Planning a trip to Solapur can be an enriching experience, particularly for those interested in cultural and religious tourism. Solapur is generally a peaceful city, but being aware of local practices, safety tips, and having essential contacts is crucial for a smooth visit. Here is a comprehensive guide for safe travel and important information in Solapur.
1. Travel Safety Tips for Visitors
Solapur maintains a moderate level of safety, but tourists should always be vigilant, especially in crowded religious and market areas.
Personal and Possessions Safety
- Guard Valuables: Be extra cautious in crowded places like the Siddheshwar Temple, Akkalkot, Pandharpur, and major bus/railway stations. Keep your wallet, phone, and passport secured in an inner pocket or a cross-body bag.
- Money and Cards: Avoid carrying excessive amounts of cash. Use ATMs located inside banks or well-lit areas. Be discreet when counting money.
- Documentation: Always keep a photocopy of your passport, visa, and hotel booking separate from the originals. Scan them and keep them accessible on a cloud service.
Transportation Safety
- Auto Rickshaws: Always confirm the fare before starting the journey, especially if the auto does not use a meter. Ride-hailing apps (like Ola/Uber, if available) can provide transparent pricing.
- Night Travel: Avoid wandering alone late at night, particularly in less-crowded or poorly lit areas. Use registered taxi services or pre-booked hotel transportation after dark.
- Road Safety: Solapur City Police prioritize traffic safety. Always use a helmet on two-wheelers and a seatbelt in cars. As a pedestrian, use crosswalks and look both ways before crossing.
Cultural & Health Tips
- Dress Code: When visiting religious sites like temples (Siddheshwar Temple, Akkalkot), it is highly advisable to dress modestly (covering shoulders and knees) out of respect for local traditions.
- Food and Water: Stick to bottled water (check the seal is unbroken). Eat at reputable, busy eateries, and be cautious with street food, especially non-piping hot items, to avoid stomach issues.
- Crowd Management: Religious destinations like Akkalkot and Pandharpur can get extremely crowded, especially on weekends and festival days (like Waari). Plan your visit for early morning to avoid peak rush.
2. Important Emergency Contacts in Solapur
Save these numbers in your phone immediately. The “All-in-One Emergency Number” (112) is the primary contact for quick response in India.
| Service | Primary Helpline Number | Alternative/Control Room Number |
| All-in-One Emergency | 112 (Single number for Police, Fire, Ambulance) | N/A |
| Police | 100 | Solapur Police Control Room: $0217-2744620$ |
| Ambulance / Medical | 108 (Emergency Response) or 102 | N/A |
| Fire Service | 101 | N/A |
| Women’s Safety | 1091 or 112 | N/A |
| Child Safety | 1093 | N/A |
| Cyber Crime | 1930 | N/A |
Other Essential Contacts
| Service | Contact Number | Note |
| Railway Enquiry (All India) | 139 | For PNR, train status, arrival/departure. |
| Road Accident | 1073 | Dedicated line for road crash assistance. |
| Disaster Management | 1077 | For major emergencies or natural disasters. |
3. Travel and Visitor Information
Best Time to Visit
- Peak Season (Recommended): October to March. The weather is pleasant, with daytime temperatures ranging from $18^\circ\text{C}$ to $30^\circ\text{C}$, ideal for sightseeing.
- Monsoon Season: July to September. Cooler temperatures but heavy rainfall may affect road travel.
- Avoid: April to June (Summer) due to very hot and humid conditions.
Local Transport
- City Bus Service: Available for traveling within the city and connecting to nearby towns like Akkalkot.
- Auto-Rickshaws (Tuk-Tuks): Abundant and best for short distances. Always negotiate the fare.
- Local Taxis/Cabs: Can be hired for full-day excursions to pilgrimage sites like Akkalkot (approx. 38 km) and Pandharpur (approx. 72 km). Your hotel can arrange reliable services.
Local Language
- The primary language spoken in Solapur is Marathi.
- Hindi is widely understood, especially in commercial areas and by drivers/vendors.
- English is understood by hotel staff, bank employees, and educated professionals, but basic conversational English is not guaranteed everywhere.