Umiam Lake
Umiam Lake, popularly known as Barapani (Big Water), is a massive man-made reservoir created by damming the Umiam River in the early 1960s. Spanning over 220 square kilometers, it is one of the most iconic landmarks in Meghalaya and serves as the primary source of hydroelectric power for the state. The lake is surrounded by thick coniferous forests and rolling hills, giving it a resemblance to the lochs of Scotland. It is a hub for water sports and recreational activities, attracting thousands of tourists who pass through the Guwahati-Shillong road. The azure waters of the lake reflect the ever-changing sky, creating a mesmerizing palette of colors from dawn to dusk. Along the shores, the Orchid Lake Resort provides a luxury stay with unparalleled views of the water. The ecosystem around the lake supports various migratory birds and local flora, making it a hotspot for nature enthusiasts. Whether you are looking for an adrenaline-pumping speedboat ride or a quiet picnic under the pine trees, Umiam Lake offers a diverse range of experiences for every type of traveler. Its strategic location makes it the perfect gateway to the Khasi Hills, offering a grand welcome to everyone entering the state of Meghalaya.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
2 to 4 HoursPlace Type:
Nature / Adventure / ReservoirEntry Fees:
Park Entry: 20 to 50 Rupees depending on the specific garden area.
Boating Charges: Speedboats cost 500 to 800 Rupees; Paddle boats are approximately 200 Rupees per session. ...Park Entry: 20 to 50 Rupees depending on the specific garden area.
Boating Charges: Speedboats cost 500 to 800 Rupees; Paddle boats are approximately 200 Rupees per session.Timing:
Regular Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM for boating activities.
Ideal Visit Time: 3:30 PM is perfect to finish activities just as the golden hour begins for photography. ...Regular Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM for boating activities.
Ideal Visit Time: 3:30 PM is perfect to finish activities just as the golden hour begins for photography.Special Events:
Cherry Blossom Festival: Held in November, where the lakeside becomes a pink paradise with blooming trees and music.
Aquatic Shows: Periodic water sports competitions are held to promote tourism and local talent in rowing. ...Cherry Blossom Festival: Held in November, where the lakeside becomes a pink paradise with blooming trees and music.
Aquatic Shows: Periodic water sports competitions are held to promote tourism and local talent in rowing.Best Photo Spots:
Umiam Viewpoint: Located on the NH6 highway, it gives the most iconic wide-angle shot of the entire lake.
The Floating Jetty: A great spot for close-up water shots and posing with the colorful speedboats.
Pine ...Umiam Viewpoint: Located on the NH6 highway, it gives the most iconic wide-angle shot of the entire lake.
The Floating Jetty: A great spot for close-up water shots and posing with the colorful speedboats.
Pine Forest Shore: Capture the contrast between the dark green needles and the bright blue water of the lake.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Speed Boating: Zoom across the vast waters for a thrilling 5 to 10-minute ride with professional pilots.
Kayaking: Rent a manual kayak to explore the quiet coves and inlets of the lake at your own pace.
Water Cycling: A fun family activity that allows you to pedal across the calm surface of the reservoir.
Angling: Join local fishermen in certain designated spots to try your hand at catching local freshwater fish.
Sunset Photography: The viewpoint near the main road offers the best angle to capture the sun setting over the water.
Garden Strolls: Visit the Lum Nehru Park adjacent to the lake for beautiful floral displays and manicured lawns.
Picnicking: Utilize th...Speed Boating: Zoom across the vast waters for a thrilling 5 to 10-minute ride with professional pilots.
Kayaking: Rent a manual kayak to explore the quiet coves and inlets of the lake at your own pace.
Water Cycling: A fun family activity that allows you to pedal across the calm surface of the reservoir.
Angling: Join local fishermen in certain designated spots to try your hand at catching local freshwater fish.
Sunset Photography: The viewpoint near the main road offers the best angle to capture the sun setting over the water.
Garden Strolls: Visit the Lum Nehru Park adjacent to the lake for beautiful floral displays and manicured lawns.
Picnicking: Utilize the designated picnic spots under the shade of massive pine trees along the shore.
Information
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Why Famous:
Water Sports Hub: It is famous for being the only place in Meghalaya offering organized speedboating, kayaking, and skiing.
Scenic Beauty: Known as the "Scotland of the East" entrance, it is famous for its vast blue expanse and pine-fringed...Water Sports Hub: It is famous for being the only place in Meghalaya offering organized speedboating, kayaking, and skiing.
Scenic Beauty: Known as the "Scotland of the East" entrance, it is famous for its vast blue expanse and pine-fringed borders. -
Architecture:
Dam Engineering: The lake is formed by a large gravity dam that is an engineering marvel of the 1960s.
Dimension: The reservoir surface area is approximately 220 sq. KM with depths reaching over 100 feet in certain sections.Dam Engineering: The lake is formed by a large gravity dam that is an engineering marvel of the 1960s.
Dimension: The reservoir surface area is approximately 220 sq. KM with depths reaching over 100 feet in certain sections.
Colonial Influence: The nearby guest houses and resorts feature high ceilings and sloping roofs typical of hilly architecture. -
How To Reach:
By Air: Umroi Airport is just 10 KM away, making it a very quick drive.
By Train: Guwahati is 80 KM away; most travelers take a taxi from the station.
By Road: It is located directly on the NH6, the main a...By Air: Umroi Airport is just 10 KM away, making it a very quick drive.
By Train: Guwahati is 80 KM away; most travelers take a taxi from the station.
By Road: It is located directly on the NH6, the main artery connecting Assam and Meghalaya.
By Local Transport: Yellow taxis from Shillong or Umsning are available throughout the day. -
Weather and Best Time to Visit:
Winter Season: October to March offers the clearest water and the famous Cherry Blossom blooms.
Monsoon View: July to September when the lake is at its full capacity and the surrounding hills are neon green.
Da...Winter Season: October to March offers the clearest water and the famous Cherry Blossom blooms.
Monsoon View: July to September when the lake is at its full capacity and the surrounding hills are neon green.
Day Part: Morning for water sports and evening for relaxing and sunset views. -
Near Tourist Places:
Umroi Airport (10 KM), Sohpetbneng Peak (8 KM), Shillong (15 KM), Elephant Falls (25 KM), Wards Lake (16 KM), Don Bosco Museum (14 KM), Nongpoh (35 KM), Laitlum (30 KM), Cherrapunji (65 KM), Dawki (95 KM).
Tourism Tips
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Health & Safety: Always wear the provided life jackets during boating; the water is very deep.
Packing: Bring extra clothes if you plan on doing water sports; sunblock is essential during the day.
Accommodati...Health & Safety: Always wear the provided life jackets during boating; the water is very deep.
Packing: Bring extra clothes if you plan on doing water sports; sunblock is essential during the day.
Accommodation: Orchid Lake Resort is the best on-site option, but many homestays exist in Umiam village.
Cash & Connectivity: Good 4G signals; there are several ATMs and petrol pumps within 2 KM of the lake area.
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Information provided here in good Faith and for reference only.
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