Umiam Lake Viewpoint
The Umiam Lake Viewpoint is the most iconic stop for anyone entering the capital city of Shillong. The lake itself, also known as Barapani, is a massive man-made reservoir created by damming the Umiam River in the early 1960s. It was primarily built for hydroelectric power generation but has since become the premier tourist destination for water sports and sightseeing. The viewpoint is located on a high ridge along the Guwahati-Shillong Highway, providing a bird's-eye view of the vast blue waters dotted with small islands. The lake covers an area of nearly 220 square kilometers and is surrounded by lush green coniferous forests. The contrast between the deep blue water and the emerald hills is a sight to behold. It is often compared to the beautiful lochs of Scotland due to its similar landscape. The viewpoint area is well-maintained with benches and small kiosks selling local pineapples and tea. It serves as a perfect resting spot for travelers to stretch their legs and soak in the first glimpses of the mountainous beauty of Meghalaya. The air here is noticeably cooler and fresher than in the plains of Assam.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
1 to 2 HoursPlace Type:
Waterfront & SightseeingEntry Fees:
Viewpoint Entry: There is no fee to stand at the roadside viewpoint.
Water Sports Complex: Entry is INR 50 per person.
Boating Charges: Vary from INR 200 to INR 1000 depending on the type of boat and durati...Viewpoint Entry: There is no fee to stand at the roadside viewpoint.
Water Sports Complex: Entry is INR 50 per person.
Boating Charges: Vary from INR 200 to INR 1000 depending on the type of boat and duration.Timing:
Regular Timings: The viewpoint is accessible 24/7, but the water sports complex operates from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Ideal Visit Time: Sunset is the most magical time as the water reflects the orange and purple hues of the sky. ...Regular Timings: The viewpoint is accessible 24/7, but the water sports complex operates from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Ideal Visit Time: Sunset is the most magical time as the water reflects the orange and purple hues of the sky.Special Events:
Water Sports Festivals: Occasionally, the Meghalaya Tourism Department organizes boat races and water carnivals during the autumn season (October). These events feature local music bands and traditional food stalls by the lakeside. ...Water Sports Festivals: Occasionally, the Meghalaya Tourism Department organizes boat races and water carnivals during the autumn season (October). These events feature local music bands and traditional food stalls by the lakeside.Best Photo Spots:
The Highway Curve: Capturing the lake with the winding highway in the foreground is a classic shot.
The Pine Tree Silhouette: Using the tall pine trees at the viewpoint to frame the blue water during sunset creates a postcard-perfect image....The Highway Curve: Capturing the lake with the winding highway in the foreground is a classic shot.
The Pine Tree Silhouette: Using the tall pine trees at the viewpoint to frame the blue water during sunset creates a postcard-perfect image.
The Boat Pier: Getting close-up shots of the colorful boats against the blue water.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Photography: This is the primary activity. Capturing the reflection of the clouds in the calm waters of Barapani is a must.
Water Sports: Visitors can head down to the water complex for Speed Boating, Water Skiing, and River Bus rides.
Local Snacking: Trying the locally grown Sohphlang and roasted corn from the street vendors is a classic experience.
Picnicking: The nearby Lum Nehru Park provides manicured gardens for a full day of family relaxation.
Angling: For those with more time, the lake is a popular spot for local fishermen and tourists to try their hand at fishing.
Bird Watching: The reservoir attracts migratory ducks and local kingfishers during the winter.
Information
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Why Famous:
The Barapani Lake: It is famous for being the largest lake in Meghalaya. It is also renowned for its water sports complex which offers speed boating and kayaking.
The Iconic Highway Stop: It is famous as the "Selfie Point" of Meghalaya, wh...The Barapani Lake: It is famous for being the largest lake in Meghalaya. It is also renowned for its water sports complex which offers speed boating and kayaking.
The Iconic Highway Stop: It is famous as the "Selfie Point" of Meghalaya, where almost every tourist stops for a photograph before reaching Shillong. -
Architecture:
Modern Viewing Platforms: The viewpoint consists of a series of concrete decks with safety railings. The architecture is functional, designed to accommodate large crowds of tourists simultaneously. There are also small traditional bamboo huts used as shops.Modern Viewing Platforms: The viewpoint consists of a series of concrete decks with safety railings. The architecture is functional, designed to accommodate large crowds of tourists simultaneously. There are also small traditional bamboo huts used as shops.
Infrastructure and Area: The viewpoint stretch is about 500 meters long. It features a large parking bay designed for heavy tourist buses. The height of the viewpoint is approximately 100 feet above the water level, giving a steep perspective of the dam. -
How To Reach:
By Air: Umroi Airport is very close, about 10 KMs away.
By Train: Guwahati Station is 90 KMs away. Travelers usually take shared "Sumos" which pass through this point.
By Road: It is located directly on NH... -
Near Tourist Places:
Don Bosco Museum (12 KMs), Golf Links (14 KMs), Ward's Lake (16 KMs), Elephant Falls (25 KMs), Shillong Peak (28 KMs), Laitlum Canyons (35 KMs), Police Bazar (15 KMs), Cathedral of Mary Help (17 KMs), Sohpetbneng Peak (8 KMs), Lum Nehru Park (2 KMs).
Tourism Tips
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Health and Safety: Be careful while walking near the highway as traffic is fast. Do not attempt to swim in the lake as it is very deep with unpredictable currents.
Packing: Carry sunglasses and a hat as the sun can be sharp near the water....
Reviews
Information about New and Updated Locations(433+) of Meghalaya Has Been Added :-
Card subtitle
Hangne Die Cave SystemIalong Park Iooksi Kupli ParkJarain Pitcher Plant LakeLalong ParkLarang ViewpointLeshka DamMuktapur VillageNartiang MonolithsPhe Phe FallsSajar Nangli Syntu KsiarThadlaskein LakeThlumuwi Stone BridgeTluh FallsUmlap FallsUmlawan CaveByrdaw FallsMore PlacesNote:-
Information provided here in good Faith and for reference only.
All information and pictures will be updated soon, please keep visiting.
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