text:
Dharamsala

Dharamsala (Hindi: धर्मशाला, pronounced [d̪ʱərəmˈɕaːlaː] or [d̪ʱərmˈɕaːlaː]; Tibetan: དྷ་རམ་ས་ལ་), is a hill station in Himachal Pradesh, famed for its large Tibetan community centred on the activities of the Dalai Lama.

Understand
The Tibetan Buddhist roots of Dharamsala stretch back to the 8th century, although most of the local population long since reverted to (and remains) Hindu. "Dharamsala" literally means an "inn attached to a temple", and it was so until the district headquarters in Kangra became too crowded and the British moved 2 of their regiments in the late 1840s to what is now Dharamsala. Over the years, this grew to be district headquarters of Kangra, and the location is now known as the Police Lines.

Dharamsala was mooted to be the summer capital of India. But this was not to be, as much of the town was destroyed in the 7.8 magnitude earthquake of 4 April 1905. The disaster killed over 10,000 people in this sparsely populated area.

After falling into obscurity in the early days of Indian independence, Dharamsala regained some social standing in 1959 with the arrival of the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan Government in Exile. It is a very popular hang-out for foreigners and students of Buddhism. Indeed, it is now perhaps a little too popular and many would say the town, and especially McLeod Ganj, is little more than a backpacker ghetto. Don't come here expecting calm and tranquillity.

Climate
Lower Dharamsala is at an altitude of 1,400 m, while McLeod Ganj is at around 1,750 m, making them considerably cooler than the plains below. Temperatures in January can dip below freezing, while June can go up to 38°C. The monsoon from July to September is very wet. Even in March, when the Dalai Lama holds his teachings and the weather down in Delhi is balmy, you will still need a heavy winter coat. These can be purchased at reasonable prices in the town.

By plane
Kangra Airport is at Gaggal near Kangra, a distance of 15 km from McLeod Ganj by road on MDR44 and NH 154.

By bus

It was the case that some public HRTC buses to Delhi and Pathankot go all the way to the main square of McLeod Ganj, where you could also book advance tickets for the return trip, but this seems no longer to be the case.

Privately operated buses travel from Manali, Dehradun and Delhi. Overnight buses travel from Delhi with many leaving from the Tibetan colony of Majnu ka Tilla. These services take upwards of 13 hr and cost ₹450–1,000 for a Volvo.

Specific nearby destinations:
 * From Pathankot – Unreserved HRTC buses from Pathankot cost ₹200 (Jul 2023) and take 3–4 hr to Dharamsala. Buses depart frequently throughout the day, 4PM last.
 * From Amritsar – There are direct private buses leaving in the afternoon for ₹800 that are advertised as taking 5 hr. There are no direct public buses between Amritsar and Dharamsala. However, you could take the 9AM train to Pathankot first for ₹55 and then transfer to the HRTC bus.
 * From Chandigarh – Even though just 236 km it's a gruelling 8–9 hr trip in an ordinary bus.

By train
The nearest mainline train station is at Pathankot and the neighbouring small station of Chakki Bank, a comfortable overnight journey from Delhi.

Train fans can continue from Pathankot on the slow and rickety but pretty narrow-gauge Kangra Valley Railway to Kangra, a journey of 4 hr. In Kangra walk or take a rickshaw to the bus stop from where buses to Dharamsala go. The train actually continues further to Jogindernagar from Kangra.

By taxi
A taxi from Pathankot to McLeod Ganj, 88 km and takes about 3 hours, and the official fare from Pathankot is ₹2,200 (one way). This is May 2019 rate for a small car such as an Alto/Indica.

Taxis from Delhi are often available leaving from Majnu Ki Tila Tibetan settlement in North Delhi on the ring road. Many people take a taxi to Delhi which takes about 10 hours and pay the return fare simply because they don't want to deal with the hassle and pain of taking a bus. These taxis need to return to Dharamshala, and many times will sell seats in their car for the same price as a bus ticket. To find these taxis, go to the Majnu Ki Tila Tibetan Settlement Bus Stand and look for taxis which have Himachal Pradesh licence plates. You can negotiate with a driver. Often the taxis will leave in the evening and you will arrive in Dharamshala early the next morning.

Orientation
Dharamsala is divided into several distinct areas that are separated by a 15 min or 12 km bus or jeep ride at most:
 *  – Consists of most of the government offices, Schools, the local hospital, and commercial areas. It also has a few tea gardens. One in the area of Chilgari and another just beyond Dari. It is a typical small Indian town that, other than for the bus station, is of little interest to tourists. One can enjoy the view while driving through.
 *  – Known less commonly as Upper Dharamsala is named after David McLeod, who was once the British Lieutenant-Governor of Punjab, and the word Ganj, which is a common Persian word meaning "neighbourhood". At an altitude of 2,082 m and 5 km on foot from Lower Dharamsala, it is famous for Tibetan culture, natural beauty, mixed tradition, ancient temples, churches and monasteries. As of 2021, it is the home of famous 14th Tibetan Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso after his exile from Tibet, and thus home and centre to the Tibetan community.
 *  – Sometimes also called Little Tel Aviv, it is 2 km northeast of McLeod and has become a highly commercialised hotspot for many backpackers from Israel—Hewbrew is a common sight here.
 *  – A 10-min climb above Bhagsu with a number of guesthouses. It is less busy than Bhagsu and offers many fancy restaurants and Yoga and meditation centers. There is a nice shopping and dinning promenade aka footway making half a circle around the hill.
 *  – Another 10 min climbing straight north and you will reach the last of the tourist centers of Dharamsala, sometimes called Upper Dharamkot. There are several good to great hostels with some of the best views in Dharamsala. This place seem to be popular with Russian speaking backpackers, even though many other tourists pass through here on their way to the Galu waterfall.

Villages near McLeod Ganj include Forsyth Ganj, in between Lower and Upper Dharamsala. And for a more quiet and basic experience, try Naddi (3 km, and a great viewpoint) or Talnu (11 km).

All these places are small enough to be navigated on foot—McLeod, Bhagsu, Dharamkot and Haini are closest to each other (max. 20 min on foot), while Lower Dharamsala is further away.

By taxi or rickshaw
Between McLeod Ganj and Dharamsala shared taxis run roughly hourly and cost ₹20. Chartered auto-rickshaws charge around ₹250. Trips from McLeod Ganj to nearby points (e.g. Bhagsu) cost ₹50–150. There are separate counters for auto-rickshaws and taxis near the center square. Walk to them and rent vehicles and avoid people who walk up to you and offer to take you to places.

Meeting the Dalai Lama
Meeting (or at least getting to see) the Dalai Lama is the dream of a lifetime for many people, an intensive spiritual experience for Buddhists and a memorable moment for people of other faiths. It's also very difficult to achieve, so don't plan on it. It requires a good deal of luck.

If you want to give it your best shot, the first thing to do is make sure that His Holiness is in town when you visit. He travels frequently. His website lists his yearly itinerary and an email to the office will confirm his travel dates. While he does give scheduled public teachings, these are crowded. There are some that are only scheduled a few days in advance, so keep your eyes and ears open in Dharamsala. The ultimate goal is a private audience. His website says he is no longer giving them. This isn't entirely true, but you have to have a very good reason or an "in." Go to the office of his secretary.

The Dalai Lama's administrative office is in the Tsuglagkhang Complex. When you face his house, which has a gate with Indian guards in front of it, it's the last door on your right, at the end of the complex. This office is open all day, six days a week. The man behind the desk will tell you to apply online and give you the website address. Go to an internet cafe and do it if you haven't already done it and been rejected months in advance so that you can say that you have, but it probably won't get you anywhere. If the receptionist is there alone, then His Holiness is not giving private audiences. If a bunch of people are there holding slips of paper with their personal information and their passports, he's giving private audiences, they usually occur around noon. There is heavy security and you need a reason. Chat with everyone.

Some people get in as a group, like a documentary crew or a family whose father is a politician. Talk to everyone in Dharamsala about His Holiness, and you're bound to run into someone who is on his staff or knows someone on his staff. At the office, drop the name of every person you met. If you are visibly ill, you may get an audience based on that. Granted, this "audience" will probably last the time it takes for him to bless you, which is about 10 seconds, and an additional ₹5 to pose for a photo. A photographer is provided and you are not allowed to bring your own camera.

To meet the Dalai Lama is something most Tibetans worldwide only dream of so count your blessings if you receive an audience. Bring a khata (white scarf), they can be purchased for a few rupees, but since you'll probably be treasuring that khata, you might want to shell out ₹20 for a nicer one. If he poses for a picture with you the security office will tell you to return with a blank CD and they will burn the picture onto a CD. Blank CDs can be purchased from shops on Temple Rd for about ₹50. Remember to show appreciation for anyone whose name you might have dropped to get in. Donate to their monastery, eat at their restaurant or whatever you feel is appropriate. This isn't expected but it's a nice thing to do.

Every year in February–March for ten days or so, and occasionally at other times, the Dalai Lama holds public lectures. Registration at the Tibetan Branch Security Office (near Hotel Tibet) is necessary, preferably 3–4 days beforehand although shorter notice may be possible. Bring a cushion to sit on, an FM radio with headphones to listen to the simultaneous translation from Tibetan to English, a cup for tea and a sunhat/umbrella, but as little else as possible since security is tight. The last day of teaching concludes with public prayers, for which no security pass is needed. Donations are welcome.

Learn

Courses available include yoga, meditation, reiki, Tibetan and Indian cooking classes, Tibetan language classes and Thai massage. Many courses include vegetarian meals, and are offered at meditation centres.

Yoga, meditation and healing
Vipassana and Tushita (see below) seem to be the two most authentic and original names in the region.

Volunteer
There are some opportunities to volunteer. For longer term options such as 1 month or more ask at the LHA office in the middle of the town. Staff there are very friendly and always welcoming if people wish to teach, tutor or get involved in conversational classes.

 * Lha Social Work – Lha is one of the largest charitable social work organizations in Dharamsala and McLeod Ganj and aims to provide vital resources and services for Tibetan refugees, the local Indian population, and people from the Himalayan regions. Volunteers are needed for English, French and Chinese classes, IT classes, vocational training, health and environmental awareness education, distribution of clothes and medicine, a community kitchen and many other programmes and activities.
 * Rogpa Cafe (Jogiwara Rd) – They are always looking for volunteers to work in the cafe or to look after children at the Day Care centre. This is a 2 week commitment. All proceeds go to the Rogpa Day Care centre that provides free services for local children.
 * Tesi Environmental Awareness Movement – If you are an environmental expert, then contact this non-profit Tibetan group.

You may also approach Tibetans in social circles to help them improve their English whilst getting to know each other's culture and personal story. Be mindful of accepting requests for private tutorage from monks on the streets. After a few days they may subject you to demands for sponsorship, however stories of this are rare. It may be best to go through a credible and well established organisation if you want to provide assistance in this way.

In general most monks and lay people are incredibly grateful to have you help them with their English and it is a great way to get to know Tibetan people on a more personal level. The easiest way to help out is to drop into LHA on Temple Rd, or LIT on Jogiwara Rd and sign up for tutoring. A commitment of one month is preferred.

Buy
Many Tibetan things can be bought in Dharamsala such as jewellery and trinkets, woollen shawls, prayer flags, prayer wheels, carpets, thangka and mandala paintings.

What
The momos sold by numerous Tibetan street vendors usually sell at ₹10 for 4 pieces. These are safe to eat and acceptable to the Western palate even if they cannot be expected to match the level of culinary delicacy of those offered by some of the best establishments listed below.

Dharamsala is a good place to try Tibetan food and beverages:
 * Momos – dumplings filled with meat or vegetables, steamed or fried
 * Thukpa – a hearty noodle soup with veggies or meat
 * Thenthuk – thukpa with handmade flat rectangular shaped noodles
 * Pocha – a salty tea churned with butter, a Tibetan staple, more commonly known as Tibetan Butter Tea

Where
McLeod Ganj is a great place for eating, and the town has an abundance of restaurants, especially in the mid to upper range that cater to foreign tourists.

Also, Bhagsu and Dharamkot offer great local, fusion and foreign food places—hummus and falafel are not uncommon.

