Destination Attractions: Sights Of Secundrabad, India.

A short trip through Secunderabad and its British Colonial heritage of forts, churches, and clubs. Then a brief look at present day shopping and the Tollywood film industrial complex located at Ramoji Film Center.

Secunderabad, the twin city of Hyderabad, began as a cantonment for British troops stationed in the area. Shortly after British power took over India, the current Nizam of Hyderabad at the time, Nizam VII, garnered British friendship and gained the title of "Faithful, Ally of the British Government". But the British also believed that Hyderabad contained all the scoundrels of Asia, so they kept a close watch, stationing a considerable number of troops across the lake. Winston Churchill was stationed here for a brief period and rumor has it that he had to leave in such a hurry that he left his tab unpaid at the Secunderabad Club. Founded in 1876 for the recreation of the British troops, the Club today is a members only club that caters to corporations and members of the Indian Defense forces. If you are lucky enough to know a current member, the environs, the library, and the assortment of swimming pools make the club a worthwhile place to visit.

For a more thorough glimpse of the colonial lifestyle, take a look at Trimulgherry Fort, built in 1867, and the many barracks, arsenals, and other related military structures. The fort is surrounded by a moat that is over three miles in length. An interesting result of the British presence in Secunderabad was the increase of church members at the two churches in the area, St. Mary's and the Holy Trinity Church. Trinity Church is easily spotted with its beautiful white spires and stained glass windows. The church was built in 1846 by funds from Queen Victoria on land given to the Diocese by the Nizam. Another prominent colonial relic is The Residency, near Alwal, which was the second residence of the British Agent in Andhra Pradesh. Nowadays, it is called Rashtrapathi Nilayam and houses the Indian President who customarily spends a fortnight in Hyderabad every year.

Unlike Hyderabad, Secunderabad is more known for its modern theatres, shopping malls, and restaurants, such as Sangeet Cinemas, Foodworld, and Minerva Shopping complex. But this impression is becoming more of a myth as Hyderabad has it's own ultra modern section of town, Banjara Hills, where I spotted a Pizza Hut and a store that only sold Belgian chocolates. The pace of grown in both cities is quite tremendous and keeps even the local population on its toes when it comes to knowing where the current hip neighborhood is.

A little outside of Secunderabad off the Vijayawada highway is Ramoji Film City, a definite must for any film buff. Like Bombay and its Bollywood, Hyderabad boasts its own film hub- Tollywood! A major center for the production of Telegu films, Ramoji Film City is on of the worlds largest integrated film studio complex and offers more than 2500 acres of beautiful sets, hills, woods, lakes, and its own botanical nursery called Shangri-La. Ever wonder where all those fields of flowers that are so prominent in the song and dance scenes in Indian film come from? Chances are they came from the hard work of the floral decoration experts housed in Shangri-la.

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