10 Best Things To Do In Ambala, India

1. Do some soul-searching at Gurudwara Sri Panjokhra Sahib

Find tranquillity amid this bustling city at the centuries-old Sikh temple. Built in memory of the eighth Guru Sri Harkrishanji, this stunning establishment exhibits classical architecture with distinctive domes and a serene sarovar, or sacred pool. It’s an ideal retreat for both pilgrims seeking solace and Instagrammers looking for picture-postcard moments.

Here you can take some time to reflect on life. To make it even more accommodating, the temple also features a restaurant, tourist centre, and a spacious lawn where you can catch a glimpse of, or participate in, fabulous festivities. It opens daily, although Sunday mornings can be crowded.

Gurudwara Sri Panjokhra Sahib

Address: Ambala - Naraingarh Rd, Panjokhara, Haryana 133001, India

Website: Gurudwara Sri Panjokhra Sahib

Opening hours: 4am - 8pm (daily)

2. Get wrapped up in local fashion at Ambala Cloth Market

Ambala Cloth market, considered to be the largest of its kind in Asia. It is a sea of silks, sarees and smiling brides-to-be. With over a thousand shops selling clothes of all shapes and sizes, in every colour under the rainbow and then some, it is a spectacular feast for all senses.

Offering every extravagant outfit you might ever need for a larger-than-life Indian wedding, it is a popular destination for brides from around the country and fashion lovers from around the world. And with so many options to choose from, it’s also a great place to put your haggling skills to the test and pick up some amazing bargains.

Before you go, be sure to pack your wallet and put on that game face and those sensible walking shoes.

Ambala Cloth Market

Address: Sector 7, Ambala, Haryana 133006, India

Opening hours: Fri - Mon, Wed: 10am - 8pm (closed on Tue & Thu)

3. Indulge your sweet tooth with traditional treats

Ambala is home to hundreds of Indian sweet shops, catering to locals looking for their sugar fix and to wedding events across the country. The popular ones are located in the Halwai Bazar area, but they can be found all over the city.

One of the oldest is Nathu Ram Sweet Shop, highly-renowned for its handmade ghevar, which are crispy discs of deliciousness, soaked in sublimely sweet syrup and topped with nuts and dried fruits. To find this un-extraordinary shop, serving out-of-this-world sweets and desserts, just look for the queue snaking out of the door. It may not look like much from the outside but once you’ve stepped indoors, your tastebuds will be tap-dancing for days to come.

They should be open daily, but if not, there are plenty of other great options to be had.

Nathu Ram Sweet Shop

Address: Halwai Bazar, Ambala, Haryana 134003, India

Opening hours: 8am - 10pm (daily)

4. Connect with the colonial past at Holy Redeemer Church

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

First constructed in 1848 as a Catholic place of worship for British soldiers, and subsequently rebuilt in 1902, following a collapse, Holy Redeemer Church is a classic example of gothic-inspired colonial architecture.

Its colourful and distinctive red-brick facade ensures that it not only stands out from its European counterparts but also offers a lively contrast to the cool green of its pleasant, manicured gardens. For lovers of architecture, South Asian history and anyone who appreciates the respite a beautiful, beatific building offers, Holy Redeemer Church is a must visit. Guests are always welcome and it is just a short walk from local rail and bus transportation.

Holy Redeemer Church

Address: 114, Lawrence Rd, Ambala Cantt, Haryana 133001, India

5. Shop till you drop at Jaggi City Center

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

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With a wide selection of branded shops, outlet stores and eateries, Jaggi City Center is the perfect place to indulge your inner shopaholic. It also features fun rides and a dedicated kids’ game zone for those family members less interested in hunting for fashion bargains.

When you are all as worn out as your credit card, you can refuel and recharge while relishing the global fast-food favourites to the finest of local cuisine. However, the mall does get crowded in the late evenings, so it’s best to visit in the early morning or late afternoon.

Jaggi City Center

Address: Model Town Rd, Near petrol pump, Sena Nagar, Dholkot, Crossing, Ambala, Haryana 134003

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 10pm (closed on Sun)

6. Admire the old ruins at St. Paul's Church

After being bombed by an aircraft in 1965, the church tower is all that remains of St. Paul’s Church. It stands as a testament to centuries of Indian history, a reminder of the colonial past and more recent conflicts, and is a must-visit for history buffs.

Be sure to bring your camera, or at least keep your smartphone charged, to capture some stunning snaps of the defiant tower and the crumbling overgrown ruins that surround it. After all, there is always something magical about nature reclaiming manmade marvels.

St Paul's Church

Address: Air Force School, Ambala Cantt, Haryana 133001, India

Website: St. Paul’s Church

7. Feast on the region’s famed flatbreads

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Haryana, the district that is home to Ambala, is known for its fantastic flatbreads and has deservedly earned the nickname ‘land of roti’. Not surprisingly, you’ll find these doughy delights around every corner in Ambala. From fine dining establishments to street-side stalls, you can get your fill of roti, with or without an accompanying dal or curry, everywhere.

What’s more, with this being India, vegetarian options abound. One option popular with locals is Puran Singh Ka Purana Punjabi Dhaba. It is conveniently located just across the road from the railway station.

Puran Singh Ka Purana Punjabi Dhaba Restaurant

Address: Shop No. 10, Shastri Market Bus Stand, Ambala Cantt, Haryana, India, 133001

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

8. Visit the holy Bhawani Amba Temple

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Named after the goddess ‘Amba’, whom many believe Ambala itself was named after, Bhawani Amba Temple is considered the city’s holiest Hindu shrine. With its unmistakable red and gold dome, it’s hard to miss, and with its convenient location close to popular markets, it’s easy to find.

Visitors are welcome to stop by and admire the intricate artistic details of its architecture. After the puja or daily devotions, this ancient yet active temple also provides free meals to devotees.

Bhawani Amba Temple

Address: BC Bazaar, Ambala Cantt, Haryana 133001, India

9. Be inspired by the artwork at Gurudwara Manji Sahib

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Colourful enamelled artworks and beautiful figure paintings adorn the interior and exterior of Gurudwara Manji Sahib, Ambala’s most-visited Sikh shrine. Not only are they are a great complement to the building’s unique architecture, they’re also sure to awaken your inner artist, poet, philosopher and travel photographer. Take some time to appreciate all the intricate details and you’re sure to leave infinitely more inspired than when you arrived.

Best of all, you can enjoy Gurudwara Manji Sahib’s soulful spaces and its rich blend of history, culture and religion at any time.

Gurudwara Manji Sahib

Address: 83o manji shahab gurudvara, Ambala, Haryana 134003

10. Spend a day at Rani Ka Talab And Shiv Mandir

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Rani Ka Talab is a picturesque park centred around a glimmering 400-year-old pond. Beyond the peace and tranquillity provided by its natural beauty, you can also find a sense of calm at the two temples teetered on the banks of the pond.

In the same way that the park’s greenery offers sanctuary to a plethora of peacocks, these manmade marvels are a popular retreat for Shiv and Devi devotees. To experience Rani Ka Talab at its best, visit at sunset when you can truly savour the pond’s golden glow and capture breathtaking travel photos.

Rani Ka Talab And Shiv Mandir

Address: 9V45+M6G, Ambala Cantt, Haryana 133001, India

Opening hours: 5am - 11am, 4pm - 8pm (daily)

Ambala awaits your arrival

Now that you’ve discovered a few of the best experiences that await you in Ambala, all that’s left to do is pack your bags and prepare for the best of Indian history, culture and religion. Outstanding architecture, unforgettable food, awe-inspiring shopping adventures and the warm and welcoming residents of Ambala await you.