Thursday, September 4, 2014

Old currencies India used before its Independence

Here are some old currencies India used before its Independence. 

The first set of British India notes were the 'Victoria Portrait' Series issued in denominations of 10, 20, 50, 100, 1000. These were unifaced, carried two language panels and were printed on hand-moulded paper manufactured at the Laverstock Paper Mills (Portals). The security features incorporated the watermark (GOVERNMENT OF INDIA, RUPEES, two signatures and wavy lines), the printed signature and the registration of the notes.

Rupees Ten 
Rupees Hundered

British India Notes facilitated inter-spatial transfer of funds. As a security precaution, notes were cut in half. One set was sent by post. On confirmation of receipt, the other half was despatched by post. 
Half note 

This series remained largely unchanged till the introduction of the 'King's Portrait' series which commenced in 1923.
Green Underprint - Rupees Five Hundred 

Green Underprint - Rupees Five 
Red Underprint - Rupees Fifty Small Denomination Notes

The introduction of small denomination notes in India was essentially in the realm of the exigent. Compulsions of the first World War led to the introduction of paper currency of small denominations. Rupee One was introduced on 30th November, 1917 followed by the exotic Rupees Two and Annas Eight. The issuance of these notes was discontinued on 1st January, 1926 on cost benefit considerations. These notes first carried the portrait of King George V and were the precursors of the 'King's Portrait' Series which were to follow.
Rupee One - Obverse 
Rupee One -Reverse 
Rupees Two and Annas Eight - Obverse King's Portrait Series

Regular issues of this Series carrying the portrait of George V were introduced in May, 1923 on a Ten Rupee Note. The King's Portrait Motif continued as an integral feature of all Paper Money issues of British India. Government of India continued to issue currency notes till 1935 when the Reserve Bank of India took over the functions of the Controller of Currency. These notes were issued in denominations of Rs 5, 10, 50, 100, 500, 1000, 10,000. 
Rupees Fifty 
Rupees One Thousand 
Rupees Ten Thousand 

The Bank's issues to January 1938 when the first Five Rupee note was issued bearing the portrait of George
Rupees Five - First Note issued by Reserve Bank of India

This was followed by Rs 10 in February, Rs 100 in March and Rs 1,000 and Rs 10,000 in June 1938. 
Rupees One Hundred
 

Rupees One Thousand 

Rupees Ten Thousand

In August 1940, the one-rupee note was reintroduced, once again as a war time measure, as a Government note with the status of a rupee coin,
Rupee One Obverse 

Rupee One Reverse
Rupees Two

As an added security feature, the security thread was introduced for the first time in India.
George VI Profile

George VI Frontal

Frontal 

The George VI series continued till 1947 and thereafter as a frozen series till 1950 when post independence notes were issued.

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Best Luxury Hotels in India

1. The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udipur

the-oberoi-udaivilas-udipur
The Oberoi Udaivilas is one of the most luxurious hotels in entire India. It’s located at the historical land of Udipur Rajasthan which shows the traditional beauty of forts, palaces & monuments. The Oberoi Udaivilas offers the royal beauty of historical architecture, luxurious rooms, rippling fountains, transparent pools, boat riding, and outdoor activities. You will feel like you are living in the palace with Rajput (Kings) style. Although it is costliest too, if you have good budget, the Oberoi Udaivilas hotel is must recommended for you. Don’t forget to visit here most popular travel destinations in India.

2. The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai

the-taj-palace-mumbai
The Taj Mahal Palace is one of the oldest and royal hotels located in Mumbai, India. It is the first choice of travelers to stay who visit to Mumbai for holidays, vacations or business trip. It is the luxurious hotels in Mumbai with the beauty of Gateway of India and amazing night view over the infinite blue ocean especially in moon night. The Taj Mahal offers luxurious rooms, spa facility, bars, nightclubs, fitness club, swimming pool, shopping center, restaurant/cafe and more-n-more what a tourist can expect from a world class hotel. The Taj Palace is no doubt one of the best top 10 hotels in India.

