Tourist Places In Ambala Haryana: Ambala is situated on the border with Punjab and Chandigarh, and is divided into two sub-areas: Ambala Cantonment (Ambala Cantt) and Ambala City. The city earned its nickname – the “Twin City” – due to these two regions.
The cantonment area of Ambala is home to the Indian Army and Indian Air Force, which was established way back in 1843.
The name Ambala is believed to have originated from two sources. The first is from “Amba Wala,” which means “the mango-village,” named after the mango groves that existed near the city. The second possibility is from the goddess “Bhawani Amba,” whose temple still stands in Ambala City.
The popular Cloth Market of Ambala is a major attraction for people from across the region. With more than 900-1000 wholesale shops, it is the largest cloth trading market in the subcontinent. The market is well-known for its hand-loom, silk sarees, suitings & shirtings, and other dress materials. People often visit this market for their wedding attire.
Welcome to the captivating city of Ambala, located in the heart of Haryana, India. This charming city is steeped in history and boasts a vibrant culture, blending ancient charm with modern energy. In this blog, we explore the hidden gems and best tourist places in Ambala Haryana.
Ambala At A Glance
Locations: Located at the northeastern edge of Haryana, Ambala District is surrounded by Yamuna Nagar District to the southeast, Kurukshetra District to the south, Patiala and Ropar Districts of Punjab as well as the Union Territory of Chandigarh to the west. To its north and northeast, the district is bounded by the Shivalik Range and Sirmaur Districts of Himachal Pradesh.
Linking Roads: Ambala is well-connected through a network of five national highways: NH-1, NH-22, NH-65, NH-72, and NH-73. NH-22, which starts from Ambala, connects the district to Shimla in Himachal Pradesh.
How To Reach Ambala
By Air: Chandigarh Airport is the city’s main airport. Daily flights from Chandigarh to Delhi and Mumbai are available. For more information, please contact the airlines.
By Rail: Ambala, one of the largest rail junctions in North India, is well-connected to major cities across the country via high-speed Rajdhani and Shatabdi trains, as well as express trains. The city has three railway stations: Ambala Cantt (Delhi-Amritsar-Meerut-Kalka lines), Ambala City (Ambala-Amritsar/Jammu Line), and Dhul Kot (Ambala-Chandigarh/Kalka Line).
If you have any railway-related queries, please dial 139.
By Bus: There are two bus terminals in Ambala: one at Ambala Cantt (GT Road) and another at Ambala City. Along the Delhi, Chandigarh, Amritsar and Shimla routes, as well as some distant destinations such as Gwalior, Kota, and Jaipur, there are frequent services.
If you have any Haryana-related enquiries, please dial 0171-2556388.
Must-Visit Tourist Places In Ambala
Badshahi Bagh Gurudwara
Located near the district courts of Ambala city, the Badshahi Bagh Gurudwara is a place of great significance. It is said that Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Guru, visited this spot around 1670 when he was returning from Lakhnaur, where he had gone to visit his maternal family. The Guru stayed under a cluster of trees in the garden before continuing his journey. To commemorate his stay, a tank has also been built near the Gurudwara Badshahi Bagh.
Ambala Cantt
Our journey begins at Ambala Cantt, a significant military and railway junction with a history dating back to the British era. Immerse yourself in the old-world charm as you explore the Ambala Cantonment Railway Station, a perfect blend of colonial and Mughal architecture. Don’t forget to capture the iconic clock tower that stands tall as a testament to the city’s historical significance.
Bhawani Amba Temple
Ambala city’s name is believed to have been derived from the ancient Goddess Amba, whose temple is situated within the city. The Bhawani Amba Temple, which has been present for a long time, was named after the presiding Goddess of the temple, Amba Devi or Bhawani Devi. The temple’s serene surroundings make it an ideal place for introspection and relaxation. Engage in the peaceful ambiance and soak in the spiritual vibes that this sacred place exudes.
