Here is a complete, detailed, all-in-one guide for “Travel Safely & Travel Tips & Important Contacts in Akola” — written so that any new tourist or first-time visitor will NOT need any other source.
1. Safety Tips for Travelers in Akola
1.1 General Safety Tips
- Akola is generally safe, but stay alert in crowded marketplaces, bus stands, and railway stations.
- Keep valuables (passport, cards, cash) in a secure pouch—avoid displaying expensive items openly.
- Prefer using digital payments (UPI) widely accepted across the city.
- Don’t walk alone in isolated areas late at night—stick to main roads.
- Always check local weather forecasts, especially in monsoon (June–September), as heavy rains may impact travel.
1.2 Transportation Safety
- Use verified auto rickshaws or book cabs where available.
- Confirm fares before boarding autos—Akola does not strictly follow meters.
- If renting a car, ensure documents and fuel level are checked beforehand.
- For bus travel, choose MSRTC and known private operators only.
- Avoid overcrowded trains, especially during festivals and weekends.
1.3 Women Safety Tips
- Prefer staying in reputed hotels with good reviews.
- Avoid deserted areas after dark—travel with a companion whenever possible.
- Use emergency helplines immediately if facing any harassment or unsafe situation.
- Carry a small safety kit: pepper spray, power bank, and emergency contact list.
1.4 Health & Hygiene Safety
- Drink only purified or bottled water.
- Prefer freshly cooked food at well-known restaurants and street vendors.
- Carry personal medicines; pharmacies are easily available across the city.
- During summers (March–June), stay hydrated—temperatures can exceed 40°C.
2. Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors
2.1 Best Time to Visit Akola
- October – February (Winter): Pleasant weather, best for sightseeing.
- March – June (Summer): Hot; plan morning & evening visits.
- July – September (Monsoon): Moderate to heavy rains—good for nature outings but some roads may get waterlogged.
2.2 Money & Payments
- ATMs are available in all major areas.
- UPI, QR codes, and card payments are widely accepted.
- Always keep some cash for small local markets and rural attractions.
2.3 Local Transport Tips
- Auto rickshaws are the most commonly used transport inside the city.
- Buses are available for major areas; they are economical.
- Trains are ideal for connecting nearby districts like Amravati, Akot, and Washim.
- No metro, tram, or app-based taxi services widely active—verify locally if available.
2.4 Hotel & Accommodation Tips
- Choose hotels near major areas: Civil Lines, Station Area, Murtizapur Road, or Jatharpeth.
- Check for amenities like A/C, Wi-Fi, parking, and breakfast.
- For families, prefer hotels with 24×7 reception and good security.
2.5 Food & Eating Tips
- Akola is famous for:
- Saoji cuisine (spicy & flavorful)
- Puran Poli
- Misal Pav
- Local sweets like Kachori & Jalebi
- Choose clean eateries; avoid raw salads from unknown places.
- Carry drinking water from your hotel.
2.6 Shopping Tips
- Best markets:
- Tower Chowk Market
- Murtizapur Road Shops
- Tilak Road Market
- Ratanlal Plot Market
- Bargaining works in local shops but not in branded stores.
- Keep belongings close while shopping in crowded bazaars.
2.7 Cultural & Behavioral Tips
- People speak Marathi, Hindi, and English (basic).
- Respect local traditions, especially at temples.
- Dress modestly in religious places.
2.8 Weather Precautions
- Summer: Use sunscreen, sunglasses, cap, and drink plenty of water.
- Winter: Light woolen clothes are enough.
- Monsoon: Carry umbrella or raincoat; roads may become slippery.
3. Important & Emergency Contacts in Akola
Below is a complete list of emergency numbers every tourist should save.
3.1 Police & Emergency Services
| Service | Contact Number | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Police Emergency | 100 | Immediate police help anywhere in Akola |
| Women’s Helpline | 1091 | For women’s safety and emergency complaints |
| Child Helpline | 1098 | For child safety issues |
| Senior Citizen Helpline | 1090 | Assistance for elderly tourists |
| Traffic Control Room | 0724-2430300 | Road & traffic-related support |
3.2 Medical & Health Emergency
| Service | Contact Number | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ambulance | 108 | Government emergency ambulance service |
| Private Ambulance | 102 / Local hospitals | Available through major hospitals |
| District Hospital Akola | 0724-2415111 | 24×7 medical support |
| Icon Hospital Akola | 0724-2443100 | Multi-specialty |
| Global Multispeciality Hospital | 0724-2423222 | Emergency care available |
3.3 Fire & Disaster Management
| Service | Contact Number |
|---|---|
| Fire Control Room | 101 |
| Disaster Management Cell | 1077 |
3.4 Railway, Bus & Travel Support
| Service | Contact Number | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Akola Railway Station Inquiry | 139 | Train timings, platform details |
| MSRTC Bus Stand (Akola) | 0724-2433977 | State transport buses |
| Airport (Nearest – Nagpur) | 0712-2282300 | For flight inquiries |
3.5 Essential Utilities
| Service | Contact Number |
|---|---|
| Electricity Complaint | 1912 |
| Water Supply Complaint | 1800-266-6712 |
| Tourist Assistance Helpline | 1800-233-7777 |
4. Final Advice for Tourists in Akola
- Keep digital copies of ID proofs (Aadhaar, Passport, Visa).
- When traveling solo, share your itinerary with a trusted contact.
- Avoid political gatherings or crowded festival areas unless guided.
- For long-distance travel, prefer early morning or daytime journeys.
- Respect local culture—Akola residents are friendly and helpful.