Prices in Dharamsala generally tend to be at least 50% sometimes 100% higher than in other (non-touristy) parts of India. Furthermore, non-Indian food often carries a steep surcharge.

Drink
Refill your waterbottle with filtered-water at one of the many water-filtering stations: LHA at Temple Rd, Environmental Education Centre at Bhasgu Rd and Dogga-Centre at Jogiwara Rd. Some restaurants, including Nick's and Green Hotel also offer filtered water refills for a charge (₹5, but Green Hotel asks for ₹10).

Coffee
Many of the above listed restaurants and bakeries are also great for having a coffee or tea and enjoying the view—check there.

Sleep
McLeod Ganj has a wide selection of accommodation, but its main streets (esp. Bhagsu Rd) suffer from the usual Indian curse of beeping cars, motorbikes and rickshaws. It is easy to find something suitable—just walk around and ask for a good price. Always let you show at least two different rooms before you decide. Two hostels worth mentioning in McLeod Ganj are and —walk-ins seem to be advantageous.

A higher concentration of hostels (and backpackers) can be found in Bhagsu and Haini, besides the usual homestays, hotel, etc.. Hostels worth mentioning here are and —walk-ins seem to be advantageous.

For long-term stays, head down the Yongling stairs on Jogiwara Road; there are about a dozen cheap good places, with great views.

Stay safe
The place is safe, though it is advisable to take precautions. Stay vigilant at all times and be very cautious if staying out after 9PM.

Go next

 * Amritsar – The holy Sikh city of and its Golden Temple is a 6-hr bus journey away. Buses leave at 5AM from the lower bus station, or go through Pathankot first with many connections per day, and a train from there.
 * Bir – A village with a Tibetan and Indian population, known for its Buddhist monasteries and paragliding centre, developing as an adventure hub with the second highest paragliding spot of the world, Bir-Billing.
 * Dalhousie – A small hill station close to Pathankot.
 * Manali – The next hub for journeys deeper into the mountains.
 * Palampur – A beautiful valley famous for its tea gardens, agricultural university, temples.
 * Sidhbari – Outside lower Dharamshala is an ideal getaway from the tourist traffic and to experience life in a typical farming village in the valley.

Dharmasala

title: Dharamsala


text:
Dharan

Dharan is a city in Sunsari district, eastern Nepal.

Understand
Dharan is a municipal city located in Sunsari district of the eastern Nepal. It is also known as the city of football or mini-Brazil. Dharan is south to the hill station Bhedetar of Dhankuta district and north of Itahari. It is also the gateway to the hills of Mahabharat range. Therefore, it sees a mild summer and a mild winter. Not too hot not too cold.

Under the clause 3 (iv) of Agreement on the Koshi Project between Nepal and India which was signed by Mahabir Shumsher and Gulzarilal Nanda on April 25, 1954 in Kathmandu, the Nepalese Government permitted to quarry construction materials (boulders) required for the Project from deposits site in Dharan and Chatra. Accordingly, the rail tracks were laid down to link Dharan and Chatra to Bhimnagar to transport boulders required for the construction of Koshi Barrage that was started in 1958 and completed in 1962. The rocks were transported to Ghopa, Railway Line for stock piles by ropeway from the quarry site at Phusre. Retention walls built to haul these materials on train wagons at Ghopa still stands but in a ruined stage. In fact, the place is now called “Reeting” probably a derivative term for “Retention”. The train was still running in the late 60s (or was it early 70s). However, one cannot believe that Dharan and Chartra were once linked with railways to Bhimnagar since there isn't any sign of steel rails or sleepers expect some culverts or masonry works in few places. Nevertheless, one can find few steel rails now erected as electricity poles at Chartra apart from an overhead water tank that used to fill trains in early days.

Get in
By bus or micro-van from Kakarbhitta or Biratnagar. Bus fare is 130-160 Rs, from Kakarvitta to Dharan and it is only 40 Rs. from Biratnagar to Dharan. From Itahari, Dharan is only 20 minutes bus journey and Itahari is well connected to all the other cities of Nepal. So anybody can come to Itahari and then take a micro van or bus to Dharan. Kakarvitta and Biratnagar both are on India-Nepal border and both are well connected to other major cities from Indian side. There are direct long-distance bus routes from Kathmandu and Pokhra (fare is around 600 Rs. for both the cities).

Get around
The main bus terminus is situated at Bhanu Chowk, near the clock tower. All the long-distance buses and city bus/micro-vans/tempos start from this point. Bhanu Chowk is the city centre.

See

 * Temples like Dantakali, Budhasubba, Pindeshwori and Bishnu Paduka are the shrines you shouldn't miss out. Budhasubba is famous for bamboos that don't have shoots and no crow flies around. Lovers inscribe their names on these bamboos believing that they will have a long lasting and inseparable relationship.
 * B.P.Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan is one of the best medical colleges in Nepal. You will find the layout of institute which is stretched on more than 250 acres in area. It was initially a base for British Gurkha Recruitment Centre until 1989.

Do

 * While you are in Dharan do not miss rafting from Tamor River to Koshi.
 * Bhedetar (Sheep's Butte) is a beautiful hillside only about 15 km (and straight up) from Dharan. It marks the end of the Tarai (plains) and the beginning of the foothills of the Himalayas.  There are a number of lodges along the way providing a nice view down to the south.
 * You can view the scenic beauty of Dharan from Charles Point Bhedetar. You can visit many greenery parks like the Hariyali Park, Yalambar Park and Saptarangi park. You can see many wild animals wondering around in these parks.

Buy
You can find a large number of shopping outlets in and around Bhanu Chowk where you can choose the right things you are looking for and at the same time you can compare the prices. If you don't have time and wish to buy all the things in one place, try Sailung, couple of blocks from Bhanu Chowk.

Eat

 * Dal Bhat is the most popular dish here but there are restaurants for Tibetan dishes like Momo and Chowmin. There are a couple of restaurants that serve halal foods. Most of the good restaurants are within a kilometer from Bhanu Chowk. If you prefer cakes and ice creams, you won't be disappointed at Haly's.

Drink

 * Tongba, a local alcoholic beverage, brewed from indigenous millet, is a famous drink of Dharan.

Sleep
There are many lodges (low cost) and hotels around the main bus terminus at Bhanu chowk.

Go next
There are bus routes to Basantpur, Hille and Dhankuta. Kathmandu and Pokhra require overnight journey by bus.

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Dharan


text:
Dharmapuri

There is more than one place called Dharmapuri:

India

 * Dharmapuri (Tamil Nadu) — A town in Tamil Nadu.
 * Dharmapuri (Telangana) — A town in Telangana.

title: Dharmapuri


text:
Dharmapuri (Telangana)

Dharmapuri is a town in the Karimnagar district of Telangana, a state of India. It is 250 km from Hyderabad.

Get in
From Hyderabad, take a bus, which will go via Karimnagar and Jagtial.

See

 * Laxmi Narasimha Swamy temple -- Lord Yoga Narasimha Swamy & Lord Ugra Narsimha Swamy Separate temples in the complex along with Venkateshwara, Ramalingeshwara and many other temples. At the entrance Temple for Lord Yama is there & belief is if Lamp is lit one will not enter Hell.Temple for Lord Yama is Rare.
 * The famous and lovely river, Godavari.
 * Dattatreya, Santoshima, Rama, Sai Baba temple and other temples near Godavari.

Other places and near by places to see :

 * Hanmandla Gadda Anjaneya Swami.
 * Godavari Mata Temple
 * Dattatreya Mandir
 * Sri Rama Temple
 * Goddess Santoshimata Temple.
 * Kanyaka Parameshwari Temple.
 * Goddess Mahalaxmi Temple.
 * Sri sai shiva Balaji mandir.

Other places of interest :

 * Brahma pushkarini (Koneru)
 * Isuka stambam (Sand Piller)
 * Akkapelli Rajeshwara Swami Temple.

Other tourist places near Dharmapuri

 * Gudem - Shrine of Lord Satyanarayana swamy (10 km)
 * Kondagaattu- Shrine of Lord Anjaneya swamy (45 km)
 * Vemulawada - Shrine of Lord Raja Rajeshwara swamy (70 km)
 * Basara - Shrine of Lord Saraswathi Devi (170 km)

Do

 * Take a bath in the river Godavari.

Buy
There is nothing special to buy.

Eat
If possible, stay at local residents' home and have a lovely home food. They will charge a very nominal price.

Drink
nothing special

Sleep
You can have accommodation provided by the temple, and TTD guest house.

Connect
find all the information from this sites ...

http://www.srilakshminarasimha.org

title: Dharmapuri (Telangana)


text:
Dharmapuri (Tamil Nadu)

Dharmapuri is a city in Tamil Nadu.

Get in

 * 300 km from Chennai by bus.
 * 130 km from Bangalore by bus and train.
 * 220 km from Coimbatore by train and bus
 * 265 km from Mysore by train and bus
 * By Chennai to Morrapur 250 km and 22 km Dharmapuri.

See

 * There is a hill series in the east side of the city, which looks like a lady laying down when watched from a place called Nallampalli. The sunrise from behind this hill is the most beautiful moment in every morning.
 * There is a hill series in the east side of the city, which looks like a lady laying down when watched from a place called Nallampalli. The sunrise from behind this hill is the most beautiful moment in every morning.
 * There is a hill series in the east side of the city, which looks like a lady laying down when watched from a place called Nallampalli. The sunrise from behind this hill is the most beautiful moment in every morning.
 * There is a hill series in the east side of the city, which looks like a lady laying down when watched from a place called Nallampalli. The sunrise from behind this hill is the most beautiful moment in every morning.
 * There is a hill series in the east side of the city, which looks like a lady laying down when watched from a place called Nallampalli. The sunrise from behind this hill is the most beautiful moment in every morning.
 * There is a hill series in the east side of the city, which looks like a lady laying down when watched from a place called Nallampalli. The sunrise from behind this hill is the most beautiful moment in every morning.
 * There is a hill series in the east side of the city, which looks like a lady laying down when watched from a place called Nallampalli. The sunrise from behind this hill is the most beautiful moment in every morning.
 * There is a hill series in the east side of the city, which looks like a lady laying down when watched from a place called Nallampalli. The sunrise from behind this hill is the most beautiful moment in every morning.
 * There is a hill series in the east side of the city, which looks like a lady laying down when watched from a place called Nallampalli. The sunrise from behind this hill is the most beautiful moment in every morning.

Eat
Dharmapuri city/town is famous for mango. You can get more than 50 variety of mangoes in the market.

Every one should try out the tasty and spicy roadside foods, especially the food item called Paniyaram is famous here.

Roadside

 * Paniyaaram in sumathi paniyara kadai (push and pull cart) infront of / near 'chathiram' in devangar street.
 * Milagaai vadai (with isolated taste, in push and pull cart) near 'chathiram' in devangar street.

Inside

 * Le Kings (multicuisine restaurant), Senthil Nagar, Adiyaman road.
 * Big Chick (burgers & lollipops), opposite GDMC (Medical college), Adiyaman High road.
 * Meat & Eat (burgers & lollipops), near Naturals Beauty, Adiyaman High Road.
 * Big Chick (burgers & lollipops), opposite GDMC (Medical college), Adiyaman High road.
 * Meat & Eat (burgers & lollipops), near Naturals Beauty, Adiyaman High Road.

Sleep

 * Adhyiaman palace (3 star), Nethaji bypass road near Four Roads Junction.
 * DNV residency (3 star), Dharmapuri-Bengaluru highway, opposite VVIT.
 * Hotel Rama Boarding (3 star), Adiyaman high road, opposite Malabar Gold & Diamonds, near GDMC-Dharmapuri.
 * DNC Vijay Lodge, Four Roads Junction.
 * Dharmapuri Lodge, Nethaji bypass road, near the light eye hospital.
 * Rasi Comforts (3 star), Salem highway, thadangam flyover.

Go next

 * Chamarajanagar
 * Kolar
 * Bangalore
 * Salem
 * Coimbatore

title: Dharmapuri (Tamil Nadu)


text:
Dhenkanal

Dhenkanal is a town in the central region of Odisha (formerly Orissa).

title: Dhenkanal


text:
Dhërmi

Dhërmi is a village in Himarë Municipality in the Albanian Riviera part of Coastal Albania.

