Every city of India is special in itself, some are famous for their travel attractions, some are for their cuisines and some for unique traditions and culture. One such Indian city recognised for its army cantonment is Ambala!! It is a small city nestling on the border of both Haryana and Punjab. Ambala has a charm of its own and grants a bustling ambience.
Ambala has made its name in news recently due to landing of Rafale Fighter Jets at Ambala airbase. Many people are curious to know about this city now so…let’s explore its travel destinations and popular attractions which you can cover during your trip to Ambala.
Let’s Begin –
Ambala – The Twin City
Ambala is a significant spot for people travelling to Punjab, Himachal and Jammu and Kashmir. This city is classified into Ambala Cantonment and Ambala City. The energetic vibe of this town is enhanced by a powerful appearance of the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force, in the district. This city is also known for its beautiful colonial-era bungalows which are spread over Ambala. The speciality about this city is its cultural diversity as there are many temples, gurudwaras and churches, which has amazing architecture.
There are some attractions which are really a sight to behold for every tourist which includes Badshahi Bag Gurudwara, Jain Mandir, Holy Redeemer Church and Ambika Devi Mandir are a few of them. View the splendid sights of the night sky in Ambala Planetarium, You can also wander along the Rani Ka Talab to relax your self from the hustle of the city life.
Scroll down further to get a wider picture of prominent attractions during your tour around the city of Ambala.
Rani Ka Talab
Rani Ka Talab is a 400-year-old scenic and historic pond and is situated in Ambala Cant and is guarded by the army. It is surrounded by Kailash Mandir and Indra Park for travellers to stroll around. Raja Ka Talab was also constructed along with Rani Ka Talab but now Raja Ka Talab has been carved out into a modern park known as Patel Park.
During British rule, it was called Company Bagh. Rani ka Talab is the best way to have a memorable time with kids and family. So, enjoy a fulfilling outing at Rani ka Talab.
Holy Redeemer Church
Holy Redeemer Church is located on Lawrence Road, Ambala. It was built under the British rule when numerous East India Company were carried from Karnal to Ambala. This Catholic Church is built-in 1848 and features two rooms initially made for the companies, which are used as a dispensary and a reading room. Besides this, there is an ancient residence of a priest within the church compound.
During his visit to Shimla, the church was visited by Lord Ripon, India’s only Catholic Viceroy. The church collapsed, and in 1905 a new church was built at the same location. The new church has a wide tower, strong pillars, and high Gothic roof. The church is a perfect place to worship and to honour the Lord and his wonders.
Badshahi Bagh Gurudwara
The Badshahi Bagh Gurudwara is located in the city of Ambala and commemorates the visit of the tenth and last human Guru of Sikhism, Guru Gobind Singh. He modelled the religion into its current form by forming the Khalsa fellowship and completed the holy book of Guru Granth Sahib. It is said that during one of his trips to Lakhnaur, Guru went on a hunting trip on a horse carrying his white hawk along.
He stopped near a garden outside the city of Ambala. The garden belonged to the custodian of Muslim shrines of the city, Pir Amir Din. This pristine Gurudwara made in white colour was destroyed in 1857 by the British but was rebuilt in 1931 by Sant Gurmukh Singh. Every year the festival of Baisakhi is celebrated at the Gurudwara with great zeal. This place is rich in historical beliefs and offers divinity to the Sikh community.
Air Force Base
Air Force Base is one of the oldest and largest Indian Air Force airbases in Ambala, a legacy UK airbase. The airbase is used on flights by military and government in the east of the city of Ambala. In 1947-48 Kashmir Operations the airbase played a critical role when fighter planes and Harvards were run from the base. Air Force Base has accommodated numerous aircraft, including Vampires, B-57, Hunters etc.
The airbase currently houses MiG-21 Bison and 7-Wing with jaguar squadrons. The War Memorial has been dedicated to aircrew, known as ‘Jatt Di Pasand,’ who lost their lives during the war and flying missions on the airfield. Recently 5 Rafale Fighter jets landed at the Ambala air force base.
Saint Paul’s Church
Explore the church of Saint Paul at Ambala and get engaged in the spirit of adventure and architectural brilliance. This place is perfect for spending quality time with friends and family. St. Paul’s Church was built on January 4, 1857, and is one of the oldest church at Ambala Cantt. During the Indo-Pak war of 1965, it was attacked which destroyed its splendid, and what remained was only the building.
A part of the house has ever since been devoted to church activities. International standards, outstanding architecture, imaginative designs and well-designed execution make the site a perfect destination for visitors. Enjoy fascinating themes, beautiful styles, vivid environments, engaging characters, and listen to music with joy.
Gurudawara Manji Sahib
The Manji Sahib Gurdwara is the most popular Sikh shrine of Ambala. It is located at Kaith Majri near National Highway No-1. The sixth and tenth Sikh Guru Hargobind Singh and Guru Gobind Singh respectively visited this place. In 1950, the foundation of this gurudwara was laid. It is beautiful meenakari and Chitrakari work in the gurudwara.
Bhawani Amba Temple
The name of the town of Ambala is expected to derive from the name of the goddess Amba, whose shrine is located in the town. This is an ancient temple which has been there for a long time. Ambala’s Bhawani temple has its name from the chairman of the temple’s goddess. Amba Devi or Bhawani Devi is the goddess.
Jain Mandir
Chintamani Sri Parshavnath Jain Mandir is one of the finest temples of Ambala. It was founded by the charitable trust of Shri Vijay Inder Jain. It’s near to Halwai Bazaar, the town of Ambala. 2500 years old idols are meant to be in it. Idols at Pinjore have been excavated around 150 years ago.
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The shrine is made up of four Jain god statues. The biggest sculpture in the temple is Chandra Prabhu.
Hanuman Mandir
Hanuman Mandir is also known as Shree Panchmukhi Hanuman Mandir and it is located near the Ambala Railway Station. This temple is around 250 years old and dedicated to Lord Hanuman. Hanuman Temple at Ambala is a pristine landmark for devotees and visitors who offer him prayers and honour his bravery. So many creative inscriptions and sculptures portraying Hanuman’s life and the effort he made in bringing the ‘Sanjeevani Booti’ to save Laxman Ji’s life are fabricated on the temple walls. The Hanuman Jayanti is one of the most popular festivals held in the temple with great enthusiasm & ceremony in April.
Apart from this, you can also pay a visit to Patel Park which is a cool, peaceful place at Ambala. This park is worth a visit if you want to enjoy the natural beauty and panorama of Ambala. It has numerous fountains and well-maintained rides for children. It is the best spot for settling with your family members.
Also Read: Explore Incredible Views of Nature at Namchi – Sikkim
