Ambala Cantonment is a cantonment town in Ambala district in the state of Haryana, India. It is 200 km north of Delhi and 55 km southwest of Chandigarh. This cantonment was established in the year 1843 and is an important centre for manufacturing of scientific and surgical instruments.  The body is controlled by the Cantonment Act of 2006 and its head office is located on Race Course Road.

Ambala Cantonment Junction railway station is a major junction. Delhi-Kalka and Saharanpur-Ludhiana’s railway lines pass through this junction.

Ambala is located on the border with the Indian state of Punjaband Chandigarh. Ambala has two sub-areas: Ambala Cantonment (Ambala Cantt) and Ambala City, which has earned it a name of the “Twin City”. Ambala is also known for its large Indian Army and Indian Air Force presence within its cantonment area which was established in the year 1843. The cantonment houses the ‘2 corps’, one of the three strike corps of Indian Army and is of immense strategic importance.

The history of this city suggests that the district was founded by Amba Rajput during the 14th century. Although there are many other versions that contribute to the story of its origin. It is also believed that the name Ambala is a corruption of Amba Wala meaning the mango-village, from mango groves which existed in its vicinity. Another version is that the city takes its name after goddess “Bhawani Amba” whose Temple still exists in Ambala city.

Cloth Market of Ambala is a major draw for people from across the region. This market is the largest cloth trading market in the sub continent and has a dense cluster of more than 900-1000 wholesale shops. The market specializes in Hand-loom, silk sarees, suitings & shirtings and other dress materials.  People flock this place especially for marriage dresses.

Due to its geographical location Ambala is also an important tourist destination. Tourists en route to Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Chandigarh and Kashmir mark Ambala as one of the destinations to visit in their road map.