By plane
Tirana International Airport and then take the buses south towards Sarandë and Himara. Or first you go to Corfu, take the boat to Sarandë (in the morning or in the afternoon), then with the bus to Dhërmi, (in the afternoon 14:00).

By boat
From Corfu to Sarandë (all year) or Himara (in summer), then take the bus to Dhërmi. Or from Italy Bari, Brindisi to Vlorë and Durrës, than take the bus in the direction to Sarandë or Himara.

By bus
You can also travel from Tirana to Dhërmi by RivieraBus. Online seat reservation, payments by credit card, free Wi-Fi and drinks on board and a stable timetable. Fixed price €40 to any destination - Durres, Vlora, Dhërmi, Jale, Himara, Borsh, Sarandë.
 * From Tirana take the bus directly to Dhërmi every midday, at the bus station for south.
 * Buses run erratically between Vlorë and Sarandë. They are cheap and also stop at the national park just south of Vlorë which has several restaurants. The road is excellent over the top of the mountain pass as you head south to Sarandë.

By thumb
While travelling along the Albanian Riviera, many folks are willing to give you a ride to your next beach town. A small donation at the end (200-400 lek) is a nice gesture and much appreciated by locals.

On foot
There is a marked hiking trail along the coast, e.g. from/to Himarë, walking time approximately 6h.

By bicycle
EuroVelo cycling routes 8 (EV8) passes through Dhërmi.

Get around
You can walk around in Dhërmi as the distances are not that long, or you can take a taxi if needed. Don't forget to settle the price before you enter the taxi. As of September 2014, a taxi ride from Drymades Beach to the top of coastal road costs 750 lek. A quite pricey less than 10-minute car ride!

See

 * beaches of Shkambo, Jaliskari, Perivoli.
 * the harbor of Gjipe
 * the old village of Dhërmi, walk around the old narrow stone paths.
 * old churches
 * the water miles on Potami river
 * the olive miles at Gjikopulli house
 * Vreto and Kumi Kulla (castel-house).
 * the water miles on Potami river
 * the olive miles at Gjikopulli house
 * Vreto and Kumi Kulla (castel-house).

Do

 * Renting a speed boat and visiting the Gjipe Bay. Take a walk up the Gjipe Canyon, around 4 km, to the waterfall of Petasma that is 75 m high.
 * Do not forget to spend some hours at Perivoli Beach; you'll have about 3 km of beach all for yourself.

Buy
Do not forget to buy olive oil (€4 per litre) and honey (€8 per litre) while you are in Dhërmi, it's the best you can find in Albania and one of the best in the Balkans.

The oil is very virgin and usually home-made. Also don't forget to get some figs - Albania is the world's 13th largest producer of figs. In some parts of Dhërmi, there are bananas. They aren't usually fully developed, but feel free to enjoy the only bananas grown in Europe! Lemons and oranges are also very popular, and pretty nice. Just feel free to stretch your hand, take an orange from the tree, peel the skin off and eat it.

Eat
In general eating in a restaurant in Dhërmi (there are various kinds of places serving the likes of pizza, fish, traditional Albanian, Italian or Greek cuisine) will cost you around €10 per meal. There are some really good fast foods where you will spend less than €4 per person including the drink.

Since the tourist seasons ends abruptly in August, visitors should expect very few restaurant options available in the Drymades Beach area beginning September 1st each year. The few restaurants that are available will typically have a limited menu based on what food they still have in the kitchen.

Piratet is a very nice option if you want to enjoy fresh seafood near the beach.

Drink
You have two places to go out at night, Havana Beach Bar one of the first beach bars since 2001 at Dhërmi Beach and Palase, and Cafe del Mare Pub, the best choices on the Ionian Coast, well known amongst Albanians. In fact, Havana Beach Bar is so popular that in summer, most of the Albanian young members of the government, singers, models, and Big Brother stars go there.

From Panorama you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of Dhërmi during the day and the night.

Dhërmi is full of nice modern cafes and bars, a coffee costs around €0.50  cents, and a cola around €1, a beer around €1-2, and a drink €2-4. But be careful when family shopping because buying in the centre of Dhërmi is far more expensive than buying in the village, where old women sell what they grow on their balconies - usually called "veranda" in Albanian.

Sleep
It will not be difficult to find a place to sleep, unless you visit Dhërmi in August, in this month you need to book in advance or the only choice will be the camp sites.

There are hotels at Dhërmi, and also several resorts a few kilometres to the South West in Drymades Beach. To reach this, take the right fork in the SH8 road as you are going down towards Dhërmi and follow the rough track past some farms. Resorts have some expensive chalets, but if you go off-season in May, June, September, the weather is still great and the prices are low. Altea Beach Lodges can be a good choice during the off-season since it's cheap and the restaurant is open, although the menu might be limited. During July-August every hotel/resort will be expensive. Additionally you can pitch a tent down the beach a few hundred yards and use their bar and restaurant.

If you get a room in the village it will not cost you less than ,€20, but if you rent one near the beach it will cost you for €20 up to €40, depending on the location and high season. If you search you will find some rooms for 4 persons up to €5 per person a night.

Also there are some camping sites available costing €4 per person.

You can camp on the beach or under the orange tree near the beach as it is not forbidden to camp around the place.

Go next

 * Tirana can be reached by bus on a somewhat gruelling 5½-hour bus trip through the Llogara Pass.
 * Himarë
 * Llogara
 * Orikum

title: Dhërmi


text:
Dhivehi phrasebook

Dhivehi (ދިވެހ Divehi) is the official language of the Maldives. A dialect of it is also spoken on Minicoy in the Lakshadweep islands of India, where it is known as Mahal (މަހަލް महल्) or Mahl.

Pronunciation guide
Dhivehi romanization is somewhat inconsistent. This phrasebook uses the Malé (Nasiri) Latin standard used in the Maldives, with SAMT (Indic) spellings in parentheses when different.

Vowels
Vowels in Thaana script is written using diacritics. Vowels are displayed with an alifu ( އ ) carrier

Consonants
There are 24 consonants in Thaana script with additional 13 consonants used to transliterate Arabic words and 1 consonant which is used to transliterate English words with voiced palato-alveolar fricative (ʒ) sound. Making it altogether 38 consonants. The letter alifu has no sound value of its own and is used for three different purposes: It can act as a carrier for a vowel with no preceding consonant, that is, a word-initial vowel or the second part of a diphthong; when it carries a sukun, it indicates gemination (lengthening) of the following consonant; and if alifu+sukun occurs at the end of a word, it indicates that the word ends in /eh/. Gemination of nasals, however, is indicated by nūnu+sukun preceding the nasal to be geminated.

Common Diphthongs
Diphthongs are displayed with an alifu ( އ ) carrier

Basics
In Dhivehi, we usually tend to leave out subjects such as I, you and me. The sentence remains and means the same with or without said subject.
 * Hello (formal): assalaamu alaikum (އައްސަލާމު ޢަލައިކުމް)
 * Hello (informal): maruhabaa (މަރުޙަބާ) (can also mean welcome)
 * How are you?: haalu kihineh? (ހާލުކިހިނެއް؟)
 * How are you? (informal): kihineh? (ކިހިނެއް؟)
 * Fine, thank you: ran'galhu, shukuriyyaa. (ޝުކުރިއްޔާ)
 * What is your name?: kon nameh kiyanee? (ކޮން ނަމެއް ކިޔަނީ؟)
 * My name is ______: aharenge namakee ______. ( ._____އަހަރެންގެ ނަމަކީ)
 * Nice to meet you: Baddhalu vee thee varah ufaavejje. (ބައްދަލުވީތީ ވަރަށް އުފާވެއްޖެ)
 * Please (adverb): Aadheys koffa (އާދޭސް ކޮށްފަ)
 * Thank you: shukuriyyaa (ޝުކުރިއްޔާ)
 * You're welcome: maruhabaa (މަރުޙަބާ)
 * Yes: Aan (ްއާނ):polite: labba (ލައްބަ) or aadhe (އާދެ)
 * No: Noon (ނޫން)
 * Excuse me (getting attention): Ma'aaf kurey (މަޢާފް ކުރޭ)
 * Excuse me (begging pardon): Ma'aaf kurey (މަޢާފް ކުރޭ)
 * I'm sorry: Ma'aaf kurey (މަޢާފް ކުރޭ)
 * Goodbye: vakivelan (ވަކިވެލަން)
 * Goodbye (informal): dhanee (ދަނީ)
 * I can't speak Dhivehi [well]: Mashakah [rangalhah] dhivehin vaahaka eh nudhekkayne ( މަށަކަށް [ރަނގަޅަށް] ދިވެހިން ވާހަކައެއް ނުދެއްކޭނެ) : If you are talking to a stranger, or someone of higher status than you, rather than "mashakah", use "alhugandakah". It is the more formal way of referring to "I".: You may also leave out the word "mashakah" completely.
 * Do you speak English?: Kaley ingireysin vaahaka dhakkantha? (ކަލޭ އިނގިރޭސިން ވާހަކަ ދައްކަންތަ؟): "kaley", meaning you, is very informal and not commonly used when talking to strangers and people of higher standing. Rather, when speaking to strangers, we completely omit the word. With people of higher stadning, we use "thibeyfulhaa" (ތިބޭފުޅާ)
 * Is there someone here who speaks English?: mithaa ingireysin vaahaka dhakkan ingey meehaku eba huri tha? (މިތާ އިންގިރޭސިން ވާހަކަ ދައްކަން އިންގޭ މީހަކު އެބަ ހުރި ތަ؟)
 * Help!: Eheevedhee! (!އެހީވެދީ)
 * Look out!: Balaa bala! (!ބަލާބަލަ)
 * Good morning.: Baajjaveri hendhuneh. (ބާއްޖަވެރި ހެނދުނެއް)
 * Good evening.: Baajjaveri haveereh. (ބާއްޖަވެރި ހަވީރެއް)
 * Good night.: Baajaveri regadeh. (ބާއްޖަވެރި ރޭގަނޑެއް)
 * Good night (to sleep): Ufaaveri nidhumeh. (އުފާވެރި ނިދުމެއް)
 * I don't understand.: Ahannakah neyn'gunu. (އަހަންނަކަށް ނޭނގުނު)
 * Where is the toilet?: Faakhanaa kobaithoa? (ފާޚާނަ ކޮބައިތޯ؟)

Questions

 * where? : konthaaku? (ކޮންތާކު؟)
 * why? : keevve? (ކީއްވެ؟)
 * who? : kaaku? (ކާކު؟)
 * what? : koan'cheh? (ކޯންެޗެއް؟)
 * there : ethaa (އެތާ)
 * here : mithaa (މިތާ)
 * this : mi (މި)
 * that : e (އެ)

Problems

 * Leave me alone. :aharen ekani dhookollaa . (aharen ekani haalah dhookollaa)
 * Don't touch me! :aharen gaiga aiy nulaa (އަހަރެން ގައިގަ އަތްނުލާ)
 * I'll call the police. : aharen fuluhun nah gulhaanan. (...)
 * Police! : sifain! (fuluhun)
 * Stop! Thief! : huttuvaa! vageh! (...)
 * I need your help. : ahanah thibaage eheetheri kan beynun. (...)
 * It's an emergency. : mee kulli haalatheh. (...)
 * I'm lost. : aharen miulhenee gelligen. (...)
 * I lost my bag. : aharen ge dhabas gelije. (...)
 * I lost my wallet. : aharenge laari dhabas gellije. (...)
 * I'm sick. : aharen miulhenee balive. (...)
 * I've been injured. : aharennah haanika vejje . (...)
 * I need a doctor. : aharen doctareh beynun. (...)
 * Can I use your phone? : ahannah thi phoanu beynun kollevi dhaane tha? (...)

