Jammu: The Winter Capital of Enchantment

• Helloनमस्ते
  [Namaste]
• Goodbyeअलविदा
  [Alvida]
• Yesहाँ
  [Haan]
• Noनहीं
  [Nahi]
• Please/You're welcomeकृपया
  [Kripya]
• Thank youधन्यवाद
  [Dhanyavad]
• Excuse me/Sorryमाफ़ कीजिए
  [Maaf kijiye]
• How are you?आप कैसे हैं?
  [Aap kaise hain?]
• Fine. And you?ठीक हूँ। और आप?
  [Theek hoon. Aur aap?]
• Do you speak English?क्या आप अंग्रेज़ी बोलते हैं?
  [Kya aap angrezi bolte hain?]
• I don't understandमुझे समझ में नहीं आया
  [Mujhe samajh mein nahi aaya]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseकृपया मेनू दिखाइए
  [Kripya menu dikhaiye]
• I don't eat meatमैं मांस नहीं खाता
  [Main maans nahi khaata]
• Cheers!चियर्स!
  [Cheers!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseकृपया मैं भुगतान करना चाहूँ
  [Kripya main bhugtan karna chaahun]

• Help!बचाओ!
  [Bachao!]
• Go away!चले जाओ!
  [Chale jao!]
• Call the Police!पुलिस को बुलाओ!
  [Police ko bulao!]
• Call a doctor!डॉक्टर को बुलाओ!
  [Doctor ko bulao!]
• I'm lostमैं खो गया/गई हूँ
  [Main kho gaya/gayi hoon]
• I'm illमुझे बीमारी है
  [Mujhe bimari hai]

• I'd like to buy...मैं खरीदना चाहूँगा/चाहूँगी
  [Main khareedna chaahunga/chaahungi]
• I'm just lookingमैं सिर्फ देख रहा हूँ/रही हूँ
  [Main sirf dekh raha hoon/rahi hoon]
• How much is it?यह कितने का है?
  [Yeh kitne ka hai?]
• That's too expensiveयह बहुत महंगा है
  [Yeh bahut mehnga hai]
• Can you lower the price?क्या आप कीमत कम कर सकते हैं?
  [Kya aap keemat kam kar sakte hain?]

• What time is it?समय क्या है?
  [Samay kya hai?]
• It's one o'clockएक बजे हैं
  [Ek baje hain]
• Half past (10)दस बजे तक
  [Das baje tak]
• Morningसुबह
  [Subah]
• Afternoonदोपहर
  [Dopahar]
• Eveningशाम
  [Shaam]
• Yesterdayकल
  [Kal]
• Todayआज
  [Aaj]
• Tomorrowकल
  [Kal]
• 1एक
  [Ek]
• 2दो
  [Do]
• 3तीन
  [Teen]
• 4चार
  [Char]
• 5पांच
  [Paanch]
• 6छह
  [Chhah]
• 7सात
  [Saat]
• 8आठ
  [Aath]
• 9नौ
  [Nau]
• 10दस
  [Das]

• Where's a/the...?कहाँ है...?
  [Kahan hai...?]
• What's the address?पता क्या है?
  [Pata kya hai?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?क्या आप मुझे दिखा सकते हैं (नक्शे पर)?
  [Kya aap mujhe dikha sakte hain (naksha par)?]
• When's the next (bus)?अगली (बस) कब है?
  [Agli (bas) kab hai?]
• A ticket (to ....)एक टिकट (के लिए ....)
  [Ek ticket (ke liye ....)]

Jammu, often referred to as the 'City of Temples', has a history dating back to ancient times. The region finds mention in the epic Mahabharata, where it is believed to have been a part of the kingdom of Madra. Archaeological evidence suggests that Jammu was a prominent settlement during the Harappan and later Vedic periods.

In the early centuries AD, Jammu was ruled by the Naga dynasty. The Nagas were known for their patronage of Hindu temples and culture. The famous Bahu Fort, which stands atop a hill overlooking the Tawi River, is believed to have been originally built by Raja Bahulochan, a Naga ruler.

In the 14th century, Jammu came under the influence of the Delhi Sultanate. The region saw the establishment of Muslim rule with the arrival of Timur in 1398, which led to a significant cultural and demographic shift. The Mughal Empire later incorporated Jammu into its vast territory, and the city became known for its strategic importance and trade routes.

The Dogra dynasty left an indelible mark on Jammu's history. In the early 19th century, Maharaja Gulab Singh established Dogra rule in Jammu after the decline of the Sikh Empire. Under Dogra rule, Jammu saw significant architectural and cultural development, including the construction of the Raghunath Temple, Mubarak Mandi Palace, and Bahu Fort's renovation.

Jammu became a princely state under British suzerainty in the mid-19th century. The British recognized Maharaja Gulab Singh as the ruler of Jammu and Kashmir after the First Anglo-Sikh War. This period saw the modernization of infrastructure, including the introduction of railways and improved road networks, which facilitated trade and communication.

Following India's independence in 1947, the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir faced significant political turmoil. Maharaja Hari Singh's decision to accede to India led to the first Indo-Pak war. Jammu, as part of the state of Jammu and Kashmir, became a focal point of political and military activities. The region witnessed an influx of refugees and underwent substantial demographic changes.

Jammu is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, including its temples, palaces, and festivals. The annual Amarnath Yatra, the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage, and the Lohri festival are significant cultural events that attract visitors from across the country. The city's vibrant handicrafts, traditional Dogra cuisine, and folk music and dance forms reflect its diverse cultural landscape.

Jammu is well-connected by air, rail, and road. The Jammu Airport (Satwari Airport) has regular flights connecting it to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Srinagar. Jammu Tawi Railway Station is one of the major railheads in Northern India, with trains arriving from various parts of the country. By road, Jammu is accessible via National Highway 44, and regular bus services are available from neighboring states and cities.

Within Jammu, local transportation options include auto-rickshaws, cycle-rickshaws, and taxis. App-based cab services like Uber and Ola are also available. City buses operated by Jammu and Kashmir State Road Transport Corporation (JKSRTC) cover various routes within the city. For exploring nearby areas, renting a car or hiring a private taxi could be a convenient option.

The official currency in Jammu is the Indian Rupee (INR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger stores. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are readily available throughout the city.

Jammu is generally safe for tourists, but it's important to stay cautious. Avoid isolated areas, especially after dark. Areas like Gujjar Nagar and some parts of Old City have seen higher crime rates, so exercise extra caution. Always keep your belongings secure and be wary of pickpockets in crowded places.

In case of an emergency, dial 100 for police assistance, 101 for fire services, and 102 for medical emergencies. Local hospitals like Government Medical College Hospital and SMGS Hospital are equipped to handle emergencies. Make sure you have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, and keep a list of emergency contacts handy.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Remove your shoes before entering temples and cover your head if required. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake or a slight nod. Namaste with folded hands is also a common form of greeting. Eating & Drinking: Do try local cuisines like Rogan Josh and Dum Aloo. Don’t refuse food offerings as it is considered impolite. Avoid drinking tap water; always opt for bottled water.

To experience Jammu like a local, visit the Raghunath Bazaar for traditional crafts and souvenirs. Engage with the locals, who are generally friendly and welcoming. Don’t miss the Bahu Fort and the Mubarak Mandi Palace for a taste of local history. Try to visit during festivals like Navratri to witness the city’s vibrant culture and traditions.