Things To Do
in Ambāla
Ambāla is a city located in the northern state of Haryana, India. Known for its strategic location near the border with the state of Punjab, Ambāla is an important railway junction connecting various parts of the country. The city is divided into two distinct parts, Ambāla Cantonment and Ambāla City, each with its own unique charm and character.
Ambāla is also famous for its military presence, with several army and air force establishments based in the region.
- "kiddan" - How are you?
- "shukriya" - Thank you
- "tuhada naa ki hai" - What is your name?
- "ki haal chaal" - How are things?
- "chalo" - Let's go
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $10 - $30
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $3 - $10
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $2
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.30 - $0.50
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $15 - $30
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $10 - $25
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the historic Ambāla Fort, soaking in its impressive architecture and rich history. Follow this with a stroll in the nearby parks to enjoy the fresh morning air.
Head to the local market for lunch, sampling traditional Punjabi dishes and shopping for handicrafts. Visit the beautiful Kali Mata Temple afterward to appreciate its stunning artwork.
Relax at the local café for refreshments and spend the evening exploring the vibrant streets of Ambāla. End your day with a visit to the Ambāla Cantonment area for a soothing walk.
Visit the Railway Heritage Museum to discover the railway history of India and enjoy a guided tour through the exhibits. Take your time viewing the vintage locomotives and railway memorabilia.
Grab lunch at a nearby local restaurant known for its delicious North Indian cuisine. Spend the afternoon visiting the sacred Gurudwara Manji Sahib, learning about its cultural significance.
Enjoy a peaceful evening at the local parks, perhaps with a picnic or just some quiet time. Explore the city’s shopping areas in the late evening for local souvenirs.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich historical significance with various cultural monuments.
- Strategic location with good connectivity to major cities.
- Diverse food options and traditional cuisine.
- Lively local markets and shopping areas.
- Friendly community and strong local traditions.
- Traffic congestion during peak hours.
- Limited options for higher education and employment opportunities.
- Seasonal weather extremes, particularly during summer.
- Infrastructure challenges in some areas.
- Pollution and waste management issues.
Best Activities in Ambāla
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Perfect for trekking, nature walks, and bird watching
Ideal for wildlife viewing and nature photography
Great for picnics, strolls, and boating in the lake
Offers opportunities for aircraft spotting and photography
Tours
Uncover the best of Ambāla with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Ambāla
Visit one of these nice places.
This Sikh temple offers a beautiful view and a serene atmosphere for photography.
The garden and surroundings of this historical gurdwara provide picturesque settings for photography.
The railway junction offers unique perspectives and photo opportunities for train enthusiasts and photographers.
Food in Ambāla
Ambāla Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A famous sweet made from khoa, sugar, and traditional flavorings, available at local sweet shops like Prem Sweets and Dwarka Sweets.
Must-Try!
A nutritious Punjabi sweet dish made from whole wheat flour, clarified butter, and jaggery, commonly found at Bhajan Singh & Sons and Punjabi Sweets.
Tender pieces of chicken marinated in a mix of yogurt and spices, cooked to perfection in a tandoor at notable eateries like Sagar Ratna and Moti Mahal Delux.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Ambāla better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling market where you'll find an array of street food stalls offering delectable treats like Chole Bhature, Golgappe, and Aloo Tikki, catering to all taste preferences.
This vibrant junction is a hub of local street food vendors selling a variety of chaats, pakoras, and sweets, making it a haven for food enthusiasts.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Ambāla, it's important to greet people with respect using the traditional Indian greeting 'Namaste'. When addressing others, it is polite to use titles such as 'ji' to show respect, for example, addressing someone as 'Mr. Sharma' as 'Sharma-ji'.
Respect for elders is highly valued in Ambāla. It is customary to touch the feet of elders as a sign of respect and seek their blessings, particularly during religious or family gatherings.
