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Ward’s Lake Shillong: Entry Fee, Timings, Boating and Travel Tips
Introduction
Ward’s Lake is one of easiest places to visit while sightseeing and exploring Shillong. This lake is right in the heart of the city and provides a well deserved break from the busy markets, shopping and traffic. Take a walk around the lake, enjoy the gardens, take pictures and try your hand at some paddle boating when available.
You don’t need to dedicate an entire day to Ward’s Lake. It’s a great place to stop for families, couples and if you’re sightseeing on foot. Here’s everything you need to know before you go.
About Ward’s Lake
Ward’s Lake is an artificial lake in the center of Shillong, also locally known as Nan Polok. The lake is sometimes referred to as Pollock’s Lake, with the belief that it was built in 1894, during the British colonial period. The lake is named after Sir William Ward, the former chief commissioner of Assam.
The lake is formed in a horseshoe shape and the gardens, flower beds and walking trail around it are beautifully maintained. There is also a wooden bridge over the lake, making it a popular place to stop and take pictures.
Walking around the Lake
Walking around Ward’s Lake is one of the highlights of the place. The view of the lake alongside the garden is a treat for anyone who wants to take a break from busy sightseeing. There is also a path which goes around the lake, providing great views of the water.
A path goes around the lake, providing great views of the water.
The wooden bridge is a great place to stop for pictures.
The flower beds and landscaped gardens provide a great backdrop for photos.
There may be benches and other places to sit along the way.
This is a very accessible walk, but the surface can be uneven and slippery for those with bad. Check the conditions of the path and accessibility before you go if you have mobility issues.
Things to See and Do
- Enjoy the views of the lake: Take a slow walk around the lake and enjoy the view of the fish in the water.
- Take pictures: The wooden bridge, gardens and the lake itself are all great places for pictures.
- Try your hand at some paddle boating: Boating is often available for an additional fee, if the conditions allow.
- Enjoy the garden: Take some time to enjoy the landscaped gardens and seasonal flowers.
- Relax for a while: It’s a great place to stop for a while if you’re sightseeing in the city.
If you plan to feed the fish, make sure to follow the guidelines set by the authorities and only bring the food that is allowed. No plastics or other trash should be dumped into the lake.
Ward’s Lake Entry Fee and Timings
Ward’s Lake usually has a small entry fee and charges for boating, if available. Some older guides mention an entry fee of ₹10 for an adult, but the charges can vary.
Entry Fee: Get the latest entry fee at the counter when you arrive.
Boating Fee: This usually comes with an additional charge, if available.
Opening Time: The place usually opens at around 8:30 AM, according to visitor information.
Closing Time: Closes earlier in the evenings, depending on the season and current conditions.
Get all the latest information about opening and closing times before you go, especially if you’re planning to go later in the day or on a public holiday.
When is Ward’s Lake less crowded?
Depending on the day, the crowd can vary, along with the weather conditions and public holidays.
- Weekdays: A good time to go if you want to avoid crowds.
- Weekends and Public Holidays: These days tend to be busier with both locals and tourists.
- Earlier in the Day: A great time to take pictures and enjoy the lake with fewer people around.
- Late Afternoon: Can also be a good time if you have a chance to leave before the place closes.
There are no completely off-peak seasons in Ward’s Lake, but it can get busier on weekends and public holidays. If you’re looking to avoid crowds, make sure to schedule your visit on a weekday, if possible.
What is the best time to visit Ward’s Lake?
Shillong has a varying climate throughout the year, so make sure to prepare yourself according to the condition on the day of your visit.
- March to June: A great time to explore the gardens, although it can rain.
- September to November: Can also be a good time to visit, as the monsoon rains begin to clear up.
- November: Shillong’s cherry blossom season is in full bloom, although the flowers have to be seen in specific places.
- July and August: The rainy season can make the paths slippery and unsafe, so make sure to check the forecast before you go.
Make sure to pick a day with a good forecast if you want to avoid rain and slippery paths, although an umbrella or raincoat is always a good idea.
Practical Tips before you go
- Make sure to carry some cash, if card or digital payments aren’t available at the entry or for boating.
- Wear comfortable shoes that are good for walking outdoors.
- Follow the guidelines set by the authorities, like not feeding stray animals.
- Do not pluck flowers or leave trash in the garden.
- Carry an umbrella or a raincoat during the monsoon season.
- Make sure to check the latest visitor information if you’re planning to arrive later in the day.
A simple itinerary for your visit
If you’re spending a day exploring Shillong, here’s a simple plan that you can follow:
- Visit the lake and take a stroll around the garden.
- Stop by the wooden bridge and take pictures.
- Try your hand at some boating, if the conditions allow and you have the time.
- Head over to Police Bazaar for some shopping, food and sightseeing.
Make sure to leave at least an hour for a walk around the lake. If you want to take pictures and enjoy the boating, you’ll need more time.
Other places to visit nearby
Ward’s Lake is a convenient stop if you’re exploring Shillong and want to dedicate some time to a lakeside garden. Here are some other popular attractions that you can consider visiting, depending on how much time you have:
- Police Bazaar: A great place to shop, eat and explore the city.
- Shillong Golf Course: Offers spectacular views of the surrounding area.
- Don Bosco Museum: A great place to learn about the cultures and traditions of the Northeast region of India. Make sure to read our Don Bosco Museum Shillong visitor guide before your visit.
You can also find more information and updates on the official website of the Government of Meghalaya .
Who should visit Ward’s Lake?
- Families who want to enjoy the outdoors.
- Couples who want to take pictures and enjoy a peaceful walk.
- Anyone who wants to take a break and enjoy the landscaped gardens and lake.
- Travelers who want to explore the central part of Shillong.
It is a good place for visitors of all ages, although you should carefully consider your own needs and mobility before you go.
What’s good and what to keep in mind
What’s good
- Ward’s Lake is a convenient place to take a break while sightseeing and exploring Shillong.
- A garden and lake setting provide a great break from the busy city.
- You can enjoy a walk around the lake, take pictures and try some boating.
- The boating is also an optional activity for those who want to have more fun.
What to keep in mind
- The lake and garden are small, so the visit can be short.
- The place can get crowded on the weekends and public holidays.
- Some parts might not have much shade on a hot, sunny day.
- Rain can make the path slippery and the boating operations unsafe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an entry fee for Ward’s Lake?
There is usually an entry fee for the lake. Some older resources mention an entry fee of ₹10 for an adult, but the fee might have changed, so make sure to double check before you go.
Is boating available at Ward’s Lake?
Paddle boating is often available, if the weather conditions are right. There might be an additional fee for this activity, so make sure to confirm before you leave.
How much time should I spend at Ward’s Lake?
About an hour is usually enough for a relaxed walk around the lake. Make sure to leave extra time if you want to take pictures, relax in the garden or try some boating.
What is the best time to visit Ward’s Lake?
The best time to visit can vary, depending on the weather and how much time you have. March to June and September to November can be good months to see the lake. Make sure to check the forecast, as rain can make the path slippery.
Is Ward’s Lake suitable for children and older visitors?
Many people can enjoy the lake, including children and older visitors. The path can be uneven and slippery on rainy days, so make sure to check the conditions, if you have mobility issues.
Conclusion
Ward’s Lake is a great place to visit if you want to take a break from the busy streets of Shillong. You can enjoy the landscaped garden, take a walk around the lake, take pictures and try some boating. It might not be a long visit, but the central location makes it easy to visit while sightseeing in the city. Make sure to double check the latest information about timings, entry charges and weather before you leave and combine your visit to the lake with nearby attractions to make the most of your time in Shillong.