3. The Oberoi Rajvilas, Jaipur

the-oberoi-rajvilas-jaipur
The Oberoi Rajvilas is one of most famous, costliest and royal five star hotel is Jaipur Rajasthan which famous for its luxurious palace renowned rooms, royal villas, private pools, gardens and the incredible lakes view with the beauty of old Rajasthan fort style. There is also good facility for business and corporate meetings with secretarial services to make your business/corporate meeting/event a success.

4. Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur

taj-lake-palace-udaipur
Taj Lake Palace, Again one of the most popular and romantic hotel from Udaipur, winner of several times prestigious awards which famous for its natural beauties and incredible architectural. It is also famous as a prime honeymoon destination in India surrounding by Aravali Mountains. Taj Lake Palace accommodations can be categories into five level i.e. Grand Presidential Suite, Grand Royal Suite, Royal Suite, Palace rooms (villas) and luxurious rooms. You will get all the facilities in your room as Rajput style.

5. The Oberoi, Mumbai

the-oberoi-mumbai
The Oberoi hotel (Mumbai) is the part of The Oberoi group which is best known of its most luxurious hotels in India. The Oberoi hotel is one of the main competitors of The Taj Palace in Mumbai which offers presidential suite, premier suite, premier ocean view room, Oberoi executive ocean suite, deluxe and luxury rooms. It also offers world class night bars, pubs, nightclubs, fitness center, spa, salon with luxurious facility. The Oberoi is the first choice of travelers whenever they visit Mumbai for any reasons e.g. holidays, business meeting, break etc.

6. Taj Falaknuma Palace, Hyderabad

taj-falaknuma-palace
There is no doubt Taj Falaknuma Palace is one of the best and finest hotel in entire Hyderabad, and also the most recommended choice of any tourist when they visit in this hi-tech city. The ancient architecture of this palace can impress anyone at first sight. It reminds the lifestyle of Indian Nizams and British kings. It equipped with world class luxurious rooms with Mughals style, conference halls for business, `private pools,  wide range of restaurants, modern style clubs, bars, spa and natural lawns. It is also very close to Hyderabad top tourist attractions like Charminar, Salarjung museum, Chowmahalla palace, Golconda fort, Ramoji film city, Qutub shahi tombs etc.

7. Wildflower Hall, Shimla

wildflower-hall-shimla
Situated at the top point of magnificent Himalaya, Wildflower Hall is the best luxurious hotel at the high hills point of Shimla. You can enjoy there swimming pools, spa and sun beds at the top of Shimla mountains. It provides luxurious rooms, conference hall, business center, health clubs etc. It also offers adventures activities like trekking, mountain bike riding, archery, billiards and more.

8. Leela Palace Kempinski, Bangalore

Leela-Palace-Kempinski-Bangalore
Leela palace Kempinski is one of the best luxurious hotels in the garden city Bangalore. The royal architecture, rich golden shaded infrastructure and ornate ceilings make it differ from any other fiver star hotels in Bangalore. It offers separate swimming pools, business rooms, ayurveda center, clubs, bars, spa and world class royal premiere & deluxe rooms which offer all available facilities that an excellent class deluxe room deserves.

9. The Leela Palace Kempinski, New Delhi

the-leela-palace-kempinski-new-delhi
The Leela Palace Kempinski New Delhi, Again one of the royal hotels of the Leela Palace Kempinski Group. One of the best 4-5 star luxurious hotel in New Delhi which is very close to Prime Minister’s residence, Rashtrapati Bhavan (President House), the Secretariat, and Qutub Minar (One of the famous historical monument of Delhi, even India). It offers more than 250 luxurious rooms, expensive restaurants, exclusive spa, bars and nightclubs make it so special. This hotel is highly recommended by travelers, honeymooners, corporate sector travelers, professionals, and premium customers. Also find here, list of top 5 star hotels in Delhi.

10. Vivanta by Taj – Malabar, Kochi/Cochin

vivanta-by-taj
The Vivanta by Taj, located at Willingdon Island with the outstanding view of Kochi harbour and natural beauty of green-blues beaches. You can experience there special sea foods, Thai foods, local Kochi foods and best known barbecue foods. It offers luxurious room facility with the beaches view & great hospitality. The best thing about The Vivanta, you can enjoy boat cruise with the facility of cocktails/lunch/dinner. This makes it differ than any other 5 star hotels in India.