Numbers

 * 1 : one (Ekeh)
 * 2 : two (Dheyeh)
 * 3 : three (Thineh)
 * 4 : four (Hathareh)
 * 5 : five (Faheh)
 * 6 : six (Hayeh)
 * 7 : seven (Hatheh)
 * 8 : eight (Asheh)
 * 9 : nine (Nuvaeh)
 * 10 : ten (Dhihaeh)
 * 11 : eleven (Egaara)
 * 12 : twelve (Baara)
 * 13 : thirteen (Theyra)
 * 14 : fourteen (Saadha)
 * 15 : fifteen (Fanara)
 * 16 : sixteen (Soalha)
 * 17 : seventeen (Sathaara)
 * 18 : eighteen (Ashaara)
 * 19 : nineteen (Navaara)
 * 20 : twenty (Vihi)
 * 21 : twenty one (Ekaavees)
 * 22 : twenty two (Baavees)
 * 23 : twenty three (Theyvees)
 * 30 : thirty (Thirees)
 * 40 : forty (Saalhees)
 * 50 : fifty (Fansaas)
 * 60 : sixty (Fasdholhos)
 * 70 : seventy (Haiyydhiha)
 * 80 : eighty (Addiha)
 * 90 : ninety (Nuvadhiha)
 * 100 : one hundred (Satheyka)
 * 200 : two hundred (Dhuisaththa)
 * 300 : three hundred (Thin Satheyka)
 * 1000 : one thousand (Enhaas')
 * 2000 : two thousand (Dhehaas)
 * 1,000,000 : one million (Ehmilian)
 * 1,00,000 : one hundred thousand (Eh lakka)
 * 1,000,000,000 : one thousand million in UK, one billion in USA
 * 1,000,000,000,000 : one billion in UK, one trillion in USA
 * number _____ (train, bus, etc.) : number _____ (...)
 * half : ehbai / Dhebai kulhah ehbai
 * less : madhu
 * more : gina

Time

 * What time is it? : Gadin kihaa vareh?

 * now : mihaaru [މިހާރު]
 * later : fahun [ފަހުން]
 * before : kurin [ކުރިން]
 * morning : hendhunu [ހެންދުނު]
 * afternoon : mendhuru [މެންދުރު]
 * evening : haveeru [ހަވީރު]
 * night : reygandu [ރޭގަންޑު]

midnight
dhanvaru [ދަންވަރު]

Clock time

 * (it is) one o'clock AM: dhanvaru ekeh jahaifi
 * (it is) two o'clock AM: dhanvaru dheyh jahaifi
 * noon : mendhuru
 * one o'clock PM : mendhuru ekeh jahaifi / mendhurun amburaa ekeh jahaifi
 * two o'clock PM : mendhuru dehyh jahaifi / mendhurun amburaa dheyeh jahaifi
 * midnight : mendhan / dhanvaru (މެންދަން / ދަންވަރު)

Duration

 * _____ minute(s) : _____ minetu (...)
 * _____ hour(s) : _____ gadi-iru
 * _____ day(s) : _____ dhuvas
 * _____ week(s) : _____ hafthaa
 * _____ month(s) : _____ mas
 * _____ year(s) : _____ aharu

Days

 * today : miadhu (މިއަދު)
 * yesterday : iyye (އިއްޔެ)
 * day before yesterday : iyye noon kuree dhuvas
 * tomorrow : maadhan
 * day after tomorrow : maadhan noon aneh dhuvas
 * this week : mi hafthaa
 * last week : midhiya hafthaa
 * next week : anna hafthaa

 * Sunday : aadhittha dhuvas ( އާދިއްތަ ދުވަސް)
 * Monday : hoama dhuvas (ހޯމަ ދުވަސް)
 * Tuesday : angaara dhuvas (އަންގާރަ ދުވަސް)
 * Wednesday : budha dhuvas (ބުދަ ދުވަސް)
 * Thursday : buraasfathi dhuvas (ބުރާސްފަތި ދުވަސް)
 * Friday : hukuru dhuvas (ހުކުރު ދުވަސް)
 * Saturday : honihiru dhuvas (ހޮނިހިރު ދުވަސް)

Months

 * January : Janavaree (...)
 * February : Feburuvaree (...)
 * March : Maarichu (...)
 * April : Epreel (...)
 * May : Mey (...)
 * June : Joon (...)
 * July : Julai (...)
 * August : Ogastu (...)
 * September : Septembaru (...)
 * October : Oktoobaru (...)
 * November : Novembaru (...)
 * December : Disembaru (...)

Writing time and date
Give some examples how to write clock times and dates if it differs from English.

Colors

 * black : (kalhu)
 * white : (hudhu)
 * gray / silver: (alhi/rihi)
 * red : (raiy)
 * blue : (noo)
 * yellow : (reendhoo)
 * green : (fehi)
 * orange : (niyadhuru/ naaringu)
 * purple : (dhambu)
 * brown : (garagui/ mushi)

Transportation

 * How much is a ticket to _____? : _____ ah ticket eh kihaavara kah? (...)
 * One ticket to _____, please. :  _____ ah ticket eh, please. (...)
 * Where does this go? : meethi dhany kon thaakah? (...)
 * Where is the boat to _____? : ______ ah dhaa boatu kobaa? (...)
 * Does this boat stop in _____? : _____ah mi boat hutaa tha? (...)
 * What time are we leaving? : Aharemen dhanee kon irakun? (...)
 * How long does it take? : Kihaa ireh nagaanee? (...)

Directions

 * How do I get to _____ ? : kehene aharen _____ ah dhanee? (...)
 * ...the airport? : ...airport ah / vaige bandharah? (...)
 * ...downtown? : ...rashuthere ah? (...)
 * ...the youth hostel? : ...zuvaanunge marukazah? (...)
 * ...the _____ hotel? : ..._____ hotalah? (...)
 * ...the American/Canadian/Australian/British consulate? : ...the American/Canadian/Australian/British consulate? (...)
 * Where are there a lot of ______? : konthaaku hunnaanee emme gina _______ ? / emme gina ______ hunnaanee kon thaaku? (...)
 * ...hotels? : ...hotaa? (...)
 * ...restaurants? : ...restaurants? (...)
 * ...bars? : ...bars? (...)
 * ...sites to see? : ...balaane thanthan? (...)
 * Can you show me on the map? : mi chaatun aharen dhakaba? (...)
 * street : magu
 * Turn left. : vaathah eburey / vaathah alhaa
 * Turn right. : kanaathah eburey / kanaathah alhaa
 * left : vaaiy
 * right : kanaaiy
 * straight ahead : kuri ah / huri gothah
 * towards the _____dhimaalah _____ (...)
 * past the _____ : _____ dhookohffa (...)
 * before the _____ : kuri mathinn _____ (...)
 * Watch for the _____. : ethanah balamun / _____ ah balamun
 * intersection : gulheythan / bedheythan / dhimaavaathan (...)
 * north : Uthuru (...)
 * south : Dhekunu (...)
 * east : irumathi (...)
 * west : hulhangu (...)

Taxi

 * Taxi! : Teksee! (...)
 * Take me to _____, please. : aharen gengos faanan tha _____, please. (...)
 * How much does it cost to get to _____? :ethanah dhaan kihaavareh nagaa tha _____?
 * Take me there, please. : ethanah gengos dheefanan tha?

Lodging

 * Do you have any rooms available? : Evves kotarieh liben ebahuri tha? (...)
 * How much is a room for one person/two people? : ekakah/ dhemeehunah kotari huree kihaavarkah tha?/ kotari kuli kihaavarakah
 * Does the room come with _____ : _____ Kotariaai eku veytha? (...)
 * ...bedsheets? : Edhu fothigan'du? (...)
 * ...a bathroom? : Faahaanaa? (...)
 * ...a telephone? : Foanu? (...)
 * ...a TV? : TV ? (...)
 * May I see the room first? : Furathama ahannah kotari balaa levidhaanetha? (...)
 * Do you have anything quieter? : Miah vure hama himeyn thaneh neiytha? (...)
 * ...bigger? : Bodu? (...)
 * ...cleaner? : Saafu thaahiru? (...)
 * ...cheaper? : Agu heyo? (...)
 * OK, I'll take it. : Massala eh ney, aharen mikotari nagaanan. (...)
 * I will stay for _____ night(s). : Aharen hunnaanee _____ rey vandhen. (...)
 * Can you suggest another hotel? : ahannah ehen hotaleh bunedheefaanantha? (...)
 * Do you have a safe? : Thijooree eh hureytha? (...)
 * ...lockers? : ...lockers? (...)
 * Is breakfast/supper included? : Hedhunuge naasthaa/reygadu keumaai ekkohtha? (...)
 * What time is breakfast/supper? : Kaa gadi thakakee kobaa? (...)
 * Please clean my room. : Kotari saafukoh dhevvaa. (...)
 * Can you wake me at _____? : ahannah govaa dheefaanantha _____ iru? (...)
 * I want to check out. : Aharen mithanun dhaan beynun (...)

Money

 * Do you accept American/Australian/Canadian dollars? : Kaley, Amerikaa/Australia/Kenedaa ge dollaru gaboolu kurantha? (...)
 * Do you accept British pounds? : Kaley, In'gireysi Pound gaboolu kurantha? (...)
 * Do you accept credit cards? : Kaley, credit card gaboolu kurantha? (...)
 * Can you change money for me? : Kaley ahannah faisaa maarukoh dheefaanantha? (...)
 * Where can I get money changed? : Konthaakun, aharen faisaa maarukuraanee? (...)
 * Can you change a traveler's check for me? : Kaley, ahannah Travellers chequeh maarukoh dheefaanantha? (...)
 * Where can I get a traveler's check changed? : Konthaakun, Aharen Travellers chequeh maaru kuraanee? (...)
 * What is the exchange rate? : Faisaa maaru kuraa reytakee kobaa? (...)
 * Where is an automatic teller machine (ATM)? : Kobaa faisaa nagaa mashinu(ATM)? (...)

Eating

 * A table for one person/two people, please. : A table for one person/two people, please. (...)
 * Can I look at the menu, please? : Ahannah menu balaalevidhaanetha? (...)
 * Can I look in the kitchen? : Badhige there balaalevidhaanetha? (...)
 * Is there a house specialty? : Mithanuge khaassa keumeh veytha? (...)
 * Is there a local specialty? : Is there a local specialty? (...)
 * I'm a vegetarian. : Ahannakee mas nukaa meeheh. (...)
 * I don't eat pork. : Aharen ooru maheh nukan. (...)
 * I don't eat beef. : Aharen geri maheh nukan. (...)
 * I only eat kosher food. : Aharen hama ekani kanee kosher (Yahoodhee keumeh) kaanaa. (...)
 * Can you make it "lite", please? (less oil/butter/lard) : Can you make it "lite", please? (...)
 * fixed-price meal : fixed-price meal (...)
 * a la carte : a la carte (...)
 * breakfast : Hedhunuge naasthaa (...)
 * lunch : Mendhuru keun (...)
 * tea (meal) : Sai (keun) (...)
 * supper : supper (...)
 * I want _____. : Aharen beynun _____. (...)
 * I want a dish containing _____. : I want a dish containing _____. (...)
 * chicken : Kukulhumas (...)
 * beef : Gerimas(...)
 * fish : Mas (...)
 * ham : ham (...)
 * sausage : soseju (...)
 * cheese : cheese (...)
 * eggs : Kukulhu Bis (...)
 * salad : Satani (...)
 * (fresh) vegetables : (Thaazaa) Tharukaaree (...)
 * (fresh) fruit : (Thaazaa) Meyvaa (...)
 * bread : Paan (...)
 * toast : toast (...)
 * noodles : noodulus (...)
 * rice : Baiy (...)
 * beans : Tholhi (...)
 * May I have a glass of _____? : Ahanna ______ thatteh libidhaane tha? (...)
 * May I have a cup of _____? : Ahanna _____ thatteh libidhaane tha? (...)
 * May I have a bottle of _____? : Ahanna _____ fulhi eh libidhaane tha? (...)
 * coffee : coffee (...)
 * tea (drink) : Sai (Buin) (...)
 * juice : Joos (...)
 * (bubbly) water : Fen (...)
 * water : Fen (...)
 * beer : beer (...)
 * red/white wine : red/white wine (...)
 * May I have some _____? : _____ libidhaanetha? (...)
 * salt : Lonu (...)
 * black pepper : Aseymirus (...)
 * butter : bataru (...)
 * Excuse me, waiter? (getting attention of server): Excuse me, waiter? (...)
 * I'm finished. : Aharen nimmijje. (...)
 * It was delicious. : Varah meeru. (...)
 * Please clear the plates. : Thashi thah nagaa dheebala. (...)
 * The check, please. : Check génes dheebal. (...)