Ambala City
Ambala City, the commercial hub of the region, is a paradise for shopaholics. Visit the famous Sadar Bazaar, where narrow lanes are lined with shops selling everything from traditional handicrafts to modern apparel. Don’t miss the chance to indulge in the local specialties like Ambala’s famous papad and badi.
Science Market
For those with a curious mind, Science Market is a must-visit destination. Explore the vibrant market where shops brim with scientific instruments, laboratory equipment, and educational tools. It’s a unique experience that offers a glimpse into the city’s educational and scientific pursuits.
Rani Ka Talab
Escape the hustle and bustle of the city at Rani Ka Talab, a beautiful lake surrounded by lush greenery. Enjoy a leisurely stroll around the lake, rent a paddleboat, or simply relax on the banks. The tranquility of Rani Ka Talab makes it an ideal spot for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful retreat.
Gurudawara Panjokhara Sahib
Located roughly 8 km from the Ambala city headquarters along the Ambala-Naraingarh road, this site holds great significance as it was consecrated by Guru Harkrishan during his journey from Kiratpur to Delhi. Initially, a small memorial was erected to honour the Guru, but it was later transformed into a Gurdwara during the Sikh Rule. Today, it is a vast complex that includes a double-storey sanctum, a spacious hall, a Guru ka Langar with a large dining area, an enclosed sarovar, and auxiliary buildings for staff and pilgrims.
Gurudawara Lakhnaur Sahib
Lakhnaur, a village 13 kilometers away from Ambala city headquarters, got its name from its location. It is here where the ancestral village of Mata Gujari, Guru Gobind Singh’s mother, is situated. When Guru Gobind Singh was four years old, he and his mother resided in Lakhnaur for over half a year. The house where they stayed was preserved as a holy shrine, which was later transformed into a Gurdwara during the 18th century. The Gurdwara is located at the center of a spacious walled area and has unique architectural features.
Gurudawara Manji Sahib
Situated near National Highway-1 in Kaith Majri, the Manji Sahib Gurdwara is a must-visit for Sikhs. This holy site was visited by the sixth and tenth Sikh Gurus, Hargobind Singh and Guru Gobind Singh, respectively. The foundation of this gurudawara was laid in 1950, and since then it has become a popular destination for pilgrims. Admire the beautiful meenakari painting (an art of painting) and chitrakari (an art of figure painting) work that adorns the walls of the gurudawara.
Gurudawara Sis Ganj
Located just 300 meters away from Gurudwara Manji Sahib, Gurudwaras Sis Ganj is a captivating Sikh shrine. This double-storied Gurudwara features an open hall inside it and is dedicated to the Sikh Guru Tegh Bahadur.
Old Dak Bungalow
Built in 1890 to accommodate British officers, the Dak Bungalow is a grand building that still stands tall today. In fact, it was even visited by Queen Victoria in 1902 during her official trip to Ambala. The building features classic Muslim architecture, including domed corners, which adds to its grandeur. Though originally built as a stay for officers, it was eventually converted into a library.
Hanuman Temple
Located near the Ambala City railway station, this centuries-old temple has become a popular destination for pilgrims. The temple’s interior artwork bears a striking resemblance to the Mughal School of Painting, and the site is frequently visited by devotees, particularly on Tuesdays, Saturdays, and Hanuman Jayanti. Don’t miss the procession that takes place from this temple during Hanuman Jayanti.
St Pauls Church : Tourist Places In Ambala
Situated in Ambala Cantonment, St. Paul’s Church is one of the oldest churches in the region. The church was consecrated on January 4, 1857, and has been an integral part of the community for over a century. Unfortunately, during the 1965 Indo-Pak war, the church was bombed by a Pakistani aircraft, causing considerable damage to the once-beautiful building. Nowadays, only the church tower stands as a reminder of the church’s rich history.
Final Words:
Embark on a journey through Ambala, where every corner tells a story, and every step is a discovery. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature enthusiast, or a shopping aficionado, Ambala has something special to offer. So pack your bags, set out on an adventure, and let the vibrant tapestry of Ambala unfold before you. Happy travels!
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