Umiam Lake Guide: Boating, Entry Fee & Best Time to Visit

Umiam Lake Shillong: Entry Fee, Boating, Timings and Travel Guide

If you ask someone in Shillong what to do nearby, Umiam Lake is likely to come up. Otherwise called Barapani Lake, it is a huge artificial lake surrounded by green hills which provides a nice break from hectic Shillong city.

You could go there for a spot of boating or photography or just to enjoy the view. No trekking needed, just a short drive from Shillong makes this lake a great place to stop on the way between Guwahati and Shillong. Here is all the info you need before heading there.

About Umiam Lake

The Umiam Lake is an artificial lake located around 15 km north of Shillong in the state of Meghalaya. It was created in the early 1960s when a barrage was constructed on the Umiam river to produce hydroelectricity.

This lake is also sometimes referred to as Barapani, a word that translates to ‘big water’. It is surrounded by rolling green hills that provide wonderful views over the lake, which change depending on the season and the weather.

The Legend Behind Umiam Lake

A local legend goes that two sisters from heaven came down but one of them got lost on her way here. Her sister cried and cried so hard that her tears formed this very lake.

The name Barapani is said to originate from the word ‘bora’, which means water and ‘pani’ which means tears. Although the story is purely mythical, it gives an air of mystery to this lovely lake.

How to Reach Umiam Lake

Reaching the Umiam lake is a simple task as it is situated on the main route between Guwahati and Shillong.

• Distance – Around 15 km away from Shillong, depending on your exact starting point
• By Taxi or Car – This will give you the flexibility to stop anywhere along the drive
• By Bus – There are likely to be services running between the cities. Check the exact pick-up points before setting off
• Travel Time – This should be around 30-40 minutes depending on the traffic

You can stop anywhere along the road to take in the views. Avoid stopping in the middle of the road or anywhere else unsafe to take photos

Things to Do at Umiam Lake

You don’t need a detailed bucket list to enjoy the Umiam Lake. Most people go there to relax and take in the view but there are also some fun activities available.

• Enjoy the view – Take in the sprawling views of the lake and the surrounding hills
• Go Boating – Ask around to see what water sports are available and if the weather is favourable
• Take Photos – Landscapes are always a good subject and this place provides great photo opportunities
• Visit Nehru Park – If you have time to kill and the park is open, pay it a visit. It is a nice place to take a short walk
• Sit Back and Relax – Get yourself a nice seat at any of the visitor spots and unwind.

Umiam Lake Entry Fee and Boating Charges

The cost of going to the lake depends on where you are going and what activities you want to do. Charges may vary from spot to spot

• Entry Fee – This might differ at different visitor spots. Ask around to see what the charges are.
• Pedal Boats and Kayaking – This again depends on what you want to do and where
• Speed Boat and other water sports – More expensive than the other activities
• Staying at private places – This will have its own set of charges and restrictions

Charges may vary from time to time so treat any information found online as a guideline. It is best to carry sufficient cash with you and ask around about the charges.

Umiam Lake Timings

Hours of operation depend on the spot and activity you are interested in. Boating timings again depend on the service provider.

• For Sightseeing – Daytime is the best time to enjoy the view
• For Boating – Ask around to see what timings they suggest. It is best to go early in the day to make the most of your visit
• On cloudy days – Water sports are sometimes closed because of weather conditions

It is said that water sports are open from around 9 am to 5 pm but this is a rough guideline. Always check locally before visiting

Best Time to Visit Umiam Lake

The lake is a great place to visit any time of year but the experience varies depending on the season.

• October to April – This is the best time to visit as the weather is pleasant and the views are clear
• Summer – This is a good time to go as well though the crowds may worry some people
• Monsoon – The hills turn a nice shade of green but there is a risk of low visibility

If clear views are a priority for you, try to avoid visiting on a cloudy day. The monsoon season brings with it a risk of low visibility whether due to mist or rain

Crowds and What to Expect

Like everywhere else, the number of people visiting depends on the season, the day of the week and the weather. It is best to avoid visiting on a weekend if you want to avoid crowds.

• Weekdays – These are likely to be less busy depending on the time of year
• Weekends – Crowds are pretty much inevitable during weekends and public holidays
• Earlier in the day – If you are worried about crowds, it is best to come earlier in the day

If you are looking for an uncrowded and calm day out, avoid visiting on the weekends and allow plenty of time to get to the place you want to visit.

Travel Tips for Umiam Lake

• Carry a light jacket with you in case it gets chilly
• Always wear a life jacket while on the water
• Keep an eye on children around the water
• Check the weather forecast before setting off, especially during the rainy season
• Carry some cash with you and make sure you know how much an activity costs
• Use a designated spot to take photos. Avoid taking selfies at the edge of the road in case you fall off
• Confirm the timings for water sports before you set off. Not every water sports activity runs every day

For more information regarding Meghalaya in general and other places of interest, visit the Meghalaya Government website

A Simple Half Day Plan

If you are staying in Shillong, a half day should be sufficient to enjoy the views and maybe even try one of the activities on offer.

1. Drive to the lake – Allow plenty of time to reach your destination considering the traffic
2. Take in the views – Stop at a nice spot to capture some photos
3. Do some boating – If the conditions are right and you have the time, try your hand at boating or another water sport
4. Take a break – Sit back and relax at a spot that offers comfortable seating. Or maybe visit the Nehru Park if it is open
5. Drive back – Head back or carry on with your adventures

If you have more time in Shillong, Ward’s Lake is a good alternative to Umiam lake. It is a man-made lake inside the city with nice landscaped gardens

Who Should Visit Umiam Lake?

The lake is perfect for families or even couples who want a quiet day out.

• Perfect for families or kids
• Good for couples
• Great for photography
• Good for anyone with a short visit to Shillong or a road trip between Guwahati and Shillong
• Best for anyone interested in boating and other water sports (availability of activities depends)

The conditions at different visitor spots can vary. Those with mobility issues should check the accessibility of the place they want to visit.

Pros and Things to Consider

What Makes Umiam Lake Worth Visiting?

• Easy to reach from Shillong
• Beautiful views of the water and the surrounding hills
• Water sports available to try
• A perfect stop on the way between Guwahati and Shillong

What Should You Keep in Mind?

• Popular spots can get crowded on weekends and holidays
• Availability of activities can vary
• Weather conditions can affect the views and the activities available

It may not be suitable for those looking for adventure sports.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there an entry fee for Umiam Lake?

There may be an entry fee at some of the visitor spots. Water sports always come with an additional cost. Ask around to find out what the charges are.

How far is Umiam Lake from Shillong?

It is located around 15 km north of Shillong. The drive generally takes around 30-40 minutes depending on the traffic.

Can I go boating at Umiam Lake?

Depending on the provider, speed boat rides, water skiing, wake boarding and other water sports are available. Ask around to see what is on offer.

What are Umiam Lake’s timings?

The timings depend on the place and activity you are interested in. Water sports are generally available during the daytime but always confirm before setting off.

What is the best time to visit Umiam Lake?

October to April is considered the best time to visit as the views are clear. The rainy season makes everything lush and green but brings with it a risk of reduced visibility.

Is half a day enough for Umiam Lake?

Half a day should be enough to enjoy the main sights and maybe try an activity or two. If you want to relax, this time is more than enough.

Conclusion

Umiam Lake is a nice stop on the way between Shillong and Guwahati. Those wanting to try their hand at boating or enjoy the views should definitely include it in their itinerary. Make sure to check the weather and availability of activities before setting off.