Anand is a peaceful and welcoming city in Gujarat, famous for its cultural richness and the famous Amul Dairy. Whether you’re visiting Anand for tourism, business, or spiritual exploration, following some basic travel tips will help ensure a smooth and safe experience. Below is a comprehensive guide on travel safety, useful tips, and important contacts that any new tourist or visitor in Anand should know.
1. General Travel Safety Tips for Anand
- Stay Hydrated: Anand can get hot, especially during the summer months (March to June). Always carry a bottle of water and stay hydrated. It’s advisable to drink bottled water and avoid tap water to stay safe.
- Respect Local Customs: Gujarat is known for its cultural heritage. Be respectful when visiting religious sites such as the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir and ISKCON Anand. Dress modestly, especially when visiting temples, and avoid public displays of affection.
- Public Transport Safety: Public transportation in Anand, including buses and auto-rickshaws, is generally safe. However, for a more comfortable journey, especially for tourists, consider using taxis or prepaid auto-rickshaws.
- Keep Your Belongings Safe: As in any city, it’s advisable to keep your valuables in a safe place. Use a money belt or keep your important documents like passports and cash in a safe spot, especially in crowded areas like Anand Market.
- Avoid Walking Alone at Night: While Anand is a relatively safe city, it’s always a good idea to avoid walking alone late at night in unfamiliar areas. Stick to well-lit and populated areas.
2. Travel Tips for Tourists in Anand
- Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Anand is between October and March, when the weather is cool and pleasant. The summer months (March–June) can be extremely hot, and the monsoon season (July–September) might bring heavy rains, which can disrupt travel plans.
- Local Etiquette:
- Greetings: A common greeting in Gujarat is “Kem Cho?” (How are you?). It’s a good way to connect with locals.
- Eating Etiquette: Gujarat is predominantly vegetarian. When eating in restaurants or local food joints, be mindful of vegetarian-only options. Always ask if you’re unsure about the food’s ingredients.
- Public Restrooms: Public restrooms are available at most major markets, temples, and bus stations. However, it’s always a good idea to carry hand sanitizer and tissues, as facilities may not always meet the standards you’re accustomed to.
- Money: Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, malls, and high-end restaurants. However, for local markets or smaller food joints, it’s advisable to carry cash. There are many ATMs in Anand, so withdrawing cash is easy. Keep some small bills handy for street food and small purchases.
- Language: While Gujarati is the local language, Hindi and English are commonly understood, especially in tourist areas. You will find English-speaking staff in most hotels and restaurants, so language barriers are not typically an issue.
3. Important Contacts for Tourists in Anand
Emergency Contacts
- Police: Dial 100 for any police emergency. Anand has a well-maintained police service, and the police stations are well-equipped to handle any issues tourists might encounter.
- Ambulance: Dial 108 for emergency medical services (ambulance).
- Fire Department: Dial 101 for fire emergencies.
- Nearest Hospital: Shree Krishna Hospital, Anand. (Phone: +91-2692-263522).
- Nearest Medical Center: East Delhi Medical Centre. (Phone: +91-2687-361023).
- Tourist Information: Anand Tourism Desk – Vibrant Hotel Anand (Phone: +91-2692-276545).
Transport & Taxi Services
- Auto Rickshaws: Easily available at most markets and bus stands. Ensure the driver uses the meter or agree on the fare beforehand.
- Taxi Services: You can book taxis through local travel agencies or use popular ride-sharing apps like Ola and Uber in Anand.
- Anand Railway Station: Main station for train travel in Anand. Check the schedule and book tickets at the station or online.
- Buses: GSRTC (Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation) buses connect Anand with nearby cities such as Vadodara, Ahmedabad, and Surat.
Important Tourist Spots
- BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir: A serene place for spiritual reflection and sightseeing.
- Amul Dairy Museum: Learn about the history of Amul and its role in India’s dairy revolution.
- Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Memorial: Located in Karamsad, a short drive from Anand, this memorial is dedicated to India’s Iron Man.
- ISKCON V.V Nagar: A peaceful place for meditation and spiritual activities.
- Sardar Patel Planetarium: Located in Vallabh Vidyanagar, offering educational shows on space and the cosmos.
- Narmada Canal: A scenic place for an evening walk or photography.
4. Useful Local Apps for Tourists
- Google Maps: For easy navigation around Anand. It can help you find local attractions, restaurants, and directions.
- Ola & Uber: For booking taxis and auto-rickshaws.
- BookMyShow: For booking tickets to movies, events, and concerts in Anand and nearby cities.
- Paytm: A popular app for online payments, mobile recharges, and utility bill payments. It’s also accepted at many local stores.
5. Food and Drink Tips
- Stay Hydrated: Drink only bottled water or water from trusted sources. Avoid drinking tap water to prevent waterborne illnesses.
- Street Food: Anand is known for its street food, including dabeli, pav bhaji, dhokla, and pani puri. While they are delicious, ensure that you only eat food from busy, reputable stalls to avoid stomach issues.
- Spicy Food: Gujarat has rich and spicy food. If you’re not accustomed to spicy meals, ask for mild versions of dishes like pav bhaji or dal.
6. Safety Travel
- Keep Valuables Safe: Always store your passport, wallet, and phone in a secure place. Consider using a money belt or neck pouch for valuables.
- Street Safety: Avoid walking alone late at night, especially in less populated areas. Stick to well-lit streets and always take a registered taxi or auto.
- Be Cautious with ATM Withdrawals: When withdrawing cash from ATMs, ensure you are in a well-lit and populated area for safety.
7. Shopping Tips
- Bargaining: While shopping at street markets like Anand Market and Vallabh Vidyanagar, don’t hesitate to negotiate prices. Bargaining is common in markets for textiles, handicrafts, and souvenirs.
- Check for Quality: Especially when buying spices, handicrafts, and sarees, ensure the products are of good quality before making a purchase. Many items come with a price tag reflecting their quality.
- Local Goods: Consider buying Gujarati Bandhnis, Patola Sarees, Amul Dairy products, and wooden crafts as souvenirs.
Conclusion
Anand is a relatively safe and welcoming city, offering rich cultural experiences and delicious food. Following these travel safety tips, knowing important contacts, and using useful local apps will help ensure that your stay is smooth and hassle-free. Whether you’re exploring spiritual sites, enjoying the street food, or shopping for unique souvenirs, Anand is sure to offer a memorable experience. Safe travels!