Wards Lake - Shillong's Famous Horseshoe Lake and Garden

Shillong, MeghalayaLAKE

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

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Info

LAKE

Info

1-2 hours

Accessibility

Not Wheelchair Friendly

Parking

Parking Available

Photography

Photography Allowed

About the Destination

Overview

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.

Why This Place is Special

• 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

Facilities & Amenities

• Boating
• Restrooms
• Cafeteria
• Seating areas
• Drinking water
• Walking paths
• Food stalls

Visitor 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.

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

Safety Information

• 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.

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Location & Address

Police Bazar, Shillong, Meghalaya 793001, Police Bazar, Shillong, Meghalaya, India

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Best Time to Visit

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.
Peak Crowd: April-June (summer holidays), October-November (tourist season), weekends, and public holidays.
Moderate Crowd: March, September, and weekday afternoons.
Low Crowd: July-August (heavy monsoon season) and weekday mornings.

How to Reach

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 Umroi is closer (30 km) but has limited flight connectivity.

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 a taxi or take a shared cab to Shillong.

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 hours.

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.