Ambernath, MAHARASHTRA

Ambernath is a town in the Thane District of Maharashtra. Known for its industrial and residential areas, Ambernath is a lively and developing place.With a rich history and cultural heritage, Ambernath offers a unique blend of old-world charm and modern developments. The town is surrounded by picturesque landscapes, including hills and rivers, providing a serene and peaceful environment. The people of Ambernath are friendly and welcoming, creating a warm community atmosphere. Whether you're exploring its historical sites, enjoying nature, or experiencing the local cuisine, Ambernath offers a delightful experience for residents and visitors alike.

The culture of Ambernath reflects a blend of traditional Maharashtrian customs and modern influences. The town has a diverse population comprising people from various religious and cultural backgrounds, which creates a vibrant and rich cultural atmosphere in the town. Religious festivals hold significant importance in Ambernath. Ganesh Chaturthi, Navaratri, Diwali, and Holi are celebrated with great enthusiasm and participation. During these festivals, the streets come alive with colorful decorations, processions, music, and dance performances. People gather to worship, exchange greetings, and indulge in traditional sweets and delicacies. Maharashtrian cuisine is widely enjoyed in Ambernath. Local specialties such as vada pav, pav bhaji, misal pav, and modak are popular among the residents. The town also has a mix of restaurants offering a range of cuisines, catering to different tastes. Ambernath is known for its traditional arts and crafts. Warli paintings, a tribal art form originating from Maharashtra, can be found in the region. These paintings depict scenes from rural life, usually using white paint on a brown background. Such artwork is often showcased at local exhibitions and cultural events.

• Shiv Mandir and Lake– Located in Ambernath East, the Shiv Mandir is a renowned temple devoted to Lord Shiva. It is situated near a scenic lake where visitors can relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
• Malshej Ghat– Located 80 km away from Ambernath, Malshej Ghat is a scenic mountain pass nestled in the Western Ghats. It is known for its misty hills, cascading waterfalls, and diverse bird species, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and trekkers.
• Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary– Situated in the Sahyadri Range, the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a variety of flora and fauna. It is particularly famous for being the habitat of the Indian giant squirrel and the endangered Shekru bird.
• Mahuli Fort– Located near Ambernath, Mahuli Fort is a historic hill fort known for its trekking trails and panoramic views. It is a popular destination for adventure enthusiasts and history addicts.
• Ulhas Valley– Situated close to Ambernath, Ulhas Valley is a picturesque spot known for its scenic beauty. The valley is surrounded by hills, forests, and the Ulhas River, providing opportunities for hiking, picnicking, and enjoying nature.
• Kondeshwar Temple– Located in the lush green hills near Ambernath, Kondeshwar Temple is a popular religious site dedicated to Lord Shiva. It features ancient rock-cut caves, waterfalls, and a peaceful atmosphere, attracting both devotees and nature enthusiasts.

• Explore Ambarnath Temple– Visit the ancient Ambarnath Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Marvel at the intricate architecture and soak in the spiritual atmosphere of this historic temple.
• Discover Warli Art– Learn about the traditional Warli art form indigenous to Maharashtra. Visit local artisans and workshops to witness the creation of beautiful Warli paintings and try your hand at this unique art style.
• Visit Ulhas River– Take a leisurely stroll along the banks of the Ulhas River, which flows through Ambernath. Enjoy the serene ambiance and picturesque views. One can also go hiking in the nearby mountains.
• Attend Festivals– If your visit coincides with festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi or Navaratri, make sure to immerse in the festive spirit. Witness the colorful processions, music, and dance performances that celebrate these occasions.

Marketplaces

• Ambernath Cloth Market – Situated in the center of the town, Ambernath Cloth Market is a popular destination for purchasing fabrics, clothing materials, and dress materials. It is a go-to place for those looking for textiles at reasonable prices.
• Shivaji Market – Located in the heart of Ambernath, Shivaji Market is a bustling market known for its wide range of fresh fruits, vegetables, and spices. It is a vibrant hub where locals come to buy their daily necessities.
• Ambernath Furniture Market – If you're in search of furniture and home decor items, the Ambernath Furniture Market is the place to visit. It offers a range of options, including wooden furniture, sofas, mattresses, and home accessories.
• Ulhasnagar Market – While not directly in Ambernath, Ulhasnagar Market is in close proximity and is a significant commercial area. It is famous for its textile and garment shops, offering a vast selection of clothing, footwear, and accessories. The market is particularly known for its affordable prices and variety of options.

