Top tourist places in Ambala Haryana

Ambala is a bustling city in the northern state of Haryana with a rich historical and cultural legacy. Ambala serves as a gateway to several prominent tourist spots in North India due to its strategic location at the confluence of key highways. Ambala has something for every traveller, from historical buildings and religious shrines to scenic gardens and busy markets. 

1) Ambala Cantt : Ambala Cantt, also known as Ambala Cantonment, is a bustling business and residential district that also houses one of India's oldest and largest army facilities. The Cantonment district is well-known for its orderly environment, well-kept streets, and abundance of shopping opportunities. Explore the local markets and taste delicious street food while taking in the vibrant environment.

2) Badshahi Bagh: Badshahi Bagh is a beautiful garden located near the Ambala-Jagadhri Road. Built during the Mughal era, this serene garden is known for its lush green lawns, colorful flower beds, and tranquil ambiance. Spend a peaceful day amidst nature, take a leisurely stroll, or enjoy a picnic with family and friends.

3) Temple of Bhawani Amba: Ambala's most important religious landmark is the Bhawani Amba Temple, which is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Durga. This ancient temple draws devotees from all over the world who come to seek the deity's favour. For religious and cultural fans, the temple architecture, rich sculptures, and spiritual aura make it a must-see trip.

4) The Manji Sahib Gurudwara: Gurudwara Manji Sahib is a prominent Sikh shrine in Ambala's core. Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru, is affiliated with this famous gurudwara. The tranquil ambiance, melodic kirtans (devotional songs), and the Langar (community kitchen) provide guests with a spiritually uplifting experience.

5) Rani Ka Talab: Rani Ka Talab, or "Queen's Pond," is a lovely body of water near the Ambala-Hisar highway. This historic tank, surrounded by lush flora and embellished with a stunning white marble pavilion, provides a peaceful respite from the city's hustle and bustle. Capture breathtaking photos, take a boat ride, or simply relax in the tranquilly of this wonderful location.

6) Jain Temple: The Jain Mandir in Ambala is a sacred pilgrimage spot for Jain devotees. The temple is dedicated to Lord Parshwanath and contains stunning marble carvings, intricately sculpted pillars, and tranquil prayer chambers. Visitors might feel at peace while admiring the architectural brilliance of this revered site.

7) Kali Mata Mandir: The Kali Mata Mandir, perched on top of a small hillside, is a renowned Hindu temple in Ambala. Devotees ascend a flight of stairs to reach the temple and seek the goddess Kali's graces. The panoramic view of the city from the temple grounds is spectacular, especially after sunset. During the Navratri festival, the temple also organises a fair, which draws a huge number of worshippers.

8) Science Market: For science buffs, a trip to Ambala's Science Market is a must. This one-of-a-kind market focuses on scientific instruments, laboratory equipment, and instructional tools. You'll find a wide assortment of fascinating gadgets and equipment here, whether you're a student, teacher, or science enthusiast. Investigate the market, conduct scientific experiments, and satisfy your curiosity.

When is the best time to visit Ambala?

The winter months, from October to March, are ideal for visiting Ambala. The weather is favourable throughout this time, making it excellent for exploring the city's attractions. The temperature swings from 10°C to 25°C, making it pleasant for sightseeing and outdoor sports.

During the winter season, you can enjoy the celebrations of holidays such as Diwali and Holi, which are widely celebrated in Ambala. The temperate temperature makes it possible to explore historical sites, gardens, and religious shrines without being bothered by severe heat or rain.

It is crucial to note that Ambala has scorching summers, with temperatures exceeding 40°C from April through June. The oppressive heat at this time of year can make outdoor activities miserable. The monsoon season begins in July and lasts through September, bringing sporadic showers and heavy rains. While the monsoon season provides beautiful greenery, it can also cause travel disruptions owing to severe downpours.

Plan your vacation to Ambala during the winter season when the weather is beautiful and favourable to exploration to make the most of your visit and appreciate the attractions. Check the temperature prediction and pack appropriately, including lightweight clothing for the day and a light jacket or jumper for cooler evenings.

How to Get to Ambala

Ambala is well-connected to cities around India via air, rail, and road. Here are the several means of transportation available to go to Ambala:

By Air: The closest airport to Ambala is Chandigarh International Airport, which is 45 kilometres away. It is well-connected to major Indian cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Kolkata. You can take a cab or a pre-paid taxi service from the airport to Ambala, which takes about 1-2 hours depending on traffic circumstances.By Train:

Ambala is an important railway junction in North India with strong rail connectivity. Ambala Cantonment (AMB) and Ambala City (UBC) railway stations serve it. Ambala is served by several trains that connect it to important cities including as Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, and Amritsar, among others. To reach your intended destination within the city, you can easily locate local transportation alternatives such as auto-rickshaws, taxis or cycle rickshaws from the railway station.

By car: Ambala is easily accessible by car because it is located at the intersection of National Highway 1 (NH-1) and National Highway 44 (NH-44). Ambala can be reached via private automobile, cab, or state-run buses. A network of well-maintained roadways connects the city to surrounding towns such as Delhi (200 km), Chandigarh (45 km), Shimla (150 km), and Amritsar (210 km). Ambala is connected to many regions of the country by national and state roadways.

