Indian and International stores. What fuels the exhausting shopping trips for weddings and other festivities is the heavenly chaat at the vendors in Park Lane. We don't have specific favourites since every Chaat bandi here serves up great Ragada, Samosa Chaat and of course, Pani Puri. Parking here is hard to come by, so try taking a cab or the Metro.
Pottery Classes at Claysutra
Tucked in the calm bylanes of Secunderabad is Claysutra - a rustic studio founded by Ms Carmel who is also the instructor. She hosts learning sessions with techniques ranging from beginner to advanced, based on your skill. You could also take a half-day workshop to destress and get a vibe of the studio over a weekend before committing to regular classes. The entire experience involves beverages, Jazz music, and a designated station to work at, based on your choice of working in solitude or groups. The best part? You get to take your creations home after they're fired and glazed in-house!
Eat at The Bohra Home Kitchen
A typical Bohri Thaal (or Thaali) consists of an elaborate six-course meal, alternating between sweet and savoury dishes. You can sit down for this unique home-style experience at Home Chef Khadija Kaukawala's residence at Trimulgherry. Interestingly, the meal starts with a sweet dish, followed by Smoked Keema and Dal Samosas, leading to Dal Chawal Palida, Dal Gosht Gakhar, Mutton Raan among other rich dishes. Finish your meal with homemade Dry Fruit Kulfis as the host regales you with the stories of the Bohra community. The experience is truly charming and unique, as the home-cooked dishes of the Bohra Community are hard to come by in commercial establishments.
Visit the Mahabodhi Buddha Vihara Temple
Mahindra Hills in Secunderabad is slowly gaining popularity for offering stunning views of the city. While you will find that most spots in this area are hard to get to / slightly shady, you can visit the Mahabodhi Buddha Vihara Temple to soak yourself in the calmness of the temple, coupled with a stunning view of Secunderabad. The temple is an important place of worship for the Buddhists in the city and has peaceful meditation spots throughout the premises. It's less crowded too, so you can totally come down by yourself for some time away from the city's chaos.
Hidden Gems
Zubeda's Kitchen
Authentic and delicious Burmese food is usually hard to come by in restaurants. Zubeda's Kitchen, run by home chef Zubeda Lasania aims to serve just that. With a limited menu that you can order from every weekend, this place is a must-order on our list for some delectable Khou Suey and Coconut Rice with Chicken Curry. They also serve some melt-in-your-mouth Shami kebabs, if that's what you're in the mood for. The home chef takes special requests if you're craving something specific and delivers all over Hyderabad.
E Babaih Book Store
E Bahaiah Book Store began as a tiny stall selling newspapers in the pre-independence era, and soon expanded to be a treasure trove of books. The nondescript store in General Bazar stocks popular magazines, brand new novels, nostalgic comics like Amar Chitra Katha among others. For the nineties kids - you might even find some old special Tinkle comics here! Into Telugu literature? We found some classics by Vishwanatha Satyanarayana, Yaddanapudi Sulochana Rani, Malladi Venkata Krishna Murthy, and Chalam here. The store has a great mix of old novels like the Enid Blyton classics and the current ones. The store owner can also place an order for specific books if you request them.
Kailaspathi Coconut Milk Shake
Coconut juice and coconut based beverages have been gaining popularity in the city over the last few years. While packaged beverage brands have made their mark, the Kailaspathi Coconut MilkShake shop on Market Road has gained immense popularity of late for one drink of theirs - you guessed it, the coconut milk shake. Ripe coconut meat is blended with a dollop of ice cream, coconut juice and milk to create this refreshing and filling drink that costs just INR 50! It's a must-try if you love milk-based drinks.
The Nineties Coffee Company
The Nineties Coffee Company is one of those cutely done up cosy cafes that's hard not to like. The ambience is done up modestly, with tiny trinkets and decor items like a little gramophone record, a vintage landline telephone, some books and a lot of planters giving you a homely vibe instantly. The menu is pretty straightforward, with the offerings written on a chalkboard. We loved their white sauce pasta and fries to go with reasonably priced coffees. Their food is affordable as compared to other cafes in town and customer service is top-notch. This new cafe on the block is total value for money and deserves your love!
Best Places to Shop
Himalaya Book World
Himalaya Book World, right next to St. Ann's High School is one of the biggest stores in Secunderabad for stationery, books and other supplies. The big store is a one stop shop for novels, stationery, office supplies, art supplies and even toys! We found products from both local and international brands here. Looking for a cute souvenir? They have a range of home decor items and greetings cards on offer. We even loved their tiny selection of furniture, including study tables and wooden bookshelves. We've sorely missed a good stationery store in the twin cities since Walden shut down, but Himalaya Book Store makes up for it albeit slightly with their range of products.
General Bazaar
If you grew up in Hyderabad/Secunderabad, you may have strolled around the streets of General Bazaar to shop at least once. General Bazaar was and still remains one of the OG spots for shopping in Secunderabad where you can find absolutely everything under the sun, ranging from clothes, dress materials, accessories, footwear, steel utensils and even dairy products like freshly made paneer sold at wholesale prices. If street shopping is your thing, you cannot miss visiting General Bazar for amazing steals. They also have standalone stores like Kathiawar, Madame's Collection, EverGreen, Cheap Jack, Jagdamba Sarees and Kamal Watch Co. to complete your shopping trip. You will also find stores selling Christmas decor and other home decor for unbelievable prices here. Just take a walk around, and you're sure to be surprised!
Shraddha Extension
An absolute favourite for decor lovers in Secunderabad, Shraddha Extension at Regimental Bazaar has remained one of the best places to shop for gift items, toys and mainly, Christmas Decor in the area. If you don't want to wander around the narrow streets of General Bazaar and would rather get your decorations faster, head to Shraddha Extension. You will find cute Christmas trees, charms, fairy lights and other Christmas memorabilia at the store. They also have a dedicated home decor section where you will find vases, Buddha statues and souvenirs. Their beauty section has junk jewellery from Estelle, fragrances, and makeup from brands like Maybelline among others. Since it's on a busy road, try to get here on a scooter or an auto rickshaw so you're not squabbling for parking.
Sattva Necklace Mall
The newly opened Sattva Necklace Mall is Secunderabad's first shopping mall, with branded stores like Decathlon, Zudio, Westside, Ethnicity, Pantaloons and Reliance Trends among others. They have a dedicated play zone - Busters with arcade games for kids and adults. While the mall is relatively smaller in size, they also have great options at the Food Court with options like Burger King, Haldiram's, Beijing Bites and other franchises. The INOX theater with Dolby Atmos is one of the better maintained theaters in the locality.
Abrianna's Bridal Studio
Weddings can be overwhelming, but with stores like Abrianna's Bridal Studio, you can check atleast one thing off your list. We love that the experience at Abrianna's Bridal Studio is comprehensive - you don't just shop for your bridal dress, but can also pick up tiaras, veils, bridal bouquets, bridesmaids' dresses, posses, and flower baskets! A bridal stylist is assigned to the bride, who consults her right from wedding gowns to her style and fitting. They also offer bridal packages, connecting you with wedding photographers, event managers, and makeup artists. So walk in, and say yes to the dress!