Best Tourist Places To Visit in India

1. Kullu Manali

kullu manali

I hope it wouldn’t be any surprised if I recommend Kullu Manali as a top tourist place in India. And why not, every year huge number of travelers comes to Kullu to spend their holidays to make it memorable. It located at top point of mountains of Himanchal Pradesh which offers a pleasant chilled climate, snow fall views, mountains which blended with snow & green lush natural beauties, and big natural green land on the top height of the mountains. That’s awesome combinations of nature beauty attracts tourist everywhere from the world.
These make Kullu Manali one of the most visited tourist place to visit in India. Recently, Kullu Manali become one of the first choice as a honeymoon place in India.
Best time to go to Kullu Manali: October to February

2. Darjeeling

darjeeling-tourism

Darjeeling, again one of most visited place which blended with the best natural beauties. It located at the foothills of Himalaya in West Bengal that offers unlimited attractive places for travelers to enjoy their holidays and make it unforgettable. There is lot of things to do and see in Darjeeling to make your travel more enjoyable, like-
Best time to go to Darjeeling: September to January

3. Goa

goa-tourism

If you are adventure traveler who is looking for long beaches, sea boating and dare to skydiving over blue sea, then Goa is the ultimate tourist destination for you to spend your holidays.  The green lush garden, long sky-blue beaches, natural beauties, foreign tourist crowd, Goa late night beaches parties with liquor & seafood makes Goa one of the most recommended tourist destination in the world.
Top places in Goa where you can enjoy your holidays. Check below Wikipedia recommendations:
Things to do in Goa-
  • Skydiving
  • Water Sports
  • Late Night Beaches Party
  • Bike Riding
  • Goa Sunset Scenes
Best time to go to Goa: October to February(winters), March, April, May(summer)
Also find here brief info about top 10 five star hotels of  Goa.

4. Munnar

munnar-tourism

Munnar, one of the most popular hill stations of India, located on the western ghats of Kerala. It is not only the top popular travel place in Kerala, but also one of the most visited tourist destination in South India. Munnar offers something more than a hill station compared to any other hill station spots in the world.
So whenever you travel to Munnar, don’t forget to visit there. Check Wiki travel guide-
Best time to visit Munnar: December to February(winters), March to May(summer)

5. Shimla

tourism-in-shimla

Shimla (also known as Queen of hills) is one of the most popular tourist places to visit in North India after Kullu Manali, located in Himanchal Pradesh, India. A well developed city located on higher of mountains, colonial architecture, natural beauties, famous green valleys, chilled weather and endless tourist attraction of Shimla can be impress any tourist in the world. Now, Shimla has also become one of the most popular honeymoon destinations in India.
Check here the list of top visited places in Shimla below-
Best time to go to Shimla: October to February(winter), April to July(summer)

6. Agra

agra-tourism-tajmahal

Agra is the evidence of the art of Mughals emperors who changed the architecture of lifestyle in India.  A historical city that blended with world’s top wonder place and some famous mosque and monuments which represent the engineering of Mughals period. Agra famous as a lovers point among tourist, and why not; it has some reasons to claim that. TajMahal, a symbol of immortal love and world’s top wonder too, attracts millions of tourist from all over the world to feel the power and depth of inspirational true love. So whenever you travel in India, don’t forget to visit Taj to see the symbol of immortal love. Agra is not only must go place in India, but also one of the best in top 10 tourist places in world.
There are also some others famous destinations that you can visit whenever you come to Agra-
Best time to visit Agra: November, December, January, February