Local Public Transportation: Local transportation choices such as auto-rickshaws, cycle rickshaws and taxis are widely available after you arrive in Ambala. These types of transportation are useful for short distances and can take you to a variety of tourist attractions and markets in Ambala.

Ambala's Most Famous Cuisine

Ambala is famous for its scrumptious Pedas. Condensed milk and sugar are simmered until thickened and a fudgy consistency formed in these delicious, milk-based delights. Peda is frequently flavoured with cardamom, saffron, or pistachios, which gives it a delectable flavour.

Kulfi from Ambala: Kulfi is a popular frozen treat in Ambala. It is produced by heating and reducing milk with sugar, then flavouring it with saffron, pistachio, mango, or rose. Ambala's Kulfi is a must-try delicacy due to its creamy texture and rich flavours.

Amritsari Kulcha: Although technically from the neighbouring city of Amritsar, Amritsari Kulcha is a popular street food option in Ambala. A fluffy, packed bread is served with spicy chole (chickpea curry), pickles, and yoghurt. It's a delightful and substantial supper thanks to the crispy skin and savoury stuffing.

Lassi: Ambala is famous for its creamy and delicious Lassi, a yogurt-based drink. Lassi is traditionally served in clay pots and is produced by combining yoghurt, sugar, and sometimes cardamom or rose water. It's the ideal summer beverage, and it's commonly served with a dollop of cream on top.

Paneer Tikka: A popular vegetarian appetiser in Ambala is Paneer Tikka. Paneer (Indian cottage cheese) chunks are marinated in a yoghurt and spice combination, skewered, then grilled until mildly charred. Paneer Tikka is a tasty and protein-packed dish that is served with mint chutney, onion rings, and a touch of lemon.

Chole Bhature: Chole Bhature is a traditional Punjabi dish that is popular among both locals and visitors in Ambala. It's a spicy chickpea curry (chole) with deep-fried bread (bhature). The mix of zesty chole and fluffy bhature results in a filling and substantial dish that is frequently consumed for breakfast or lunch.

Rajma Chawal: Rajma Chawal is a classic North Indian dish that is popular in Ambala. It's made with kidney beans in a thick, delicious tomato-based sauce and served over steamed basmati rice. The mix of soft rajma and fragrant rice makes for a hearty and filling lunch.

Kachori with Aloo Sabzi: A popular snack in Ambala is kachori, a deep-fried pastry packed with a spicy filling. It is typically served with aloo sabzi (potato curry) and chutneys. A pleasant culinary experience is created by the crispy, savoury Kachori coupled with the spicy and tangy aloo sabzi.

Ambala Activities and Sightseeing

Ambala has a variety of activities and sightseeing alternatives to suit a wide range of interests. Here are some things to do and places to go in Ambala:

Visit the Ambala City and Ambala Cantt Markets: Discover Ambala's vibrant local markets in both Ambala City and Ambala Cantt. Clothing, accessories, gadgets, handicrafts, and other items are available in these lively markets. Spend some time shopping and taking in the bustling environment.

Explore the Historical Ambala Fort: Pay a visit to the Ambala Fort, popularly known as the "Forty Gates Fort." This ancient site goes back to the 14th century and has seen the reign of several dynasties. Although the fort is now in ruins, it nonetheless has amazing architecture and provides an insight into the past. 

Spend some time relaxing at Badshahi Bagh, a calm oasis famed for its lush foliage, colourful flower beds, and tranquil environment. Take a leisurely stroll, pack a picnic, or simply relax in the midst of nature.

Seek Blessings at Religious Sites: Ambala has various religious sites worth visiting. Visit the Bhawani Amba Temple, Gurudwara Manji Sahib, Kali Mata Mandir, and Jain Mandir to pay your respects. These sacred sites are not just religiously significant, but also architecturally beautiful.

Visit Rani Ka Talab, a lovely water body surrounded by lush flora, to enjoy nature. Enjoy activities such as boating or taking gorgeous photographs amidst the tranquil surroundings while admiring the grandeur of the white marble pavilion.

Experience Science at the Science Market: If you are interested in science, you should go to Ambala's Science Market. Investigate the various scientific instruments, laboratory equipment, and educational tools that are available. Engage in scientific experiments to satiate your curiosity about science's wonders.

Attend Festivals & Fairs: Ambala celebrates a variety of festivals with zeal. Immerse yourself in the traditional celebrations if your visit coincides with festivals such as Diwali, Holi, or Navratri. Enjoy the festive atmosphere, traditional ceremonies, and delicious food the vibrant festivities.

Indulge in Local Cuisine: Don't pass up the chance to sample Ambala's famous local specialties. Enjoy the delectable Pedas, the refreshing Lassi, the Amritsari Kulcha, and the various flavours of Ambala's food scene.

Check the times, admittance restrictions, and any other particular guidelines for any attraction or activity you intend to visit. Enjoy Ambala's rich history, legacy, and natural beauty while participating in these activities and experiencing its intriguing attractions.