Bars

 * Do you serve alcohol? : Mithaaga raa vihkan tha? (...)
 * Is there table service? : Is there table service? (...)
 * A beer/two beers, please. : Biareh/dhe Biaru, libidhaanetha. (...)
 * A glass of red/white wine, please. : A glass of red/white wine, please. (...)
 * A pint, please. : eh pint. (...)
 * A bottle, please. : eh fulhi please. (...)
 * _____ (hard liquor) and _____ (mixer), please. : _____ and _____, please. (...)
 * whiskey : whiskey (...)
 * vodka : voduka (...)
 * rum : rum (...)
 * water : fenn (...)
 * club soda : club soda (...)
 * tonic water : tonic water (...)
 * orange juice : orange juice (...)
 * Coke (soda) : Coke (...)
 * Do you have any bar snacks? : Do you have any bar snacks? (...)
 * One more, please. : One more, please. (...)
 * Another round, please. : Another round, please. (...)
 * When is closing time? : bandhu kuranee konirakun? (...)
 * Cheers! : Cheers! (...)

Shopping

 * Do you have this in my size? : Meetheege aharenge sizuge ebahuritha?(...)
 * How much is this? : Meege agu kihaavareh? (...)
 * That's too expensive. :Thi maa agu bodu! (...)
 * Would you take _____? : "Nangavaa nantha ........?  "nagaanantha" (...)
 * expensive :Agu bodu (...)
 * cheap :Agu heyo (...)
 * I can't afford it. : Aharen athaku neiy thi ganna varakah rufiyaleh(...)
 * I don't want it. :Aharen thiyeh beynumeh nun (...)
 * You're cheating me. : Kaley Ahannah olhuvaalaneetha? (...)
 * I'm not interested. :Aharenge shauguveri kameh neiy (..)
 * OK, I'll take it. : Massalaeh ney aharen thi gendhaanan (...)
 * Can I have a bag? : Kothalheh libidhaanetha? (...)
 * Do you ship (overseas)? :Ehen Gaumuthakah kan;du magun fonuvaa dhentha? (...)
 * I need... :Aharen beynun (...)
 * ...toothpaste. : Dhaiy ugulhaa beys. (...)
 * ...a toothbrush. : Dhaiy ugulhaa burus. (...)
 * ...tampons. : ...tampons. (...)
 * ...soap. : Saiboani. (...)
 * ...shampoo. : ...shampoo. (...)
 * ...pain reliever. (e.g., aspirin or ibuprofen) : Thadhu kan'duvaa beys. (...)
 * ...cold medicine. : Aridhafuhuge beys. (...)
 * ...stomach medicine. : Badah thadhuvaathee kaa beys. (...)
 * ...a razor. : ...Reyzaru. (...)
 * ...an umbrella. : Kuda. (...)
 * ...sunblock lotion. : Avi bahdhaa loashan. (...)
 * ...a postcard. : ...Postcardeh. (...)
 * ...postage stamps. : isteympu. (...)
 * ...batteries. : Beteri. (...)
 * ...writing paper. : Liyaa karudhaas. (...)
 * ...a pen. : Galameh. (...)
 * ...English-language books. : In'gireysi foythah. (...)
 * ...English-language magazines. : In'gireysi Majallaathah. (...)
 * ...an English-language newspaper. : ...In'gireysi nooheh. (...)
 * ...an English-English dictionary. : ...In'gireysi basfotheh. (...)

Driving

 * I want to rent a car. : Aharen beynun vanee Kaareh kuyyah hifan(...)
 * Can I get insurance? : Insurance kurevidhaanetha?(...)
 * stop (on a street sign) : Huttey (...)
 * one way : Eh kolhah dhuvvaa mageh (...)
 * yield : yield (...)
 * no parking : Park kurun manaa (...)
 * speed limit : speed limit (...)
 * gas (petrol) station : gas station (...)
 * petrol : petrol (...)
 * diesel : diesel (...)

Authority

 * I haven't done anything wrong. : Alhugandu kusheh nukuran. (...)
 * It was a misunderstanding. : Thee olhumeh. (...)
 * Where are you taking me? : Alhugandu kon thaakah thigendhanee? (...)
 * Am I under arrest? : Aharen mihiree hahyarukohfa tha? (...)
 * I am a or (an) Maldivian/Iraqi/Pakistani/Saudi Arabian citizen. : I am an Maldivian/Iraqi/Pakistani/Saudi Arabian citizen. (Ahannakee dhivehiraahjege /iraquge/pakistaanuge/saudi arabiyaage Raiyyitheh...)
 * I want to talk to the American/Australian/British/Canadian embassy/consulate. : I need to talk to the American/Australian/British/Canadian embassy/consulate. (...)
 * I want to talk to a lawyer. : I want to talk to a lawyer. (Aharen Qaanoonee Vakeelakaa vaahaka dhakkan beynun)
 * Can I just pay a fine now? : Can I just pay a fine now? (Aharennah Joorimanaa akun mikan ninmidhaanetha...)

Learning more
This is where you'd give more information on learning the language, such as links to online courses or textbooks, or suggestions for in-person courses to take, or pointers to a dictionary or two.

 * How do you say _____ ? : Kihineh bunaanee _____ ? (...)
 * What is this/that called? : miah/eah kiyany keekay? (...)

Learning more

 * English-Dhivehi-English Dictionary (PDF, 157 pages)

title: Dhivehi phrasebook


text:
Dhofar

Dhofar (Arabic: ظفار — pronounced Zufar) is the southernmost region of Oman. It is best known for being one of the main producers of aromatic frankincense, both historically and in modern times.

Understand
Dhofar is a rugged, sparsely-inhabited region encompassing both extremely arid desert and verdantly tropical wadis. The Dhofar Mountains run parallel to the coastline and attract the khareef (southwest monsoon) from the Indian Ocean, resulting in cool, wet summers from June to September and transforming the landscape into a verdant paradise. The rains do not cross the mountains, though – travel just a short distance to the northwest and you could easily die of thirst. Dhofar also occupies part of the Rub al Khali (Empty Quarter), that vast, uninhabited sea of sand which covers a large part of the southern Arabian peninsula.

The Dhofari population is comprised of several distinct ethnic groups. These include the nomadic Badawi (Bedu) who live in the interior deserts, the Jebali (Jiballi) who live in the coastal mountains, and the Hadhari, who live along the coasts and in larger settlements. The Jebali tribes share many cultural and linguistic traits with tribes in Ethiopia and Eritrea, and most still herd cattle, camels and goats in the same districts as they have for generations. Omanis of African descent also make up a percentage of the population; most immigrated from Zanzibar when it was once part of Oman's maritime empire.

Dhofar has not always been united with nor had good relations with northern Oman, the most recent conflict being the Dhofar Rebellion (1962-1976). The defeat of the rebels in 1976 was partly accomplished through radical reform and modernization of the Omani state, which has subsequently led to much improved relations between the two regions.

Read

 * Wilfred Thesiger, Arabian Sands. First published in 1959 and considered to be a classic of travel literature, the book documents the author's travels across the Rub al Khali (Empty Quarter) in 1945 and 1950, with the assistance of local tribesmen.
 * Ian Gardiner, In the Service of the Sultan: A First Hand Account of the Dhofar Insurgency. An intelligent, gripping memoir by a British officer who fought in this little-known war.

Talk
All Dhofaris speak Arabic, and many now also learn English in school. In the mountains you may also hear Jibbali, which refers to a number of different languages related to Amharic (spoken in Ethiopia).

Get in
Most visitors fly to Salalah, which has Dhofar's only commercial airport with service to Muscat, Dubai, Sharjah, Jeddah, and Doha.

For the adventurous it is possible to drive from Muscat to Salalah in about 12 hours. From Nizwa the new Highway 31 heads inland through oil fields and a few small settlements. An alternative coastal route heading south from Sur will become viable in the next couple of years as the final stretch of highway linking Shuwaimiyah and Hasik is completed. There are few petrol stations along either route, so it is advisable to fill up at every opportunity.

Public buses also ply the main highway between Muscat and Salalah; see the Salalah article for details.

Get around
A rental car is necessary to really explore the region. Most areas are now easily accessible with a 2WD, but there are still a handful of sights (e.g. Shisr and some of the more remote wadis and beaches) that require a 4WD, particularly during the khareef.

Salalah to Rakhyut/Dhalkut (near the Yemeni border)
Dhalkut (Dalkut) is the furthest west you can drive, as the border with Yemen is closed. The drive to Dhalkut requires 3-3½ hours each way, making for a long day. For a more leisurely drive, the turn off for Fizayah is a good spot to turn around, or alternatively consider spending the night in Rakhyut.

 * Drive west from Salalah on Highway 47 for 30 km, until reaching Mughsayl (Al Maghsail / Al Mughsail). On the left is a 5 km-long stretch of lovely with shaded picnic facilities. During the khareef the waves often reach 2-3 m in height and the beach is closed; during the winter the water is clear and perfect for body surfing. A little further on there is a turnoff (also on the left) for  with Mughsayl's famous blowholes – best during the khareef, when during high tide water is channeled through small openings in the caverns, creating dramatic jets of water.
 * 1 km after Mughsayl the road begins a dramatic ascent up the mountains, gaining 1,000 m in just 8 switchbacks and providing dramatic views into Wadi Aful. This section of road is sometimes referred to as the.
 * After climbing the switchbacks you will emerge onto an elevated plateau, with wonderful views of the dramatic cliffs lining the coastline. If you are feeling brave and have a 4WD, take the turn-off to (Fazaya) on a 6-km graded track down the cliff face to a fishing camp, with some incredible views and secluded beaches. If you choose to forego this side trip, continue on for just a few minutes for some good picnic spots, all with good views.
 * After about 30 minutes you will reach an . You need to bring your passport in order to go through. 47 km after the army checkpoint turn left at the sign for 'Matinity' and head towards Rakhyut.
 * 15km from the turnoff are some good with great views over the coast.
 * Continue on towards, a small fishing village with a good beach for swimming, as well as and a nearby restaurant.
 * The main road, Highway 47, continues onto a plateau at about 1,000 m above sea level. After about another hour you pass the second army check point.
 * Now the most fascinating part of the road begins. It winds along drop-offs through the mountains and valleys. The lime stone formations are impressive. This is a very beautiful mountain road.
 * When you reach (Dalkut), there are a number of restaurants where you can enjoy a simple lunch. On the beach you can see a wreck of a  half-buried in the sand, and 3 km to the east is an enormous fig tree known as  (the Tree from Far Away).

Salalah to Jabal Samhan
Jabal Samhan (1821 m) is the highest point in Dhofar, and makes for a rewarding day trip with some outstanding views. Hojari, the highest quality frankincense, is produced in this region. In the remote, inaccessible eastern reaches of the mountain range is the Jabal Samhan Nature Reserve, the last wild habitat for Arabian leopards (closed to the public).

 * Begin your journey by taking the road to Tawi Atayr from either Taqah or Mirbat, with a short detour to see and  (described in Taqah), or the  (described in Mirbat).
 * Turn left at the junction in the village of Tawi Atayr, following the signs for Jabal Samhan. After 0.5 km you'll come to a turnoff to the right for (Tawi Atair), an enormous sinkhole with a depth of 211 m and known locally as 'the Well of Birds'. A short paved trail leads from the car park to the rim; if you want to descend further you'll need a guide. The sinkhole once served as a water source for local tribes, and is a good spot for birdwatching.
 * 3.5 km after Tawi Atayr is the turnoff for (Taiq Cave). With an average depth of 800 m this is one of the largest sinkholes in the world and part of a vast karst cave network, not yet fully explored. Along the way are a number of Jiballi roundhouses, originally constructed with branches and grass, but now usually covered with tarps and tires.
 * Continue along the main road; after 20 km you'll come to a turnoff with several excellent (best during the dry season), suitable for camping. The road ends 9 km later.