Modesty in dress and behavior is important in Ambāla. It is advisable to dress conservatively, especially when visiting religious sites or in rural areas. Revealing clothing may be considered disrespectful.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Ambāla with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Ambāla
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not mandatory in Ambāla, India, but it is appreciated in places like restaurants, hotels, and for exceptional service. In some cases, a service charge may already be included in the bill, so it's important to check before tipping.
In Ambāla, India, cash is commonly used for daily transactions, although major credit and debit cards are also accepted in many establishments. Some places may not accept cards, so it's advisable to carry sufficient cash. Mobile payment apps are also becoming increasingly popular for transactions.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Ambāla.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
March to June - Hot and dry weather, with temperatures ranging from 30°C to 45°C. Not recommended for outdoor activities due to the high temperatures.
July to September - Heavy rainfall, high humidity, and occasional flooding. Lush greenery and beautiful landscapes, but outdoor activities can be disrupted by the rain.
October to November - Pleasant and mild weather, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C. Ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
December to February - Cool and foggy weather, with temperatures ranging from 5°C to 20°C. Good for outdoor explorations and enjoying the local culture and festivals.
Ambāla at Night
Hiking in Ambāla
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Located about 45 km from Ambala, Morni Hills offers scenic views and a variety of trails suitable for hiking, with lush green surroundings and cool weather.
Near Panchkula, about 30 km from Ambala, this spot provides hiking opportunities along with a visit to historic temples, making it a perfect day trip.
These hills offer multiple hiking trails and are part of the larger Shivalik range. The terrain is varied and accessible, suitable for both beginners and experienced hikers.
Though primarily a recreational space, the trails around Sukhna Lake in Chandigarh, approximately 40 km from Ambala, are popular among walkers and hikers, providing a serene environment.
Located in Chandigarh, around 38 km from Ambala, the botanical garden has walking trails amidst beautifully landscaped gardens, ideal for light hiking.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Ambāla through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Ambāla by plane.
The primary international airport serving Delhi and the National Capital Region, located approximately 350 km from Ambāla.
Located roughly 40 km from Ambāla, this airport serves international and domestic flights.
An airport located around 100 km from Ambāla, offering limited international services.
Located in Amritsar, approximately 230 km from Ambāla, this airport serves various international routes.
Situated around 270 km from Ambāla, this airport provides both domestic and international flight options.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority demographic group in Ambāla, comprising a significant portion of the population.
A prominent community in Ambāla, contributing to the cultural diversity of the city.
A notable minority group in Ambāla, involved in various economic and cultural activities.
A smaller but influential community, known for their contributions to trade and commerce.
A minority group with a presence in certain localities, contributing to the social fabric of Ambāla.
Includes various smaller communities and ethnic groups residing in Ambāla.
The Soul of Ambāla
Discover the essence of Ambāla through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Cricket is one of the most popular sports in Ambāla, with many local teams and enthusiasts participating in various tournaments.
Hockey has a significant following in Ambāla, with a rich history and a number of clubs and schools promoting the sport.
Football is gaining popularity among the youth in Ambāla, with local leagues and schools encouraging participation.
Kabaddi is a traditional sport that is well-loved in Ambāla, often played in rural areas and during festivals.
Badminton is a popular recreational sport in Ambāla, with numerous indoor courts and clubs available for enthusiasts.
Athletics tracks and events are common in Ambāla, encouraging local talent to participate in various sports disciplines.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Ambāla.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Ambāla is a haven for vegetarians, with most eateries offering an extensive range of vegetarian delights like Dal Makhani, Paneer dishes, and various types of bread such as Naan and Paratha.
While vegan-specific restaurants are limited, many places in Ambāla can accommodate vegan dietary needs by preparing dishes without ghee, paneer, or dairy products. It's advisable to communicate preferences clearly to ensure a satisfying dining experience.
Finding gluten-free options in Ambāla may require some vigilance, but many traditional dishes like Daal and Chawal (lentils and rice) are naturally gluten-free. Additionally, some modern eateries and health-focused cafes offer gluten-free bread and pasta alternatives, though it's best to inquire about ingredients beforehand.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Ambāla with these cultural adventures.
