The Enchanting Indian River of Dominica

• HelloNamaste
  [nah-mah-stay]
• GoodbyeAlvida
  [al-vee-da]
• YesHaan
  [haan]
• NoNahi
  [nah-hee]
• Please/You're welcomeKripaya
  [kree-pah-yah]
• Thank youDhanyavaad
  [dhun-yuh-vahd]
• Excuse me/SorryMaaf kijiye
  [mahf kee-jee-yay]
• How are you?Aap kaise hain?
  [aap kai-say hein]
• Fine. And you?Accha. Aur aap?
  [ah-chah. awr aap?]
• Do you speak English?Kya aap angrezi bolte hain?
  [kyah aap un-grey-zee bohl-tay hein]
• I don't understandMujhe samajh nahi aaya
  [moo-jay sah-majh nah-hee ah-yah]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseKripya menu dikhaye
  [kree-pyah meh-noo dee-kah-yay]
• I don't eat meatMai maans nahi khata
  [mye mahns nah-hee kha-tah]
• Cheers!Chak de!
  [chuck day]
• I would like to pay, pleaseKripya mujhe bhugtaan karna hai
  [kree-pyah moo-jay bhoog-taan kar-nah heh]

• Help!Bachao!
  [bah-chow]
• Go away!Chale jao!
  [chah-lay jow]
• Call the Police!Police ko bulao!
  [poh-leece koh boo-lao]
• Call a doctor!Doctor ko bulao!
  [dok-tor koh boo-lao]
• I'm lostMein kho gaya hoon
  [meyn koh gah-yah hoon]
• I'm illMujhe bimar hai
  [moo-jay bee-mahr hai]

• I'd like to buy...Mujhe kharidna hai...
  [moo-jay kar-eed-nah heh]
• I'm just lookingBas dekh raha hoon
  [bus dehk rah-ha hoon]
• How much is it?Yeh kitne ka hai?
  [yay kit-nay kah hai]
• That's too expensiveYeh bahut mehnga hai
  [yay bah-hoot may-ngah hai]
• Can you lower the price?Kya aap price kam kar sakte hain?
  [kyah aap price kahm kar sah-tay hein]

• What time is it?Kitne baje hain?
  [kit-nay bah-jay hein]
• It's one o'clockEk baje hain
  [ayk bah-jay hein]
• Half past (10)Das baje ke baad
  [dus bah-jay keh bahd]
• MorningSubah
  [soo-bah]
• AfternoonDopahar
  [doh-pah-har]
• EveningShaam
  [shahm]
• YesterdayKal
  [kahl]
• TodayAaj
  [aahj]
• TomorrowKal
  [kahl]
• 1Ek
  [ayk]
• 2Do
  [doh]
• 3Teen
  [teen]
• 4Char
  [char]
• 5Paanch
  [pahnch]
• 6Chhe
  [chay]
• 7Saat
  [saat]
• 8Aath
  [aath]
• 9Nau
  [now]
• 10Das
  [dus]

• Where's a/the...?...kahaan hai?
  [...kah-han hai]
• What's the address?Pata kya hai?
  [pah-tah kyah hai]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Kya aap mujhe dikhayenge (nakshe par)?
  [kyah aap moo-jay dee-khay-en-gay (nak-shay par)]
• When's the next (bus)?Agla (bus) kab aayega?
  [ug-lah (bus) kahb ah-yay-gah]
• A ticket (to ....)Ek ticket (....) ke liye
  [ayk tick-et (....) kay lee-yay]

Before European colonization, the Kalinago people, also known as the Caribs, were the original inhabitants of Dominica, including the area around the Indian River. They were skilled navigators and utilized the river for fishing, transportation, and trade. The Kalinago left behind a rich cultural heritage that can still be seen in the area today.

During the 17th and 18th centuries, Dominica became a contested territory between the French and British empires. The Indian River served as a strategic location for both sides. The dense mangroves and winding pathways provided a natural defense against invaders and pirates, making it a key strategic asset during colonial skirmishes.

The Indian River region became a refuge for Maroon communities—escaped slaves who fled the plantations and sought freedom in Dominica's dense forests. These communities utilized the river for sustenance and transportation, forming a crucial part of their resistance against colonial forces and plantation owners.

In the 19th and early 20th centuries, Dominica's economy was heavily reliant on the banana trade. The Indian River played an essential role in this industry, providing a transportation route for bananas from inland plantations to coastal ports. The riverbanks were often bustling with activity as boats loaded with bananas made their way downstream.

In recent decades, the Indian River has gained recognition for its ecological importance. Conservation efforts have been implemented to protect its unique mangrove ecosystem and diverse wildlife. The river is now a popular destination for eco-tourism, attracting visitors who are keen to explore its natural beauty and learn about its environmental significance.

Today, the Indian River remains a cultural treasure for the people of Dominica. It has been featured in various films, most notably in 'Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest.' Local guides offer boat tours that highlight the river's historical and cultural importance, ensuring that the legacy of Indian River continues to be shared with both locals and visitors alike.

Indian River is located on the northwest coast of Dominica, near Portsmouth. The nearest international airport is Douglas-Charles Airport (DOM), approximately 45 kilometers away. From the airport, you can take a taxi or rent a car to reach Indian River. The journey typically takes around 1 to 1.5 hours by road. Alternatively, you can arrive by ferry from neighboring islands such as Guadeloupe, Martinique, or Saint Lucia.

Once in Dominica, getting to Indian River is relatively straightforward. Local buses and taxis are available from Portsmouth, and you can also rent a car for more flexibility. Boat tours are a popular way to explore the Indian River itself, offering a serene and scenic experience. Bicycles and motorbikes can also be rented for short trips around the area.

The official currency in Dominica is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD). Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops in larger towns, but it is advisable to carry cash when venturing into rural areas. There are ATMs available in Portsmouth, but it’s wise to withdraw enough cash before heading to more remote areas.

Dominica is generally a safe destination for tourists, including the area around Indian River. However, standard travel precautions should be taken. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep your belongings secure in crowded places. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists near Indian River, but vigilance is always recommended.

In case of emergency, dial 999 for immediate assistance. The nearest police station is located in Portsmouth, and there is a hospital available in the same town. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available in Portsmouth for minor health issues and over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably and practically for outdoor activities. Light, breathable clothing is recommended due to the tropical climate. Avoid overly revealing attire, especially in more conservative areas. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting religious sites, dress modestly and remove hats. Public Transport: Do be courteous to drivers and other passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Hello' or 'Good day.' A handshake is also common. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Indian River like a local, consider taking an early morning boat tour to enjoy the tranquil surroundings and birdwatching. Engage with the boatmen, who often share fascinating stories and insights about the area’s history and ecology. Visit the local markets in Portsmouth for fresh produce and handmade crafts. For an authentic experience, try local dishes such as callaloo soup and fresh seafood.