Salalah to Hasik
For those few travelers venturing east of Salalah beyond Mirbat, the road offers wonderful views, fascinating geology, and ancient ruins. Plan on 3 hours each way.

 * From Salalah, head east on Highway 49 through Taqah and Mirbat.
 * From Mirbat, take the turnoff to the left to (Sadh), another 45 minutes to the east. Sadah is known primarily for fishing and diving for abalone (November-December). 3 km to the east of Sadah is a good beach for picnicking.
 * The road now hugs the rocky coastline until you reach, another tiny fishing village.
 * The last hour and a half of the road to Hasik is simply amazing. The road snakes along cliffs, desert beaches and the blue sea. itself was known in ancient times for the export of frankincense, and there are ruins of the ancient town and harbor nearby. This is a good area for spotting sea turtles and migrating birds.
 * 6 km further east is the seasonal (best during the khareef), with a parking area and public toilets.
 * For more coastline and wadis, continue on towards the fishing village of.

Do

 * Diving. The diving season runs during the dry season, from early October to the end of May. There are a number of good dive sites off of Mirbat, as well as near Mughsayl; the dive centers listed in the Salalah and Mirbat pages offer organized dive trips to these spots. There are also some good dive spots including shipwrecks near the Khuriya Muriya Islands, although as of this writing the only way to get there is to hire a fishing boat.
 * Birdwatching. Dhofar is an important layover spot for migratory birds in the fall and spring, and also a winter habitat for a number of species. The best birdwatching season coincides with the dry season, from October to the end of May.

Eat
Dhofar is well-known for honey, which is harvested several times a year. There are several distinctive seasonal types, the most unusual of which is frankincense honey, harvested in April and available in the souqs.

Stay safe
Always drive cautiously outside of Salalah as visibility can be bad due to fog/mist, particularly during the khareef. Camels and other livestock frequently wander onto roads, so it is advisable to stay within speed limits even if the road is not monitored by radar.

Dehydration and heat exhaustion are risks especially during the dry season. Bring plenty of water, and on extended day trips bring food as well, as outside of the larger towns eating establishments are almost nonexistent.

There are three venomous snakes endemic to Dhofar: the Arabian cobra, found in the mountains; the puff adder, found in dry wadis and on the high plateau; and the saw-scaled viper, found throughout the region, usually near water. When hiking, wear boots, stick to defined pathways, and avoid poking through brush or overturning rocks. Bites are rare, although if you are bitten you should seek medical attention immediately.

title: Dhofar


text:
Dhule

Dhule is a city in North Maharashtra in India.

Get in
The nearest airport is located at Aurangabad from where you can get into Dhule either by road or rail.

title: Dhule


text:
Dhulikhel

Dhulikhel (elevation 1550m) is a town of about 10,000 people on the eastern fringe of the Kathmandu Valley in Nepal. The town lies on the intersection of the Arkino Highway to Tibet (74 km) and the B.P. Highway to the Eastern Terai.

Understand
There are good views of the Himalayas from Dhulikhel, possibly as good as those from Nagarkot, with one important difference: Dhulikhel is a real Newari town and has a village square lined with temples, not just infrastructure to accommodate tourists looking for good views.

Get in

 * Buses from Kathmandu's Ratna Park bus station will take about two hours and cost less than Rs100. These buses pass through Bhaktapur on the way.
 * Taxis from Bhaktapur will likely cost more than Rs1000. Expect to pay at least twice that from Kathmandu.
 * Dhulikhel is on the Kathmandu Valley Cultural Trekking Trail This trail starts in Sundarijal, a short bus or taxi ride from Kathmandu, and continues on to Chisapani (2,150m), 5½ hr and then to Nagarkot (2,163m), 5-7½ hr.  Expect to hike between 4-7 hr between Nagarkot and Dhulikhel.

Get around
Dhulikhel is a small place, easily explored on foot.

Do

 * Hiking - about 6 hr will get you to Namobuddha and back to Dhulikhel. The route starts in the same direction as the walk to the Kali Temple.  The route is well signed.  Once you arrive in Namobuddha, you might want to visit the Tibetan monastery on the hill above the town.

Buy
There is a Nabil Bank ATM in the centre of town at the junction of BP Highway and the Araniko Highway.

There is no place to change currencies in town.

Eat
There are few independent places to eat in town. Most people will choose to eat at their hotel or lodge.

Go next
If you are hiking the Kathmandu Valley Cultural Trekking Trail, you can continue from Dhulikhel to Namo Buddha and from there on to Panauti. The hike to Namobuddha will take approximately 3 hr and an additional 2½-3 hr to reach Panauti. This village has several temples and is considered a particularly sacred spot being at the junction of two rivers as well as a third invisible river, the Padmabati.
 * Namo Buddha is a 3-hr hike from Dhulikhel. The town has a large stupa which is one of the three most important pilgrimage sites for Buddhists in Nepal.  The Thrangu Tashi Yangtse Monastery sits on the hilltop overlooking the town.
 * Panauti
 * Banepa
 * The Arniko Highway can be followed a further 75 km to the Tibet Border, passing the towns of Barabise, Tatopani, and Kodari

title: Dhulikhel


text:
Diamantina

Diamantina is a colonial city in Northern Minas Gerais, Brazil. Its 17th-century streets and buildings are witnesses to the country's diamond and gold digging ages, and its historic center has been listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Get in
Distances from:
 * Belo Horizonte - 297 km (180 mi)
 * Rio de Janeiro - 732 km (450 mi)
 * Brasília - 724 km (450 mi)
 * São Paulo - 881 km (550 mi)

By bus
The bus station (rodoviária) is at Largo Dom João, 134. (38) 3531-9176. There are frequent buses from Belo Horizonte by companies São Geraldo and Pássaro Verde (websites in Portuguese only). There is also one daily arrival from São Paulo.

Do

 * Watch the Vesperatas - open shows of traditional music bands, a large event that takes place on the colonial Quitanda street twice a month (from April to October).

Go next

 * Biribiri - A well preserved if tiny 19th-century industrial village, 15 km from the city.
 * Serro

title: Diamantina


text:
Diamond Bar

Diamond Bar is a city in the San Gabriel Valley of Los Angeles in Southern California.

Get in
Diamond Bar is a suburb of Los Angeles, around 30 miles east of LA downtown. You can take CA-60 East freeway from LA downtown. If you come from Orange County, especially Disneyland, please take CA-57 North freeway. However, both freeways have serious traffic congestion during rush hour.

Get around
The most major roads in Diamond Bar are Diamond Bar Blvd, Golden Springs, Grand Ave, and Prospectors Rd.

Do
Golfing, Frank & Sons Swap Meet, Round 1,

Buy
Diamond Bar is famous for "country style living", not too many shops around. However, you can find Target, a small Walmart, and K-mart in the city.

Eat
Nearly all popular fast food chains have their restaurants in Diamond Bar, e.g. McDonalds, Carl's Jr., KFC, Taco Bell, In-N-Out, Del Taco, Jack-in-the-box, El Pollo Loco. Due to high Asian population in this area (around 40% Asian), Asian restaurants can be easily found. Chinese, Korean, Indian restaurants can be found in this area too. Or you can drive 5 miles west to Rowland Heights, where you can find lots of Chinese and Korean restaurants there.

Drink
Lollicup (see eat section above)

title: Diamond Bar


text:
Diamond Fields

The Diamond Fields (Diamantveld) is in the Northern Cape province of South Africa. It is one of the most important diamond-mining areas on Earth

In 2001, this predominantly mining and agricultural district was renamed "Frances Baard District Municipality", in honor of an ethnic Tswana trade unionist, and organiser for the African National Congress Women's League.

Cities

 * — famous for its Big Hole, the world's largest hand-dug excavation
 * — where the first diamond discovered in South Africa was found
 * — an outdoor activity destination for zip-lining, bridge swing, abseiling, kayaking, hiking
 * — an agricultural and stock farming town
 * — (Griquatown) — best known for the semi-precious stones found here

Other destinations

 * — an archaeological site in Barkly West that has hundreds of thousands of artefacts from its earlier inhabitants- the Thlaping tribe

Understand
In 1866, Erasmus Jacobs found a small brilliant pebble on the banks of the Orange River, near Hopetown, which was his father's farm. He showed the pebble to his father, who sold it. The pebble proved to be a 21.25-carat (4.3 g) diamond, and became known as the Eureka. Three years later, in 1869, an 83.5-carat (16.7 g) diamond, which became known as the Star of South Africa, was found nearby

Esau Damoense, the cook for prospector Fleetwood Rawstorne's "Red Cap Party", found diamonds in 1871 on Colesberg Kopje after he was sent there to dig as punishment. Rawstorne took the news to the nearby diggings of the De Beer brothers; his arrival there sparking off the famous "New Rush" which, as historian Brian Roberts puts it, was practically a stampede. Within a month, 800 claims were cut into the hillock, which were worked frenetically by two to three thousand men. As the land was lowered, so the hillock became a mine – in time, the world-renowned Big Hole, or Kimberley Mine.

From mid-July 1871 to 1914, 50,000 miners dug the hole with picks and shovels, yielding 2,722 kg of diamonds. The Big Hole has a surface of 17 hectares (42 acres) and is 463 metres wide. Beneath the surface, the Kimberley Mine underneath the Big Hole was mined to a depth of 1097 metres. A popular local myth claims that it is the largest hand-dug hole on the world, however Jagersfontein Mine appears to hold that record.

By 1873 Kimberley was the second largest town in South Africa, having an approximate population of 40,000, partly due to a massive African migration to the area from all over the continent. The immigrants were accepted with open arms, because the De Beers company was in search of cheap labour to help run the mines. The mine was closed in 1914, while three of the holes – Dutoitspan, Wesselton and Bultfontein – closed down in 2005.

title: Diamond Fields


text:
Diamond Harbour

A small town on the banks of the Hooghly River, Diamond Harbour is considered to be an ideal destination for weekend tourists and makes a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of nearby Kolkata. Visitors to Sagar Island usually pass through Diamond Harbour. There is a ruined fort here, alleged to date back to Portuguese pirates. A beautiful 18th-century fort is a testimony to history.

This article also covers Noorpur and Raichak, both of which provide views similar to Diamond Harbour. Among which, Raichak is considered a splurge destination.

Get in
Diamond Harbour is about south of Kolkata.

By bus
Regular buses are available from Kolkata. Bus from Esplanade, Dharmatala-Private Bus-SD 18, SD 19, STA

By car
The National Highway 12 (NH 12), also known as Diamond Harbour Road, crosses this town and is probably the best way to get in here from Kolkata or Howrah.

Get around
Van rickshaws, cycle rickshaws, and private buses.

See and do
The town is surrounded by verdant trees and offers views of the river with rows of country boats sailing by.

Sleep
The best address in town to stay for the night is Sagarika Tourist Lodge. About 20 private hotels are also available. Rooms are also available in the PWD Inspection bungalow. Besides, a British fort has been converted into a 5-star resort, which was built in the Anglo-Indian style.

Go next

 * Gadiara
 * Geonkhali
 * Sagar Island

title: Diamond Harbour


text:
Tian Song Pi Agricultural Leisure Area

Tian Song Pi (天送埤 Tiān Sòng Pí) or Dian Song Pi is an agricultural leisure area in Yilan County.

By train/bus
Get off at Luodong Train Station (羅東站). There is a Kuo-Kuang (國光客運) Bus stop in front of the train station about 50 meters to the right. Take the Sanshing and Dian Song Pi route (往天送埤方向) and get off at Dian Song Pi (天送埤站).

By car
Drive along Freeway No.5 from Taipei to Luodong, leaving the freeway at Luodong and connecting to Provincial Highway No.7 to Dian Song Pi. There are direction signs around the roads. It takes about two hours to get there.

