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    HomeDestination IdeasLakesWards Lake
    25.574991.8870Shillong, Meghalaya
    LAKE

    Wards Lake - Shillong's Famous Horseshoe Lake and Garden

    A charming horseshoe-shaped lake in the heart of Shillong, featuring a botanical garden, a wooden bridge, and paddle boating facilities.

    Shillong, Meghalaya1-2 hours8:30 AM – 5:30 PM₹10Photography OK
    View On MapNearby Hotels
    Best Season:The ideal time to visit Wards Lake is from March to June and September to November. During these months, Shillong's weather is pleasant and comfortable for outdoor activities like walking and boating. The post-monsoon period from September to November is especially beautiful with clear skies and lush greenery. The heavy monsoon season from July to August can make the pathways slippery and limit activities. Winters (December to February) are cold but can also be a good time if you enjoy crisp weather.
    Duration:1-2 hours
    Entry (Indian):₹10
    Entry (Foreign):₹10
    Photography:Allowed
    Parking:Available

    Why Visit Wards Lake?

    Discover what makes this destination truly special

    Wards Lake
    Wards Lake is a man-made, horseshoe-shaped lake located right in the center of Shillong. Surrounded by a well-maintained botanical garden, it's a popular spot for both locals and visitors looking for a peaceful break from the city's activity. A cobblestone path winds around the lake, perfect for a slow walk amidst flowerbeds and cherry blossom trees, which bloom in autumn. The main feature is the white ornamental wooden bridge that stretches over the lake, offering a great spot to look at the water and the ducks swimming by. Visitors often gather on the bridge to feed puffed rice to the numerous fish in the lake. You can also rent paddle boats to explore the lake at your own pace. The atmosphere is generally relaxed, with families, couples, and individuals enjoying the green space. A small cafeteria on the premises serves basic snacks and beverages, making it a complete recreational area.
    Its distinctive horseshoe shape
    The iconic white ornamental wooden bridge
    Paddle boating on the calm lake waters
    Feeding the large number of fish from the bridge
    Lush botanical gardens with varied flora
    Cobblestone walking paths around the lake
    Seasonal cherry blossoms in autumn

    Ideal For

    FamiliesCouplesSolo travelersKidsSenior citizensPhotographersNature lovers

    Best Time to Visit

    Plan your trip around the ideal season for the best experience

    Jan

    Winter

    Feb

    Winter

    Mar

    Spring

    Apr

    Spring

    May

    Summer

    Jun

    Summer

    Jul

    Monsoon

    Aug

    Monsoon

    Sep

    Post-M

    Oct

    Autumn

    Nov

    Autumn

    Dec

    Winter

    BestGoodModerateOff Season
    Peak Season

    April-June (summer holidays), October-November (tourist season), weekends, and public holidays.

    Moderate

    March, September, and weekday afternoons.

    Low Season

    July-August (heavy monsoon season) and weekday mornings.

    Entry Fees & Timings

    Plan ahead with accurate pricing and visiting hours

    Indian Visitors

    ₹10

    Per person

    Foreign Visitors

    ₹10

    Per person

    Opening Hours

    8:30 AM — 5:30 PM

    Open on all days. Timings might change slightly based on the season. During winter (November to February), the closing time might be earlier, around 16:30. Last entry and boat ticketing usually stop 30-45 minutes before the closing time.

    Entry fee is ₹10 per person for adults. Children (5-12 years) may have a lower fee. Still Camera: ₹20. Video Camera: ₹50. Paddle Boating costs extra, approximately ₹75 per couple for a 30-minute session. Prices are subject to change.

    Location & Directions

    Find your way to this destination with ease

    Address

    Police Bazar, Shillong, Meghalaya 793001

    Coordinates

    25.5749, 91.8870

    Nearest City

    Shillong

    Get DirectionsOpen in Maps

    How to Reach

    Multiple ways to get to this destination conveniently

    By Air

    The nearest major airport is Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (GAU) in Guwahati, about 120 km away (3-4 hours by car). Shillong Airport (SHL) in...

    By Train

    The nearest railway station is Guwahati (GHY), approximately 100 km away. Guwahati is well-connected to all major Indian cities. From the station, you can hire ...

    By Road

    Shillong is well-connected by NH6 to Guwahati. Regular bus services and shared taxis (Sumos) ply between Guwahati and Shillong. The journey takes about 3-4 hour...

    Local Transport

    Wards Lake is in the city center. You can easily reach it by local taxis, shared cabs, or by walking if you are staying near Police Bazar.

    History & Significance

    Learn about the story and cultural importance of this destination

    History

    The plan for Wards Lake was initiated in 1894 by Sir William Ward, the then Chief Commissioner of Assam. The construction was carried out by Colonel Hopkins. The area was originally a swampy patch of land at the bottom of the Governor's Residence (now Raj Bhavan). The lake was created to provide a recreational space for the residents of the colonial-era town. It is locally known as 'Nan-Polok' or 'Polok's Lake', a name that has been passed down through generations. Over the years, it has been developed with gardens and pathways, but it still retains its original colonial charm and layout, serving the same purpose for which it was built over a century ago.

    Significance

    Wards Lake holds significance primarily as a recreational and ecological hub in Shillong. It serves as one of the city's main green lungs, offering a quiet natural space amidst urban development. Its central location makes it one of the most accessible and frequented tourist spots. For locals, it's a cherished landmark for morning walks, family outings, and quiet afternoons. The presence of cherry blossoms that bloom around November also adds to its seasonal importance, drawing photographers and nature enthusiasts. Its colonial heritage and well-preserved environment make it a key part of Shillong's identity.

    Travel Tips & Guidelines

    Make the most of your visit with these helpful tips

    Tips

    Visit on a weekday morning or early afternoon to avoid the crowds that gather in the evenings and on weekends.
    Carry cash for entry tickets, boating fees, and fish food, as digital payments may not be accepted.
    Wear comfortable walking shoes to enjoy the stroll along the cobblestone paths around the lake.
    The best light for photography is during the golden hours - early morning or late afternoon.
    Buy the fish food available inside
    avoid feeding the fish bread or other human snacks.
    If visiting in autumn (around November), look out for the beautiful cherry blossoms.
    Boating is a popular activity, so you might have to wait in a queue during peak hours.
    The lake is centrally located, so you can easily walk to Police Bazar for food or shopping after your visit.

    Safety Tips

    Keep a close watch on children, especially near the lake and on the bridge.
    The cobblestone paths can be uneven in places, so watch your step to avoid tripping.
    During monsoon, the pathways can become slippery. Wear footwear with good grip.
    Avoid carrying valuables or leaving them unattended.
    The area can get crowded, so be mindful of your belongings to prevent pickpocketing.
    Do not lean too far over the bridge railings when feeding the fish.

    Rules & Restrictions

    Do not litter in the lake or on the premises
    Plucking flowers or damaging plants is prohibited
    Outside food and drinks are generally not allowed
    No smoking or consumption of alcohol
    Pets are not permitted inside

    Nearby Attractions

    Explore more places near this destination

    Police Bazar - 1 km
    All Saints' Cathedral - 1 km
    Lady Hydari Park - 2 km
    Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures - 3 km
    Shillong Golf Course - 3.5 km
    Elephant Falls - 12 km

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