Things To Do
in Ambāla

A winter specialty of mustard greens served with corn flatbread—commonly available in winter at local dhabas and home-style restaurants.

Must-Try!

Spicy chickpea curry paired with deep-fried puffed bread; a breakfast staple at many Ambala eateries and roadside dhabas.

Thick, sweet or salty lassi is popular; local sweet shops offer jalebi, rabri and traditional Punjabi mithai.

Tandoori chicken, seekh kebab and paneer tikka are widely available at grill-focused restaurants and dhabas along major roads.

Busy markets with street-food stalls selling chaat, pakoras, chole bhature, lassi and sweets; ideal for tasting local flavors and photographing market life.

Highway dhabas near Ambala offer robust Punjabi meals, tandoori breads and chai—good for hearty, inexpensive meals and observing local traveler culture.

Dress modestly in conservative neighborhoods and religious sites—cover shoulders and knees as a courtesy, especially for women visiting temples and gurdwaras.

Remove shoes before entering temples and gurdwaras; cover your head in gurudwaras and follow signs for gender-specific areas. Photography may be restricted—ask first.

Use Namaste or a slight nod/hand gesture to greet; a handshake is common among men but wait for women to extend a hand first. Politeness and a calm demeanor go a long way.

Eating with the right hand is customary; avoid using the left hand when handling food. When offered food or drink, accepting with both hands is polite.

Tipping is appreciated but not always mandatory—leave 5–10% in restaurants if service is good, tip hotel porters ₹20–₹100 depending on help, and tip taxi drivers small amounts for helpful service. For guides and drivers on day trips, ₹200–₹500 is common depending on length and quality.

Cash (INR) is widely used for small purchases and street food. Larger restaurants, hotels and shops accept credit/debit cards; mobile payments (UPI, Paytm, Google Pay) are increasingly common. ATMs are available but carry some cash for rural trips and small vendors.

Hot and dry from April to June with daytime temperatures often 35–45°C (95–113°F); stay hydrated, avoid midday sun, wear light cotton clothing and plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon.

June to September brings sporadic heavy rain and high humidity—expect occasional flooding on small roads, muddy conditions in rural areas and a greener landscape; carry rain gear and waterproof footwear.

October–November offers pleasant weather, clearer skies and milder days—one of the best times for sightseeing and short hikes nearby.

December–February are cool to cold with temperatures from 5–20°C (41–68°F) and occasional morning fog; bring warm layers for early mornings and evenings, and enjoy seasonal foods like sarson ka saag.

Approximately 50–70 km from Ambala depending on route—offers domestic flights and some international connections; easiest airport for most visitors to reach Ambala by taxi or bus.

Around 200–220 km away and well connected by road and rail; offers the broadest range of international and domestic flights and is an option for international travelers with onward travel to Ambala by train or car.

The majority of residents are Punjabi- and Haryanvi-speaking people, reflecting the state’s culture and cuisine.

A significant population associated with the Ambala Cantonment and Indian armed forces influences local economy, culture and services.

Ambala’s role as a transport and textile hub means many people are employed in trade, logistics and small manufacturing.

Hindu and Sikh communities are predominant, with Muslim and other minority groups present and religious sites reflecting this diversity.

Vegetarian options are abundant—most dhabas and restaurants offer paneer dishes, lentils, vegetable curries and breads. Ask for less oil or spice if preferred; verify ingredients (ghee vs. oil) when avoiding dairy.

Vegan choices are available but require asking—request meals without ghee, butter or cream; dal (lentils), vegetable sabzi and rotis can be prepared vegan on request.

Gluten-free options are limited but possible—rice-based dishes, lentils and naturally gluten-free local items work; avoid breads and many street snacks unless made from millet or maize and confirmed safe.

Street food is delicious but choose busy stalls with high turnover, drink bottled water or use a trusted purification method, and watch for very spicy or oily preparations if you have a sensitive stomach.