By bus
There are two companies providing service from Taipei to Luodong, which are Kamalan (葛瑪蘭客運) and Capital Star Bus (首都客運), and the ticket for one person is around NT$120. There is a Kuo-Kuang Bus (國光客運) stop in front of the train station about 50 m to the right. Take the Sanshing and Dian Son Pi route (往天送埤方向) and get off at Dian Son Pi (天送埤站).

Get around
The best way to get around is taking bus or train to Luodong and then rent a scooter. There are scooter rental shops near the Luodong train station (羅東火車站). Ride Provincial highway No.7 to Dian Song Pi. Do not forget to get a map from the rental shops or visitor information center at Luodong train station.

See

 * Old Dian Song Pi Train Station (天送埤火車站)- Taipingshan used to be a forestry area, and the Dian Song Pi Train Station was the most important intersection of the San-shing area. Nowadays, instead of transporting logs, it has become a tourist attraction.
 * Green Onion Culture Gallery (青蔥文物館)- introduces the cultivation of green onions, and tourists can experience the agricultural lifestyle. The opening hours are 8:30-17:00 weekdays, 9:00-18:00 weekends and without admission fare.
 * Green Onion Culture Gallery (青蔥文物館)- introduces the cultivation of green onions, and tourists can experience the agricultural lifestyle. The opening hours are 8:30-17:00 weekdays, 9:00-18:00 weekends and without admission fare.

Do

 * Hiking– There are many trails for experiencing the natural environment. You can follow the many interpretation signs which provide information on various plants.
 * Bike Trip- There are also routes designed for bikers. Tourists can get information from the tourist center and get around the spots in the area. Most B&Bs provide bikes for their guests.
 * Firefly Watching- Visitors can see fireflies at night from April to June.
 * Rafting- Local residents plan rafting activities in En Nong River during summer time. You can get more information by checking the website of En Nong River Rafting. Make reservation in advance. TEL: (03)989-5566, FAX: (03)989-5576
 * Pear Harvesting (上將梨產業活動)- During July and August, people can experience the process of harvesting pears.

Sleep

 * Mian Nao Leisure Farm (眠腦農場)- They provide rooms with basic equipment. Besides, guests can see 500 Taiwan-native tree species. The list price for one night is NT$2500/suite. Guests can make a reservation by phone (TEL: (03)989-5566).
 * Mian Nao Leisure Farm (眠腦農場)- They provide rooms with basic equipment. Besides, guests can see 500 Taiwan-native tree species. The list price for one night is NT$2500/suite. Guests can make a reservation by phone (TEL: (03)989-5566).

title: Tian Song Pi Agricultural Leisure Area


text:
Dibrugarh

Dibrugarh (Assamese: ডিব্ৰুগড় Ḍibrugaṛ dihb-roo-gawr) is a city in Upper Assam and the main urban centre within the tea growing areas of North-Eastern India. Dibrugarh is also known as the Tea City of India.

By plane

 * Air India, Dimapur, Kolkata.
 * IndiGo, Delhi, Kolkata.
 * Spiecejet, Guwahati, Kolkata.
 * Pawan Hans Helicopter Service, Itanagar, NaharLagun, Pasighat.
 * Pawan Hans Helicopter Service, Itanagar, NaharLagun, Pasighat.

By train
Dibrugarh has two railway stations - the historic Dibrugarh Town station (DBRT), which was the first railway station built in all of Northeast India, and the newly built Dibrugarh station (DBRG).

Dibrugarh is connected by train with New Delhi, Chandigarh, Amritsar, Bangalore, and Chennai, Kanyakumari, Kolkata, New Jalpaiguri, Guwahati, Dimapur, etc. Dibrugarh is the only non-capital city in India to have the Rajdhani Express originating from and terminating in it. Nine Rajdhani Express trains in a week ply from and to the Dibrugarh Town station and one Rajdhani Express train in a week ply from and to the Dibrugarh station.

By bus
Daily bus services are available to Guwahati and Kohima.

By bus
Bus rides are the cheapest mode of transport. There are city buses which covers the whole district. Most of them operate during day time only.

By auto-rickshaw
Auto rickshaws are good for moving around the city on a shoe-string budget.

By motorcycle
Best way to reach Dibrugarh and move around the town is by riding a motorcycle in a group, which is conducted as guided motorcycle tours in the state of Assam and adjoining states.

See

 * Aye Than. A traditional Assamese temple on the banks of the Brahmaputra.
 * Jokai Botanical Garden. A botanical garden run by the Forestry Department of Assam, famous for its flora and fauna.
 * Tilinga Mandir. A temple with many bells, 54 km eastwards from Dibrugarh city centre.
 * Tilinga Mandir. A temple with many bells, 54 km eastwards from Dibrugarh city centre.
 * Tilinga Mandir. A temple with many bells, 54 km eastwards from Dibrugarh city centre.
 * Tilinga Mandir. A temple with many bells, 54 km eastwards from Dibrugarh city centre.
 * Tilinga Mandir. A temple with many bells, 54 km eastwards from Dibrugarh city centre.

Do

 * Brahmaputra River. Sit there and watch the sunset & sunrise.
 * Tea gardens, Enjoy the beauty of Nature going through tea gardens in the city.
 * Dibrugarh Town Protection (DTP) dyke. Enjoy a long walk on DTP dyke along the mighty Brahmaputra river.
 * Tea gardens, Enjoy the beauty of Nature going through tea gardens in the city.
 * Dibrugarh Town Protection (DTP) dyke. Enjoy a long walk on DTP dyke along the mighty Brahmaputra river.

Buy

 * Hongkong Market or Bhutiya market. Local shopping. Wonderful collection of winter clothing, casuals and shoes.

Eat

You will get all varieties of Indian, Chinese, Mughlai, continental and local cuisines in this beautiful town.

Drink
The traditionally made rice beer, called Hanz, is a unique drink in the region. It's brewed by natural fermentation, and a rare sticky rice called bora is used to give a unique sweet taste.

There are few good bar / restaurants available in the town such as; H2O, Little palace, Studio 69. They normally provide both drinks and food.

Sleep
Within the city there are various hotels to suit every pocket.

Go next

 * Arunachal Pradesh, Dibrugarh is the gateway to Arunachal Pradesh. An Innerline permit is necessary to enter.

title: Dibrugarh


text:
Dickinson

Dickinson is a town in Western North Dakota. It has a population of 24,000 people in 2020 census.

Understand
Dickinson is described as the gateway to the Badlands. The town was founded in 1889.

By car

 * Interstate 94 I-94 is a major interstate highway that runs east-west across the state, through the city of Dickinson. Use exits 59, 61 or 64.

By bus

 * Greyhound Bus Line, 2955 Interstate 94 Business Loop E (Tiger Truck Stop)

Get around
As in most smaller towns in North Dakota, travel by car is the most preferred method of travel. Due to the small centers of population spread out over such large distances, public transportation is non-existent.

Car Rental

 * Dollar Car Rental - Dickinson Theodore Roosevelt Regional Airport
 * U-Save Car & Truck Rental - Dickinson, 2151 Interstate 94 Business Loop E

A taxicab service is available seven days a week and augmented by Eldercare, a transportation service for people with medical needs, disabilities, or other medical concerns. Dakota Cab is another taxi option.

Stay safe
Dickinson is a safe city, with little violent crime, however, use common sense especially when it comes to personal property, just as you would anywhere else.

title: Dickinson


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Dickson

 * For the Dickson in Canberra, see Canberra/North Canberra

Dickson is a city in Central Tennessee and can be both parts sleepy and busy far-flung exurb of Nashville.

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Didcot

Didcot is a town in South Oxfordshire, England. If you are a rail enthusiast, you may be interested in Didcot because it is the home of the Didcot Rail Centre (see 'See' below).

Understand
North of the Goring Gap and south of Oxford, Oxfordshire opens out into a broad plain, overlooked from the south and east by the Berkshire Downs and the Chiltern Hills. In the midst of this plain, Didcot once stood out because of its huge coal-fired electricity generating plant, which dominated the skyline. However, it was closed in 2016 and demolished over the next few years. A natural gad-fired plant remains.

Didcot was founded because it lies at the point where the Great Western Railway's line north to Oxford and Birmingham branches off from the main line from London to Bristol and Cardiff. Since then a large military depot, now replaced by a business park, and the power station, have added to the economy.

If the above makes you think that Didcot sounds like an inappropriate destination for a tourist, you would probably be right. However, if you need to stay in Didcot because of business or personal commitments, don't despair, there are plenty of interesting places nearby (see 'Go next' below).

By car
Didcot is north-west of Reading on the A4074/A4130 and  south of Oxford on the A34/A4130.

By air
If arriving by plane, see the Reading article, and then travel on from Reading.

By bicycle

 * The town lies on National Cycle Route 5 running from Reading to Hollyhead.
 * The town lies at the E end of National Cycle Route 544 that connects the town to Wantage
 * The Hanson Way cycle route runs from Abingdon and on to Oxford (a further ) to the N (see Sustrans leaflet for route details).

On foot
The Ridgeway long distance path (running from near Avebury to Ivinghoe Beacon) passes only  S of the town.

Get around
All locations in and around the town are walkable or drivable.

Drink
There is a wide range of take-aways around the town.

Go next

 * For architecture, history and culture, visit Oxford which is 14 miles to the north by car or 15 minutes away by train.
 * For history of the Great Western Railway, including the STEAM Museum specialising in that subject and the former workshop buildings, visit Swindon, 15 minutes by train.
 * For shopping and nightlife, visit Reading which is 20 miles to the south-east by car or 20 minutes by train.
 * For attractive countryside and pretty riverside villages, visit Goring and Streatley, which are 9 miles south-east by car or 11 minutes by train.
 * And London is only 45 minutes away by fast train. If going to London for the day, buy a one-day Travelcard from Didcot Station; this covers the rail journey together with unlimited travel on the tube and buses whilst in London.

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Diekirch

Diekirch is a town of 6,800 people (2018) in Luxembourg, best known for its brewery of the same name and the National Museum of Military History.

By car
Diekirch is located along the N7, which is a continuation of the A7 highway which runs from Luxembourg City and Mersch to the north. The N7 connects to Clervaux and Troisvierges in the north, and Ettelbruck (where it becomes the A7) in the south. When travelling from the banks of the Moselle (anywhere between Schengen and Echternach), travel downstream the Moselle and Sauer via the N10, switching to the N19 in Reisdorf.

By public transit
Diekirch can be reached by train in about 50 minutes from Luxembourg City. There are direct trains every hour (except on Sundays), but usually you'll need to transfer to a shuttle service at Ettelbruck as the is located at an awkward branch from the main line, with it being the only station on the branch.

Busses connect Diekirch to Beaufort, Colmar-Berg, Echternach, Ettelbruck, Grevenmacher, Larochette and Redange.

Get around
Diekirch can be easily covered on foot. The town center with the pedestrian zone Grand-Rue (Groussgaass) is about 1 km away from the train station. The Military Museum is in the Bamerdall just up the hill from the central church towards Fridhaff.

See

Drink
Diekirch has a large brewery building right across the tracks from the train station.

Go next

 * Ettelbruck and Diekirch both border the town of Ingeldorf. Combining your stay with a visit to Ettelbruck is by no means discouraged.
 * Vianden can best be reached via the N17 within half an hour. Its main attraction is the castle of the same name, which without doubt is the best visited tourist attraction of the country.
 * Luxembourg City, the nation's capital, is found at the other end of the A7, which starts just south of Ettelbruck.
 * Using the motorways south of the city (A3 and A4) will end you up in the Land of the Red Rocks, which has a big industrial heritage.

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Dien Bien Phu

Dien Bien Phu (Điện Biên Phủ) is a town of 80,000 people (2018) in northwestern Vietnam. The city is best known for the events which occurred there during the First Indochina War, the Battle of Điện Biên Phủ. Later in the war the region was a breadbasket for the Việt Minh.

Understand
Điện Biên Phủ was the site of a major French defeat in the War of Independence in 1954. The Battle of Điện Biên Phủ was fought between the Việt Minh (led by General Võ Nguyên Giáp), and the French Union (led by General Henri Navarre, successor to General Raoul Salan). The siege of the French garrison lasted 57 days, from 13 March to 7 May 1954.

