Happy TravellerAmbala, India is a city with a rich history and strategic location. Located on the border with the Indian state of Punjab and in proximity to both states capital Chandigarh, Ambala is known as the Twin City. It has a large Indian Army and Indian Air Force presence within its cantonment area. Ambala separates the Ganges river network from the Indus river network and is surrounded by two rivers – Ghaggar and Tangri – to the north and to the south. Due to its geographical location, the Ambala district plays an important role in local tourism, being located 47 km (29 mi) south of Chandigarh, 50 km (31 mi) north of Kurukshetra, 148 km (92 mi) southwest of Shimla, 198 km (123 mi) north of New Delhi and 260 km (160 mi) southeast of Amritsar.
History
Ambala derives its name from Amba Rajput who supposedly founded it during the 14th century CE. According to another version, it is named after the goddess Bhawani Amba whose Temple still exists in Ambala city. The town has a rich history dating back to the Indo-Parthian Kingdom and the Mauryan empire. In 1709, Battle of Ambala was fought and Sikhs captured Ambala from Mughals. It was under the rule of Gill Jats in the later medieval era (Sikh Empire). During the British colonial era, Ambala Cantonment was established in 1843 after the British were forced to leave its Karnal Cantonment following the malaria epidemic of 1841–42. Today, Ambala is a counter-magnet city for the National Capital Region to develop as an alternative center of growth to Delhi.
Geography and Climate
Ambala separates the Ganges river network from the Indus river network and is surrounded by two rivers – Ghaggar and Tangri – to the north and to the south. The climate of Ambala is classified as a local steppe climate. The average annual temperature is 23.1 °C in Ambala. The rainfall here averages 649 mm.
Demographics
As of 2011 India census, Ambala UA had a population of 207,934 consisting of 112,840 males and 95,094 females, a ratio of 843. there were 20,687 children 0–6 and Ambala had an average literacy rate of 89.31%, with 91.76% of males and 86.41% of females literate.
Economy
The Cloth Market is considered to be the largest textile market in this region. It is located in sector 7, the central part of the city of Ambala. The market is known for catering to wedding related shopping. The most commonly bought items are sarees and silk clothing.
Transportation
Ambala is connected to all of the other major cities of north India. It is a big interchange for various commuters for all neighboring states. National Highway NH 44 popularly known as GT road earlier known as NH 1 passes through Ambala and connects it to National capital Delhi, Panipat, Ludhiana and Amritsar. NH 152 connects it to state capital Chandigarh, Kaithal. Apart from the Interstate service, Ambala also houses one of the oldest local bus services in Haryana, which is run by both Haryana roadways and private companies. Other means of local transportation include auto rickshaws and cycle rickshaws. Ambala is a divisional headquarters of the Northern Railway Zone and is an important railway junction. Ambala Cantt station is among the top 100 booking stations in India. The city is served by three railway stations: Ambala Cantt [UMB] (Junction on Delhi-Kalka line and Moradabad-Ambala line/Ambala-Attari line) Ambala City [UBC] (On Ambala-Attari line) Dhulkot [DKT] (on Delhi-Kalka line).
Education
Ambala has a large number of schools and colleges. Notable colleges are as follows:- Convent of Jesus and Mary, Ambala E-Max School of Engineering and Applied Research Government Polytechnic College, Ambala Maharishi Markandeshwar University, Mullana Maharishi Markandeshwar University, Sadopur Philadelphia Hospital & School of Nursing, Ambala Sanatan Dharma College (S.D. College) Shri Atmanand Jain Institute of Management and Technology
Ambala is a city with a rich history and strategic location. It is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring the cultural and historical heritage of India. With its beautiful landscapes, mouthwatering local cuisine, and friendly locals, Ambala is sure to leave a lasting impression on any traveler.
