A vast man-made reservoir near Shillong, known for its scenic beauty, surrounding hills, and popular water sports activities like boating and kayaking.
Discover what makes this destination truly special

Umiam Lake, often called Barapani or 'big water' by locals, is a large man-made reservoir located on the way to Shillong from Guwahati. The lake was formed by damming the Umiam River and is a prominent feature of the landscape. Surrounded by the rolling green Khasi hills, its vast, blue waters create a calm and expansive environment. Visitors first see the lake from a viewpoint along the highway, which provides a wide panoramic look at its numerous coves and small islands.
Plan your trip around the ideal season for the best experience
October-January, weekends, and all public holidays, which is the main tourist season in Meghalaya.
February-May, especially on weekdays.
June-September, during the heavy monsoon season when outdoor activities are often disrupted by rain.
Plan ahead with accurate pricing and visiting hours
Indian Visitors
₹20
Per person
Foreign Visitors
₹20
Per person
Opening Hours
9:00 AM — 5:00 PM
The water sports complex is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM every day. The main viewpoint on the highway is accessible at all times. Boating and other activities may be temporarily suspended during bad weather conditions for safety reasons.
Entry fee for the viewpoint and park area is ₹20 per person. Vehicle parking charges are separate, around ₹20-50. Water sports are charged individually: Speed Boat (short ride) approx. ₹200, Kayaking approx. ₹150 per person, Family Boat approx. ₹400 for a group. Prices are indicative and subject to change.
Find your way to this destination with ease
Address
Guwahati-Shillong Road (NH6), Umiam
Coordinates
25.6519, 91.8889
Nearest City
Shillong
Multiple ways to get to this destination conveniently
The nearest airport is Shillong Airport (UMD) in Umroi, about 18 km away, with limited connectivity. The major airport is Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi Internation...
The nearest major railway station is Guwahati Railway Station (GHY), approximately 95 km away. It is well-connected to all major cities in India. From the stati...
Umiam Lake is situated directly on NH6, the main highway connecting Guwahati and Shillong. It is about 17 km before Shillong city. Regular buses, shared taxis, ...
From Shillong's city center (Police Bazar), you can hire a local taxi for a half-day trip that includes the lake. Shared taxis heading towards Guwahati are a ch...
Learn about the story and cultural importance of this destination
Umiam Lake is not a natural body of water; it's a reservoir created in the early 1960s. The project was initiated by the Assam State Electricity Board to build a dam on the Umiam River for a hydroelectric power project. The Umiam-Umtru Hydroelectric Power Project, the first in the region, was commis...
The lake holds dual significance for Meghalaya. Primarily, it is a crucial source of hydroelectric power for the state, supporting its energy needs. Secondarily, it has become an iconic tourist destination, attracting thousands of visitors annually for its natural beauty and recreational facilities....
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