AmbarnathAn eastern Mumbai suburb renowned for its 11th-century Shilahera temple, chemical manufacturing plants, and heavy engineering works.
Updated November 2026
Local businesses in Ambarnath
Paid placements — every card below is labelled sponsored. Advertise here →
Step Ahead — IELTS & Study Abroad Coaching
Certified trainer, small batches and honest band-score guidance — the Bharat Digital Network’s founding sponsor. Online + classroom cohorts, Mon–Sat.
Ambarnath in one minute
Ambarnath — live weather, population, hidden places and cost of living, auto-updated.
Ambarnath is a prominent industrial city situated in the Thane district within the eastern corridor of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. Historically built around the ancient Ambreshwar Shiva Temple constructed in 1060 CE, the settlement evolved rapidly during the 20th century into a manufacturing center supported by central government defense installations and private chemical factories.
Modern Ambarnath is split into East and West zones by the Central Railway line. It functions as a crucial residential suburb for commuters traveling into Mumbai and Thane, while housing large industrial estates managed by the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation.
Fast facts
| Status | Municipal Council |
| District | Thane |
| Division | Konkan |
| District population (2011) | 8070547 |
| City population (2011) | 253475 |
| Urban agglomeration | Mumbai Metropolitan Region |
| Density | ≈6500 per sq km — pending |
| Languages | Marathi, Hindi, English |
| Main stations | Ambarnath (ABH) |
| Nearest airport | Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (≈45 km) |
| River | Waldhuni River |
| Sub-divisions | Ambarnath East, Ambarnath West |
| District literacy | 84.5% |
| Famous for | Shiv Mandir, Ordinance Factory, MIDC Estate |
City map
Demographics CENSUS 2011
Last official census — 2021 census deferred, estimates update on release.
2,53,475 residents
per 1,000 males
municipal area (2011)
≈27,882 children (est.)
Hidden & heritage places in Ambarnath
Ambarnath beyond the postcards — quiet places and lanes most guides skip.
Ambreshwar Shiva Temple
An 11th-century Hemadpanthi stone temple built by the Shilahara dynasty, famous for intricate stone carvings and the annual Mahashivratri fair on the banks of the Waldhuni River.
Directions ↗Ordnance Factory Ambarnath
A historical defense manufacturing establishment set up in the mid-20th century, surrounded by a peaceful, well-planned residential defense colony.
Directions ↗Chikhloli Dam
A popular seasonal freshwater reservoir that serves as a local picnic spot and scenic catchment area surrounded by low hills during the monsoon.
Directions ↗Haji Malang Gad
A historic hill fort located nearby, featuring the famous shrine of Sufi saint Haji Malang, drawing thousands of pilgrims climbing the steep stone steps.
Directions ↗Kala Talao
A large urban lake in nearby Kalyan offering lakeside walkways and boating facilities, easily accessible from Ambarnath town.
Directions ↗Barvi Dam Catchment
A scenic countryside route leading towards the Barvi reservoir project, popular among cyclists and weekend road trippers.
Directions ↗Weekend getaways near Ambarnath
Approximate road distances from Ambarnath.
Cost of living in Ambarnath
Indicative monthly estimates for a single person — verify locally before deciding.
| 1 BHK rent (city) | ₹3,000 – 6,000 / mo |
| 2 BHK rent (city) | ₹6,000 – 11,000 / mo |
| Meal at a local eatery | ₹70 – 150 |
| Groceries (single, month) | ₹3,500 – 5,500 |
| Utilities (basic) | ₹1,200 – 2,500 |
| Monthly total (est.) | ₹10,000 – 17,000 |
Estimates only · tier-3 market · updated with market data over time
What runs Ambarnath's economy
What actually runs Ambarnath.
Ordnance & Defense Production
Houses major defense establishments like the Ordnance Factory and Machine Tool Prototype Factory manufacturing military components.
Government Establishment ↗MIDC Chemical Zone
Hosts dozens of medium and large chemical processing units producing dyes, specialty chemicals, and bulk drugs.
Industrial Belt ↗Heavy Machinery & Fabrication
Engineered manufacturing units supplying auto parts, metal components, and industrial machinery across Western India.
Manufacturing Sector ↗Textile Processing Units
Features local textile washing, dyeing, and garment manufacturing clusters catering to the Mumbai region.
Textile Zone ↗Pharma Formulations
Modern manufacturing plants producing active pharmaceutical ingredients and oral dosage formulations.
Pharma Cluster ↗Suburban Housing Development
Rapid residential high-rise expansion catering to commuters along the Central Railway corridor.
Residential Sector ↗Famous food & restaurants in Ambarnath
Where locals actually eat — local counters, classics and street institutions.
Hotel Modern Lunch Home
Famous for traditional Konkani seafood, spicy mutton thalis, and local Maharashtrian misal.
Directions ↗Deepak Restaurant
Popular family eatery serving Punjabi curries, tandoori rotis, and Chinese starters.
Directions ↗Shree Sunders Restaurant
Busy breakfast joint serving hot idlis, crispy dosas, and filter coffee near the railway station.
Directions ↗Sukh Sagar Thali
Popular dining spot offering unlimited Gujarati and Rajasthani vegetarian thalis.
Directions ↗Verified from local guides · Sep 2026 · hours change — call ahead
Markets & shopping
East Station Bazaar
Bustling street stalls and shops offering everyday produce, clothes, footwear, and household items.
Directions ↗Ambarnath Main Subzi Mandi
Central wholesale and retail fresh produce market stocking regional vegetables and Konkan fruits.
Directions ↗Festival & fair calendar
Mahashivratri
Massive multi-day temple fair held around the ancient Ambreshwar Shiv Mandir featuring cultural programs and local markets.
Ganesh Chaturthi
Town-wide celebration with grand public pandals, traditional dhol-tasha processions, and river immersions.
Diwali
Festival of lights marked by glowing sky lanterns, decorated markets, and traditional Maharashtrian sweets near Station Road.
Gudi Padwa
Traditional Marathi New Year celebrated with colorful rangolis, silk flags raised outside homes, and festive processions.
From the Bharat Digital Network
Everything this city needs, on the network's own hubs.
FAQ
What is Ambarnath famous for?
Ambarnath is famous for the 11th-century Shiv Mandir built by the Shilahara kings, as well as its massive MIDC industrial zone and historic Ordnance Factory.
Is Ambarnath part of Mumbai?
Ambarnath is an outer suburb in the Thane district, forming an integral part of the extended Mumbai Metropolitan Region connected by the Central Railway suburban train network.
How do I reach the Ambarnath Shiv Mandir?
The temple is located in Ambarnath East, approximately 2 kilometers from the Ambarnath suburban railway station, easily reachable via local auto-rickshaws.
Which railway line connects Ambarnath?
Ambarnath is a major station on the Central Line of the Mumbai Suburban Railway, situated between Kalyan Junction and Badlapur.