7. Jaipur

jaipur-tourism

Jaipur, again a prominent destination of India that is famous for its art, culture, monuments, foods, lifestyle and one of most preferred tourist city in India. It is located at North East of India in Rajasthan that is the hometown of tourism in India, even best place to find out the most luxurious hotels in India. Below are some top reasons for why should you must visit Jaipur, Rajasthan-
  • City Palace: City Palace is the evidence of alternately combination of architectural engineering of Mughals, Rajput and Europeans.
  • Hawa Mahel: It is the most recognized travel destination in Jaipur for its attractive architecture that known as a place of wind.
  • Amer Fort and Palace: An originally home of Rajput of Rajasthan’s where you can see the glimpse of the art of old engineering everywhere in the palace.
  • Nahargarh Fort OR Tiger Fort: It is located at the hills of Aravali that best known for best sunset seen and clear view of entire Jaipur city from there.
  • Jal Mahal: It is the architecture of today’s engineering where palace is situated in the middle of Water Lake.
Below are more recommendations to visit during tourism in Jaipur-
Best time to visit Jaipur: October to March

8. Kochi/Cochin

cochin-tourism

Kochi/Cochin is the gift to India from nature as a green & blue natural tourist scenery place, also known as Queen of Arabian Sea. You can enjoy your vacation near one of the finest natural harbours of the world. Cochin is world’s famous for its sandy beaches, island and backwaters.  You can unlimited ride across the infinite expanses of Cochin backwaters.
Below is the list of must go places when you are in Cochin for tourism-
Best time to visit Kochi/Cochin: March to June(summer), July to September(monsoon), October to February(winters)

9. Delhi

delhi-travel

Delhi is one of India’s oldest and the most visiting tourism location in North India. A great combination of old & new places, historical monuments, fast life, busy nightlife, land of delicious/traditional foods, India’s biggest shopping center and well connected to other travel places, makes Delhi one of the most recommended travel destination in the world. There are lot of things to see, do, buy and learn can make your journey unforgettable.
So whenever you plan for India travel, must visit Delhi to search there why Delhi is always recommended by travelers.  Here is the list of top suggested tourist spots in Delhi with Wikipedia brief  info -
Best time to visit Delhi: Winters(October to March)

10. Mumbai

mumbai-tourism

There is not any destination in India that can replace Mumbai when it comes as a holiday destination. The excellent infrastructure, yearly peasant climate and beautiful nature beauty makes Mumbai a special tourist place compare to others. A city which never sleep, offers something for everyone; from beaches to clubs and monuments to pubs.
Mumbai tourism can’t complete without visiting these top tourist places which I am discussing below-
Best time to visit Mumbai: October, November, December, January, February & March, Avoid in Monsoons(June, July, August, September)

Romantic Honeymoon Places in India

Kerala

honeymoon-kerala
Enjoying honeymoon in Kerala may become memorable for any married couple, and why not, Kerala is one of the top honeymoon spots in India. It offers the natural beauty of Kerala backwaters, sun bath at Kovalam beach, hills of Munnar & Wayanad, endless tourist spots in Cochin/Kochi, Allepey and Kottayam which makes your honeymoon too romantic & most enjoyable. There are also plenty of hidden tourist attractions for honeymooners.
  • Munnar
  • Kumarakom
  • Cochin
  • Vagamon
  • Kollam
Best time to visit Kerala: December, November, October,  March, February, January

Goa

goa-honeymoon
There is no doubt Goa is the one of the most visited and ultimate honeymoon spots in India , blessed with numbers of natural beaches, coconut plants, lush green gardens, heritage monuments and famous Portuguese buildings.  You can enjoy there romantic walk on the beaches with your life partner, a Champagne morning breakfast, night beaches parties, delicious sea foods at famous restaurants, water sports, deep sea fishing, parasailing and wind surfing with your life partner to makes your honeymoons something to memorable. Also find here brief info on top 5 star hotels in Goa if you want  to choose Goa for honeymoon.
Top recommended places for honeymoon in Goa
Best time to visit Goa: March to May(summer), October to February(winter)

Kullu Manali

honeymoon-in-kullu-manali
Manali is one of the most popular honeymoon places for those who’re looking for ice-cold hill station for have a good time. :) Kullu Manali is all time favorite honeymoon destinations for Indian married couples as well as foreign travelers. It blessed with green hills, snow covered mountains, waterfalls and big green grass landscape. Manali is also one of the best tourist places in India for adventure sports e.g. skiing, hiking, trekking, mountaineering, paragliding, river rafting, angling, and biking which can impress any married couple for entertain together.
Best time to visit Manali: October to February

