Umiam Lake - Shillong's Majestic Man-Made Reservoir

Shillong, MeghalayaLAKE

A vast man-made reservoir near Shillong, known for its scenic beauty, surrounding hills, and popular water sports activities like boating and kayaking.

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Info

LAKE

Info

2-3 hours

Accessibility

Not Wheelchair Friendly

Parking

No Parking

Photography

No Photography

About the Destination

Overview

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.

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Location & Address

Guwahati-Shillong Road (NH6), Umiam, Umiam, Shillong, Meghalaya, India

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Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Umiam Lake is from October to May. During these months, the weather is pleasant with clear skies and minimal rainfall, making it ideal for water sports and sightseeing. The post-monsoon period from October to December offers lush green landscapes and comfortable temperatures. The winter months from December to February are cool and misty, providing a different but equally beautiful experience. Summer, from March to May, is also a good time before the heavy monsoon rains begin in June.
Peak Crowd: October-January, weekends, and all public holidays, which is the main tourist season in Meghalaya.
Moderate Crowd: February-May, especially on weekdays.
Low Crowd: June-September, during the heavy monsoon season when outdoor activities are often disrupted by rain.

How to Reach

Air

The nearest airport is Shillong Airport (UMD) in Umroi, about 18 km away, with limited connectivity. The major airport is Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (GAU) in Guwahati, Assam, which is around 100 km away (2.5-3 hours by taxi).

Train

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 station, you can hire a taxi or take a shared cab to reach the lake.

Road

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, and private cabs are available from both Guwahati and Shillong.

Local Transport

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 cheaper option. There are no regular city bus services to the lake.