Malls

• Sawant Arcade Mall – Located on the Shiv Mandir Road, Sawant Arcade Mall stays open from Monday to Sunday between 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
• Swanand Shopping Center – Located on B Cabin Road in the Vadavali area, Swanand Shopping Center is a popular mall in Ambernath with a variety of products at affordable prices.
• Mohan Galleria Shopping Mall – Located in the Mohan Suburbia locality near Ayyappa Temple, Mohan Galleria Shopping Mall is a great place to hang out with your friends and family. The mall provides a variety of shopping brands in different products and also has a spacious Banquet Hall for organizing functions.
• Midtown Square – Located in the Kalyan – Badlapur Rd, Midtown Square is the preferred hangout place in Ambernath town. The mall stays open from Monday to Sunday between 9:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

• Ganesh Chaturthi– Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the most significant festivals in Ambernath. It commemorates the birth of Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed deity. During this festival, beautifully decorated idols of Lord Ganesha are worshipped in homes and public pandals. The festival involves grand processions, music, dancing, and immersion of the idols in water bodies.
• Diwali– Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Ambernath. People decorate their homes with oil lamps, burst firecrackers, exchange sweets, and worship Goddess Lakshmi. The festive atmosphere, illuminated streets, and colorful fireworks make Diwali a vibrant celebration.
• Gudi Padwa – Gudi Padwa marks the Maharashtrian New Year and is celebrated with enthusiasm in Ambernath. People hoist a gudi (a decorated pole) outside their homes, decorate their entrances with rangoli, and indulge in festive meals and sweets.
• Eid – As a reflection of the town's diverse population, Eid which marks the end of Ramadan, is celebrated by the Muslim community in Ambernath. Prayers, feasts, and exchanging greetings and gifts are customary during this festival.

• Modak– Modak is a sweet dumpling made from rice flour and filled with a coconut and jaggery mixture. It is a traditional Maharashtrian sweet often prepared during the festival of Ganesh Chaturthi. Ambernath also offers this delectable treat.
• Vada Pav– Vada Pav is a typical Maharashtrian Street food item that is widely enjoyed in Ambernath. Vada Pav is a spicy potato fritter (vada) served inside a bun (pav) along with chutneys and fried green chili.
• Misal Pav– Misal Pav is another beloved Maharashtrian dish that is a must-try in Ambernath. It is a spicy curry made with sprouted lentils, topped with crunchy farsan (fried savory mix), and served with soft bread rolls (pav).
• Bhel Puri– Bhel Puri is a popular savory snack that you can find in Ambernath. It is made with a combination of puffed rice, chopped vegetables, chutneys, and spices, resulting in a tangy and flavorful mix.
• Kothimbir Vadi – Kothimbir Vadi is a savory snack made from coriander leaves (kothimbir) and chickpea flour. It is seasoned with spices, steamed, and then shallow-fried until crisp. It is a popular snack in Maharashtra and is also relished in Ambernath.

• Shipra’s Food – Popular for its great service and favorable ambiance, Shipra’s Food is a family restaurant, located in the Mohan Jyot locality, opposite Herambh Mandir. The restaurant caters to a variety of food items including Chinese, Shake, and Sichuan.
• Mughal’s The Royal Dining – A cozy and comfortable restaurant, Mughal’s The Royal Dining offers a range of North Indian, Mughlai, Chinese, Seafood, Biryani, Kebab, Desserts, and Beverages. Popular for its comfortable seating areas and large gatherings, the restaurant caters to a wide array of Veg items.
• Shreenath Pure Veg Family Restaurant– Shreenath Pure Veg Family Restaurant is a vegetarian restaurant in Ambernath that offers a diverse menu of Indian and Chinese dishes. It is known for its thalis, South Indian delicacies, and flavorsome curries.
• Moti Mahal Restaurant– Moti Mahal Restaurant is a popular eatery in Ambernath that specializes in North Indian and Mughlai cuisine. It is known for its flavorful kebabs, biryanis, and tandoori dishes.

• Hotel Sarovar Ambernath– Hotel Sarovar is a mid-range hotel located in the heart of Ambernath. It offers well-furnished rooms with modern amenities like air conditioning, television, and private bathrooms. The hotel also has a restaurant that serves a variety of cuisines.
• OYO Rooms Ambernath West– OYO Rooms has another property in the Ambernath West area. It offers budget-friendly rooms with amenities like air conditioning, TV, and free Wi-Fi. The hotel is well-connected and provides easy access to nearby attractions.
• Hotel Gokul Residency– Hotel Gokul Residency is a budget hotel located in the heart of Ambernath. It offers clean and comfortable rooms with basic amenities for a convenient stay.
• Hotel Chinar Ambernath– Hotel Chinar is another mid-range option in Ambernath that provides comfortable rooms with essential amenities. It is situated in a convenient location and offers a peaceful stay experience.

The best time to visit Ambernath is during the winter season, from the months of November to February. The weather is pleasant and comfortable during this period, with temperatures ranging from around 15°C to 30°C. It is a great time for outdoor activities, sightseeing, and exploring the town and its surroundings.