A charming horseshoe-shaped lake in the heart of Shillong, featuring a botanical garden, a wooden bridge, and paddle boating facilities.
Discover what makes this destination truly special

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.
Ideal For
Plan your trip around the ideal season for the best experience
April-June (summer holidays), October-November (tourist season), weekends, and public holidays.
March, September, and weekday afternoons.
July-August (heavy monsoon season) and weekday mornings.
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.
Find your way to this destination with ease
Address
Police Bazar, Shillong, Meghalaya 793001
Coordinates
25.5749, 91.8870
Nearest City
Shillong
Multiple ways to get to this destination conveniently
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...
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 ...
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...
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.
Learn about the story and cultural importance of this destination
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 r...
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 ...
Make the most of your visit with these helpful tips
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