Darjeeling

honeymoon-darjeeling
Darjeeling, again one of the top visited hill stations and most romantic honeymoon destinations of India, famous for its pleasant cold climate, natural beauties of pine trees, tea gardens, mountains, local traditional market and most famous toy train journey. There are some top suggested tourist attractions which can impress any tourist in the world like Tiger Hills. It is only eight kilometer (8 km.) away from main Darjeeling city which famous for its panoramic view of the sun rises and the blissful view of the picturesque Darjeeling, magnificently decorated by the dazzling beauty of nature. There are also some others tourist spots where you should visit once-
Best time to visit Darjeeling: September to January

Shimla

honeymoon-in-shimla
The romantic climate, green hills, snow covered mountains, adventure sports, swaying fields and gorgeous view of Himalayas makes Shimla one of the most favorite honeymoon places in India. Shimla blended with some best natural beauties and tourist places which I would definitely recommended for honeymoon couples e.g. Hip Hip Hurray Amusement park, Jakhu temple, The Mall, The Ridge, lower bazaar, Viceregal Lodge, Dorje Drag Monastery, Christ Church and more. There are also plenty of brand restaurants, coffee shops, fashion shop where you can spend your honey time with your life partner. Find here list of top 10 five star hotels in India with brief info.
Best time to visit Shimla: April to July(summer), October to February(winter)

Lakshadweep

honeymoon-in-lakshadweep
Lakshadweep is as popular as Kerala among travelers for honeymoon in India because of its unbeaten natural beauties of Island & sandy beaches, the ultimate view of blue sea & scenic gardens, water sports & sunbathing. Lakshadweep offers a calm & romantic environment for honeymooners who want to just lose themselves.  If you are planning for Lakshadweep honeymoon, some top recommended places where you should must visit-
  • Kavaratti
  • Minicoy
  • Agatti
  • Kadmat
  • Bangaram
Best time to visit Lakshadweep: October to April

Andaman and Nicobar Island

andaman-and-nicobar-islands
Andaman and Nicobar Island is the gateway of romance with exotic environment, top-notch hotels, tourist privacy, superior dining, adventurous sports & activities, makes it one of the best honeymoon destinations in the World. You can enjoy there the under-water marine life with varieties of colorful fishes, water-skiing, sail boats, windsurfing, speed boats, sunken ships, jungle life, flora and fauna. It is also the right place if you are a sea food lover. You can taste there India’s best sea foods recipes as well as any other Indian traditional foods. And don’t worry; there are plenty of finest options for your nightout and stay.
Best time to visit Andaman and Nicobar Island: November, October, May, April, March, February, January

Ooty

honeymoon-ooty
Ooty, situated at the hills of Nilgiri, one of the most beautiful and romantic honeymoon destinations in India. Ooty is well known as the ‘Paradise for Honeymooners’, and there is no doubt it is the best naturally blessed charming hill stations of entire South India. Ooty is a perfect honeymoon place for those couples who wants away from the crowd and enjoy quality honey time together. There are lots of tourist attractions & places in visit in Ooty-
Best time to visit Ooty: October to June

Nainital

honeymoon-nainital
There is no doubt Nainital is the dream destination for holidays and honeymoon in North India. It is best known for pleasant climate, lakes, boat riding, water sports, candle light dinner, local shopping market, rock climbing, ride to snow View, fishing enthusiasts etc. For more enjoy the Nainital tourism you may visit famous mall road. There is also some other top recommended place for you if you choose Nainital for your honeymoon-
Best time to visit Nainital: March to June(summer), October to February(winter)

Mahabaleshwar

honeymoon-in-mahabaleshwar
If you are looking a place which offers mountains, green hills, waterfalls, lakes, caves, boat riding, adventurous activities, romantic spots, temples and delicious food points, then Mahabaleshwar is the best choice for your honeymoon. Mahabaleshwar is also very close to Mumbai and Pune both. So if you are planning to visit Mahabaleshwar, you can also plan for travel to Mumbai and Pune.
Best time to visit Mahabaleshwar: March to June(summer),  November to March(winter)