Providing comprehensive safety and contact information is crucial for any tourist or new visitor to Malegaon. Here is a detailed guide to help ensure a safe and smooth visit, including all essential contact numbers.
Travel Safely & Essential Tips in Malegaon
Malegaon is generally considered safe for tourists, but like any city, maintaining awareness and following standard safety protocols is advised.
1. General Safety Precautions
- Guard Your Belongings: Keep your valuables (passport, cash, cards, mobile phone) secure, preferably in a hotel safe or a zipped inner pocket while moving around. Be extra cautious in crowded areas like the bus stand, railway station (Manmad), and market bazaars.
- Avoid Isolated Areas at Night: Stick to well-lit and busy streets, especially after dark. If traveling late, use a reputable taxi service or autorickshaw and ensure they know your destination clearly.
- Be Wary of Strangers: While most locals are friendly and helpful, be cautious if a stranger is overly friendly or offers unsolicited help, food, or drinks, particularly on public transport. Politely decline.
- Currency Safety: Only exchange currency at authorized banks or money changers. Do not deal with unlicensed individuals offering much better rates—this is often a scam. (Refer to the previous Forex guide).
- Photography Etiquette: Always ask for permission before taking photos of people, especially women or inside religious sites. Respect local sentiments.
2. Transportation Safety
- Taxis/Autorickshaws: Always agree on the fare before starting the journey, especially with autorickshaws (known as ‘rickshaws’). Insist that the driver use the meter if available, or agree to a flat rate.
- Digital Booking: If possible, use local ride-hailing apps (if available in Malegaon/Nashik region, check Ola/Uber/etc.) as they provide GPS tracking and fixed fares, or ask your hotel to recommend a reliable local taxi service.
- Identify Your Ride: Before getting into any ride, note the vehicle number and driver’s details and share them with a trusted contact.
- Highway Travel: Malegaon is on the major Mumbai-Agra Highway (NH 3). If traveling long distances by road, use state transport buses or registered tourist taxis. Avoid overnight travel on secluded routes unless absolutely necessary.
3. Cultural and Health Tips
- Dress Code: India is culturally conservative. Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites (mosques, temples, or the Malegaon Fort/Shahi Masjid). Shoulders and knees should generally be covered. It is customary to remove shoes before entering temples and homes.
- Food and Water:
- Drink only bottled water (check the seal) or filtered/purified water (ask your hotel). Avoid tap water and ice made from tap water.
- Eat at clean, reputable establishments. While street food is a local delight (try Vada Pav or Misal Pav), ensure it is freshly cooked and served hot to minimize risks.
- Weather: Malegaon has hot summers (March to May) and pleasant winters (October to March). Carry a hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen during the day. Stay hydrated.
Important Emergency and Local Contacts
It is highly recommended to save the National Emergency Number (112) on your phone, as it connects to Police, Fire, and Ambulance services across India.
I. National Emergency Services (Common across India)
| Service | All-India Helpline Number | Notes |
| Emergency Response (All-in-One) | 112 | Recommended single number for any emergency. |
| Police | 100 or 112 | Direct access to the police control room. |
| Fire Service | 101 | For fire emergencies. |
| Ambulance/Disaster Mgt. | 108 | For medical emergencies and disaster relief. |
| Women’s Helpline | 1091 or 1098 (Child) | For women in distress or needing assistance. |
| Tourist Helpline | 1363 or 1800-111-363 | General assistance for tourists (Toll-Free). |
II. Malegaon Local Police and Administration
These numbers are specific to the Malegaon area within the Nashik District. Using the local Control Room can often result in a faster response.
| Office/Station | Contact Number (STD: 02554) | Location Note |
| Malegaon Control Room | (02554) 222003 | Central contact for local emergencies. |
| Malegaon City Police Station | (02554) 222001 | Located near the State Highway 16. |
| Malegaon Camp Police Station | (02554) 256409 | Located near Ravalgaon Road / Camp Post Office. |
| Chavani Police Station | (02554) 258906 | Located on Camp Road. |
III. Hospitals and Medical Services
For a medical emergency, you can use the National Ambulance service (108) or call one of the prominent local hospitals directly.
| Hospital Name | Local Phone Number (STD: 02554) | Location Note |
| Malegaon Fire Station | (02554) 234567 | Located opposite the Bus Stand, Agra Road. |
| Susmit Nursing Home | (02554) 251528 | Prominent local nursing home. |
| Navjeevan Hospital | Inquire with 108 (Ambulance) | A well-known multi-speciality hospital. |
| Chaitanya Accident & Trauma Care Center | (02554) 258514 | Known for trauma care. |