Sprawling like a liquid sapphire amid the rolling Khasi hills, Umiam Lake – locally called Barapani (“Big Water”) – is Shillong’s postcard-perfect gateway, a 10-sq-km man-made reservoir created in 1965 by damming the Umiam River. Just 15 km north of the city, this serene waterbody is framed by pine-clad slopes, misty clouds, and the occasional rainbow after mountain showers. With pedal boats, kayaks, and the tiny Lumpongdeng Island at its heart, Umiam offers everything from adrenaline-pumping water zorbing to silent sunset contemplation. A soul-soothing prelude to the wilder beauty of Cherrapunji and Mawlynnong, it enchants families, couples, and photographers alike. For visitors to indiatourisminfo.com, Umiam Lake is the beating heart of Meghalaya’s highlands. With 2025 night kayaking and the Umiam Water Festival, this “Scotland of the East’s Loch” is an unmissable destination for anyone craving nature’s purest embrace.
Key Attractions
Lumpongdeng Island – tiny green islet reachable by boat
Water Sports Complex – kayaking, skiing, zorbing
Nehru Park – landscaped gardens and children’s area
Orchid Lake Resort – floating cottages and viewpoints
Sunset View Deck – western shore with pine silhouettes
Umiam Viewpoint – panoramic hilltop on Shillong-Guwahati road
Pine Forest Trails – short walks around the lake
Things to Do
Kayak or pedal boat at golden hour (~₹200–500)
Night kayaking under the stars (2025 onwards, ~₹800)
Speed boat ride across the reservoir (~₹400)
Walk to Lumpongdeng Island when water level is low
Attend Umiam Water Festival – dragon boat races & music (Aug 15–17, 2026)
Photography from the highway viewpoint
Picnic at Nehru Park with local Khasi pineapple
Try Jadoh & smoked pork at lakeside stalls
Local Culture and History
Built in 1965 as Northeast India’s first hydel project, Umiam Lake submerged several Khasi villages; locals still refer to it as “the lake that swallowed our homes”. Khasi fishermen now cast nets from colourful canoes, and the lake hosts the annual Seng Khasi boat race. The 2025 solar-powered night kayaking initiative, promoted by Meghalaya Tourism and X posts, makes it India’s first fully green-lit reservoir at night.
Best Time to Visit
Open 9 AM–5 PM (water sports), with November to February (winter, 5–20°C) ideal for clear skies and pleasant boating. June to September (monsoon) offers lush greenery and fuller lake but occasional rain. Sunrise (5:30 AM) and sunset (5 PM) are magical year-round.
How to Reach
By Air: Shillong Airport (30 km) or Guwahati LGBI (100 km). Taxis ~₹800–2500.
By Train: Guwahati Railway Station (100 km). Taxis ~₹2500.
By Road: From Shillong city (15 km, 30 min) via GS Road. Shared taxis (~₹50), private (~₹600). Free parking at sports complex.
Local Transport: Local buses and shared sumos from Bara Bazar.
Travel Tips
Booking: Water sports tickets on-spot; book night kayaking in advance.
Cost: Food ~₹100–300; taxi from Shillong ~₹600; hotels ~₹2500–8000/night.
Dress: Light jacket (evenings cool); water shoes.
Safety: Life jackets mandatory; no swimming outside marked zones.
Respect Local Culture: Ask permission before photographing Khasi fishermen.
Connectivity: Good mobile; Wi-Fi at resorts.
Environment: No plastic; carry reusable bottles.
Accessibility: Viewpoints wheelchair-friendly; boats have steps.
Nearby Attractions
Ward’s Lake (15 km) – Shillong city centre
Don Bosco Museum (12 km) – Northeast culture
Shillong Peak (20 km) – highest point
Laitlum Canyons (25 km) – grand valley views
Mawphlang Sacred Grove (35 km) – ancient forest
Explore More
Discover other Meghalaya treasures like living root bridges of Cherrapunji or Asia’s cleanest village Mawlynnong on our Meghalaya destinations page. Plan your highland lake escape with indiatourisminfo.com today!
