People often think of Ambala, which is in Haryana, as a stopover city between Delhi and Chandigarh. But if you look more closely, you’ll see that this military town has a lot more to offer, like historic sites, religious sites, shopping markets, delicious food, and quiet places to relax.
If you’re a local looking for something to do on the weekend or a traveler passing through, here are the best places to go and things to do in Ambala.
1. Rani Ka Talab (Ambala Cantt)
Rani Ka Talab is a beautiful and peaceful pond in the middle of Ambala Cantt that you have to see. There are walking paths, small gardens, and benches around the pond. At night, joggers, walkers, and families fill the area with life.
What to do:
Take a walk around the lake.
Give the fish food
Nearby, you can enjoy chaat and street food.
2. Hanuman Mandir, Ambala Cantt
This temple is one of the oldest and most respected in the city. Hanuman Mandir is close to the train station and is known for being peaceful. On Tuesdays and during festivals, it gets very busy.
What to do:
Go to the aarti in the morning or evening.
Get prasad from vendors in your area.
Light diyas at night to find spiritual peace.
3. The Holy Redeemer Church was built in 1905.
This beautiful colonial church from the British era in Ambala Cantt has gothic architecture, stained-glass windows, and a peaceful setting. It’s not just a place of worship; it’s also a sign of Ambala’s history.
What to do:
Take a walk around the church grounds.
Take pictures of buildings from the colonial era
Come during Christmas for special prayers.
4. Sadar Bazaar—A Shopper’s Paradise
You can’t go to Ambala without shopping in Sadar Bazaar. This market has everything, from clothes with names on them to spices to electronics. It’s always full of life and a great place to shop on a budget.
What to get:
Army stuff like shoes, belts, and bags
Clothes and dupattas from different cultures
Momos, chole bhature, and kulfi are all street foods.
5. Puran Singh Da Dhaba—A Taste of Ambala
This famous restaurant is close to the Ambala Cantt train station and is known for its mutton curry and tandoori roti. A lot of people stop here just to eat.
What to try:
Curry with mutton
Tandoori roti with dal fry
Salad with onions and local chutneys
6. Bhagwan Parshuram Mandir, Ambala City
This lovely temple in Ambala City is one of the most important religious sites for Brahmin communities. It has beautiful carvings, a calm atmosphere, and is important to the culture.
Why go?
Peace in the spirit
Architecture and celebrations
Close to other temples
7. Omaxe Celebration Mall and Fun Zone
Want to hang out with friends or watch a movie? You can go to the movies, play games, eat at cafes, and shop all in one place at Omaxe Mall.
What to do:
See the newest movie
Bowling or playing games
Get some coffee or fast food.
8. The Ambala Railway Heritage Museum is coming soon.
A railway museum is being built near Ambala Cantt to show off the city’s railway history. It should open soon. Ambala is a major railway junction, and this museum will show how important it has been to Indian transportation history.
9. Nicholson Park—Relax in the Greenery
Nicholson Park is a clean and quiet park near military areas in Cantt. It’s great for morning and evening walks. It has trees, benches, and a play area for kids, and it was named after a British officer.
10. Local fairs and the Ambala Carnival
During Diwali, Holi, and Dussehra, Ambala holds local fairs and carnivals, mostly in places like Police Grounds or stadiums. Families and kids will love the rides, food, and crafts from the area.
Bonus: Day Trips from Ambala Morni Hills is only 1.5 hours away and is great for nature lovers.
Kurukshetra is a great place to learn about history and spirituality (1 hour drive)
️ Yadavindra Gardens (Pinjore) – Mughal gardens near Kalka that are part of India’s history
❓ FAQs – What to Do in Ambala Q1. Is Ambala a good place for tourists? Yes, Ambala is a great place to stay for a short time, go to church, shop, and eat.
Q2. What is Ambala known for?
Military history, a railway junction, clothing exports, and Puran Singh da Dhaba.
Q3: Are there any malls in Ambala? Yes, Omaxe Mall and Galaxy Mall are two places where you can shop and have fun.
Q4: When is the best time to go to Ambala? The best time is from October to March, when the weather is nice and there are lots of celebrations.
Last Word
Ambala isn’t a hill station or a big city, but it has its own charm. It has a lot of history, delicious food, shopping streets, and quiet places that make for a great weekend trip. These things to do will help you get a feel for Ambala, whether you’re just passing through or staying longer.
Stay in touch with AmbalaStory.com for more hidden gems, food guides, and stories from the area.
