Ambaji Travel Guide
Discover the beauty of Ambaji with this travel guide. Includes a list of places to visit, best things to do, food and drinks, where to stay, and more.
- Introduction to Ambaji
- List of Places to Visit in Ambaji
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Ambaji
- Gabbar Hills Trek
- Ambaji to Kedarnath Trek
- Best Things to Do in Ambaji: Activities and Tours
- Experience the Local Culture and Customs
- Visit the Ambaji Wildlife Sanctuary
- Week-Long Itinerary for Ambaji
- Food and Drink Scene of Ambaji
- Where to Stay in Ambaji: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Ambaji: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Ambaji
- Best Time to Visit Ambaji
- Do’s and Don’ts of Ambaji
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Ambaji: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Ambaji
- Where to Go Next from Ambaji: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Ambaji
Ambaji is a small town located in the Banaskantha district of the North Gujarat region in the western state of Gujarat in India. This town is known for its stunning temples, rich cultural heritage, scenic views, and pleasant weather. Whether you’re a spiritual person, a nature lover or a history buff, Ambaji has something to offer to everyone.
In this comprehensive guide, we will provide you with a list of places to visit, best things to do, food and drink options, where to stay, and important information about the local culture and customs of Ambaji.
List of Places to Visit in Ambaji
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
Ambaji Temple
Ambaji Temple is the most famous and revered temple in the town of Ambaji, dedicated to Goddess Amba. The temple is located at the foothills of the Aravalli mountain range and is a popular pilgrimage site for Hindus. The temple is open all day, and the best time to visit is during Navaratri when the temple is beautifully lit up.
Kumbhariyaji Jain Temple
Kumbhariyaji Jain Temple is a must-visit temple for those interested in Jainism. The temple is located on a hill and is dedicated to Lord Parshvanath. The temple is made of marble and has intricate carvings on the walls and pillars.
Natural Attractions of Ambaji: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
Gabbar Hills
Gabbar Hills is a popular tourist spot and is located around 4 km from Ambaji Temple. It is considered to be the highest point in the Aravali mountain range and provides stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Visitors can reach the peak by climbing around 200 steps or by taking a cable car ride.
Mansarovar Lake
Mansarovar Lake is a tranquil lake located around 2 km from Ambaji Temple. The lake is surrounded by lush greenery, and visitors can enjoy boating or take a leisurely walk along the lake’s shore to soak in the stunning views.
Hiking/Biking Routes of Ambaji
Gabbar Hills Trek
The Gabbar Hills Trek is a popular option for adventure seekers who love hiking. The trek offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside and takes around two hours to complete.
Ambaji to Kedarnath Trek
The Ambaji to Kedarnath Trek is a great option for those who love trekking and exploring the wilderness. The trek offers stunning views of the rugged mountains and valleys in the region and takes around 6 to 7 days to complete.
Best Things to Do in Ambaji: Activities and Tours
Experience the Local Culture and Customs
Visitors can experience the local culture and customs of Ambaji by taking a walking tour of the town. You can visit the bustling local markets and interact with the locals to learn more about the region’s unique customs and traditions.
Visit the Ambaji Wildlife Sanctuary
The Ambaji Wildlife Sanctuary is a great place to explore the region’s flora and fauna. The sanctuary has a diverse range of wildlife, including leopards, chitals, sambars, and langurs.
Week-Long Itinerary for Ambaji
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Visit Ambaji Temple and Kumbhariyaji Jain Temple |
| Day 2 | Trek to Gabbar Hills and explore the local market |
| Day 3 | Visit the Ambaji Wildlife Sanctuary and enjoy the scenic views |
| Day 4 | Take a walk to Mansarovar Lake and enjoy boating |
| Day 5 | Visit the tribal villages of Ambaji and explore the local culture |
| Day 6 | Enjoy the scenic beauty of Ambaji and surrounding areas |
| Day 7 | Checkout and Departure |
Food and Drink Scene of Ambaji
Must-Try Dishes
Ambaji is known for its delicious and unique cuisine. Some of the must-try dishes include:
- Khaman Dhokla
- Fafda-Jalebi
- Khandvi
- Thepla
- Khichdi
Local Beverages
- Chaas
- Sattu
Where to Stay in Ambaji: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- Ambaji International Hotel
- Akash Hotel
- Shree Palace Hotel
- Hotel Rajmandir
- Swagat Hotel
What to Buy in Ambaji: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Traditional clothes like bandhani sarees and ghagra cholis
- Handicraft items like wall hangings and pottery
- Spices and masalas
- Local sweets like farsan and gathiya
Local Culture and Customs of Ambaji
- Visitors are expected to dress modestly and cover their heads while visiting the temples.
- Shoes are not allowed inside the temples.
- Alcohol consumption and smoking in public places are strictly prohibited.
Best Time to Visit Ambaji
The best time to visit Ambaji is during the winter season from November to February when the weather is pleasant and cool. The monsoon season from July to September is also a great time to visit if you enjoy the rain and lush greenery.
Do’s and Don’ts of Ambaji
Do:
- Respect the local culture and customs.
- Dress modestly while visiting the temples.
- Try the local cuisine and explore the local markets.
Don’t:
- Smoke or consume alcohol in public places.
- Enter the temples wearing shoes or without covering your head.
Safety and Health
Safety in Ambaji
Ambaji is generally a safe place to visit. However, visitors are advised to take necessary precautions and avoid venturing out alone at night.
Health in Ambaji
Visitors are advised to drink only bottled water and avoid eating street food to avoid any health issues. It is also recommended to carry basic medication and first aid kit while traveling.
Getting to Ambaji: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Ambaji
The nearest airports to Ambaji are the Ahmedabad Airport and the Vadodara Airport. Both airports are well-connected to major Indian cities.
Bus Stations Near Ambaji
Ambaji is well-connected to major cities in Gujarat by bus. The nearest bus station is located in the Ambaji town, and visitors can hire a taxi or auto-rickshaw to reach their destination.
Other Options
Visitors can also opt for private cabs or taxis to reach Ambaji from nearby cities.
How to Get Around in Ambaji
Visitors can hire a taxi or auto-rickshaw to get around the town. Bicycles and motorbikes are also available for rent.
Where to Go Next from Ambaji: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Mount Abu
- Udaipur
- The Great Rann of Kutch
- Junagadh
Conclusion
Ambaji is a beautiful town that offers a unique mix of spirituality, heritage, and natural beauty. This comprehensive guide provides visitors with all the necessary information to plan their trip to Ambaji and enjoy their stay to the fullest.