An important factor was that the defenses had been designed on the assumption that the enemy would not have artillery, but the Vietnamese did. The US had provided the Nationalist Chinese with guns for their civil war against the Chinese Communists, and corrupt generals sold some of those to Vietnamese Communists who dismantled them and hauled the pieces over difficult terrain to Dien Bien Phu.

Giáp's victory ended major French involvement in Indochina and led to the Geneva accords which partitioned Vietnam into a communist North and capitalist South. See Indochina Wars.

By car
National Route 12 connects Điện Biên to Lai Châu.

By bus

 * Numerous buses depart throughout the day from different stations. Decent sleeper buses leave from Hanoi's Mỹ Đình station: the journey takes about 12 hr and costs around 300,000 dong. Another option is to take a bus from Sapa or Lao Cai. There is some beautiful scenery along the way.
 * From Sapa: . ..

 * There is also a bus from Muang Khua, Laos, the journey takes around 3 hr. Another bus that crosses the border links Điện Biên Phủ to the transport hub of Udomxai (Muay Xai).

See
Although of great historical interest to military buffs, there are few, if any, sights as such. It is a useful stop and transport connection on the way to other destinations.

There has been refurbishment of the remains of the French defenses as more tourists are showing interest:

Eat

 * The Him Lam Plaza on Tran Dang Ninh where it meets the river contains a supermarket, a market area with restaurants in the back, and a bar near the river.
 * There are various cheap to moderately priced restaurants on Nguyen Chi Thanh (labeled Muong Thanh on the giant sign where the street ends on both sides).

Sleep

 * Cheap, flophouse-like accommodation can be found across from the bus station at Nguyen Huu Tho/QL12 and Tran Dang Ninh for 100,000 - 200,000 dong. Most of these places have a mix of shared and private bathrooms, cheap restaurants underneath, and enough holes for air and bugs to flow through. Not much English is spoken.
 * A half step up are the guesthouses and hotels on Tran Dang Ninh and the river intersection a few blocks away from the bus station for 200,000 - 250,000 dong. Air conditioning is more common, Wi-Fi less so.
 * There are a variety of hotels and guesthouses on Duong 7-5/AH13/QL 279 near the interaction with A1 hill at Hoang Van Thai and a bit north of that.

Laos
The bus from Điện Biên Phủ to Mheung Khua in Laos leaves daily at 05:30 and costs 100,000 dong. Be sure to get there even earlier and claim a seat although you will likely be sharing your seat with a local, or sitting on a pile of goods piled in the aisle. As a rule, the "bus is never full." Bring water and snacks. It takes about 2 hours to reach the Tay Trang Vietnam exit point, which is fairly straightforward. From the Vietnamese border station it is another 6 km to the Laos border checkpoint.

From there you continue along the now paved road to Muang Khua. Total journey time, including border crossings, is about 3.5 hours. There are guesthouses and a place to exchange money at the top of the road leading from the boat ramp. You can connect to Muang Xay (Oudomxay), 2½ hours. You should consider taking the boat ride down the fairly narrow and very scenic Nam Ou River to Nong Khiaw 200-350k Kip (Nov 2022) depending on the number of people. A stop at Muang Ngoi is advisable, for the beautiful isolated scenery, though for an even more idyllic and isolated village consider stopping 45 minutes earlier at Sop Chem. From Nong Khiaw onwards travel by bus to Luang Prabang 70k kip (Nov 2022) and elsewhere is possible. Departures by boat from Muang Khua depend on whether there are enough people interested in going. Ask at the boat ramp.

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Dieng Plateau

The Dieng Plateau is an upland volcanic plain in Central Java, famous for its scenery and ancient Hindu temples.

Understand
The Dieng Plateau is a caldera complex formed by the ancient eruption of Mount Prau. The caldera was once filled with water and dried up over time. Volcanic activity continues to this day, with sulphuric fumes and poisonous lakes. At an altitude of, it's much cooler than the surrounding lowlands. It is located in the regencies of Wonosobo and Banjarnegara.

History
The ancient Javanese Hindus built temples on the plateau, considering it a sacred place. The word Dieng is from the Sanskrit di (abode) and hyang (gods), and so means Abode of the Gods. Hundreds of temples were built between the 8th and 13th centuries by the Sanjaya dynasty, but only eight are left. They resemble those of Prambanan, but on a smaller scale. Local people refer to the temples according to the characters in ancient Javanese Hindu legends based on the Mahabharata and Ramayana stories.

Landscape
Dieng is growing rich on agriculture. Its cool climate allows carrots, cabbages and potatoes to be grown. But the demand is so strong that farming is moving up onto steeper and steeper slopes, large sheets of plastic swathe the fields to keep down weeds and water pipes snake across the landscape draining the lakes for irrigation.

Climate
Dieng is located at an altitude of ±2,100 meters (6,900 feet) above sea level and is surrounded by mountainous areas. Decorated with plants, bushes and cold air, Dieng is an area with natural scenery that gives a feeling of serenity.

Get in
The only way to get in is overland. The main gateway to the plateau, Wonosobo, can be reached by public bus from Yogyakarta, changing in Magelang. Yogayakarta to Magelang costs Rp15,000. In Magelang, take another bus to Wonosobo. Magelang to Wonosobo takes two hours, and costs Rp14,000. Wonosobo can also be reached from Purwokerto by bus. There are frequent trains from Jakarta to Purwokerto, as well as night buses. There is only one bus direct from Jakarta to Wonosobo, costing Rp75,000.

Get around
A minibus from Wonosobo to the temples costs Rp20,000 and takes an hour.

See
Sightseeing here includes a hot spring, a so-called multi-colored lake, and some impressive scenery from the peaks. The different sights all charge a small entrance fee upon entry. The fresh air, beautiful greenery and quiet make the plateau an enjoyable place to stay.

Temples
The Dieng Temples are a group of 7th-century Hindu temples that are among the oldest surviving religious structures built in Java.

Do

 * Motorbike trips — to geothermal sites and temples can be arranged for about Rp60,000 per person. Sunrise is beautiful from up the mountain.
 * Light trekking — with its hills, fields, and villages offers a chance to explore it on foot. Trekking can be arranged from the nearest local accommodation or losmens. Sikunir and are two popular spots for trekking.

Buy
Carica is a dwarf variety of papaya. Normally sold bottled in sweet syrup.

Drink
Bring your own beer because it is so difficult to find alcoholic drinks in Dieng.

Stay safe
This is an active volcanic region and all visitors are urged to regularly check geological reports.

Go next

 * Banjarnegara
 * Batang
 * Purwokerto - gateway to some great trekking including mighty Mount Slamet.
 * Semarang - the modern-day capital of Central Java and an ancient port city.
 * Yogyakarta - and the far grander temples of Prambanan and Borobudur.
 * Wonosobo

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Dieppe

Dieppe is a town in Normandy on the north coast of France, approximately opposite Brighton on the English coast.

Dieppe has a long and interesting history, having been an important port linking William the Conqueror's English kingdom with his Normandy duchy in the 11th century, and later an important port for smuggling. It endured centuries of conflict right up until 1944. Today, it's an important ferry and fishing port, and a pleasant seaside resort.

Understand
Perhaps because of its drippy-sounding name, Dieppe is unfairly characterised in the British media as a boring and rainy resort, popular only for its ease of access from Newhaven. Well, the town can't do anything about the weather, but there is little truth to the rest of the cliché. Dieppe is in fact the nearest beach resort to Paris, and is lively all year round. It has a fine beach, a good range of activities, several pretty harbours, lots of attractive brick architecture and numerous critically-acclaimed seafood restaurants.

Dieppe is also well-known for a raid on the area during World War II, on the 19th of August 1942, by a predominantly Canadian force. Casualties were heavy and some consider the attack a disaster for the Allies, but others argue that it provided intelligence that was essential in planning the D-Day invasion. Later in the war, as the Allies drove east after D-Day, Canadian troops had the left flank and liberated Dieppe. You will rarely find a French flag flying in Dieppe without a Canadian flag alongside it.

By boat
DFDS Seaways from Newhaven, England carries cars and foot passengers across the English Channel in about 4 hours, with tickets starting from £23 each way on foot, £45 each way with a standard car, or £90 with a private van (Dec 2023). The ferry has a bar, shop, restaurant, and lounge deck.

By train
There are trains to Dieppe from Rouen (50 min, from €5) or Paris (2 hr trip, connection via Gare de Rouen from €16; direct trips from €20 as of Dec 2023). The town also has a small aerodrome 3 km away in Saint-Aubin.

By bus
Flixbus runs service to Dieppe from Charles de Gaulle Airport (3 hr 40 min, from €10 or €12 depending on day of travel), as well as several transportation hubs in Paris (2 hr 45 min to 3 hr 45 min depending on stop, from €10, as of Dec 2023 ).

Get around
Dieppe is a small town with a population of about 35,000 (54,000 for the metropolitan area called Dieppe Maritime). Most of the tourist destinations are within walking distance of hotels, but you can hire bicycles for a few euros per day from opposite the tourist information office in the harbour area.

See
The historic town centre, reconstructed by M. De Ventabren, architect to Louis XIV, after the bombardment of 1694.
 * Avenue Verte - Hire a bike, and head for the 40-km, traffic-free Avenue Verte, which follows the old Paris-Dieppe railway. Follow the Rue du Géneral Chazny out of town, through Rouxmesil-Bouteilles to Arques la Bataille. Bear left then right to Saint Aubin le Cauf. You'll find the start of the Avenue Verte before you get to St Aubin.
 * Saint-Marguerite-sur-Mer. With neighbouring Varengeville, an attractive area just 5km to the west of Dieppe. The painter Georges Braque is buried in the Church of Saint Marguerite.
 * Avenue Verte - Hire a bike, and head for the 40-km, traffic-free Avenue Verte, which follows the old Paris-Dieppe railway. Follow the Rue du Géneral Chazny out of town, through Rouxmesil-Bouteilles to Arques la Bataille. Bear left then right to Saint Aubin le Cauf. You'll find the start of the Avenue Verte before you get to St Aubin.
 * Saint-Marguerite-sur-Mer. With neighbouring Varengeville, an attractive area just 5km to the west of Dieppe. The painter Georges Braque is buried in the Church of Saint Marguerite.
 * Avenue Verte - Hire a bike, and head for the 40-km, traffic-free Avenue Verte, which follows the old Paris-Dieppe railway. Follow the Rue du Géneral Chazny out of town, through Rouxmesil-Bouteilles to Arques la Bataille. Bear left then right to Saint Aubin le Cauf. You'll find the start of the Avenue Verte before you get to St Aubin.
 * Saint-Marguerite-sur-Mer. With neighbouring Varengeville, an attractive area just 5km to the west of Dieppe. The painter Georges Braque is buried in the Church of Saint Marguerite.
 * Saint-Marguerite-sur-Mer. With neighbouring Varengeville, an attractive area just 5km to the west of Dieppe. The painter Georges Braque is buried in the Church of Saint Marguerite.
 * Saint-Marguerite-sur-Mer. With neighbouring Varengeville, an attractive area just 5km to the west of Dieppe. The painter Georges Braque is buried in the Church of Saint Marguerite.

Do
The Saturday morning market is a must-see. It is one of the largest and one of the most popular markets in Normandy. From 08:00 to 12:30 you can find almost everything there.

Event

 * International Kite Festival, held every other (even numbered) year in September.

Eat
There are plenty of traditional restaurants, especially for seafood, around the quayside area.

Vegetarian
You won't find a veggie French restaurant in Dieppe; in this regard the town is unfortunately typical of France as a whole. In fact, vegetarians will have a hard time in most restaurants here. Two good options serving vegetarian food from other cuisines are:

Drink
For a town of its size, Dieppe has quite a few bars and pubs, and most of them stay open late, typically until 02:00 weekdays and 04:00 on weekends.

Go next

 * Newhaven - Go across the channel to Newhaven in East Sussex. Services take around 4 hours and leave from the outer harbour and are run by DFDS Seaways. Despite the size of this car ferry, places reserved for pedestrians are relatively limited, so you will need to book in advance, although it is much cheaper to travel without a car.

 * Rouen

title: Dieppe