Umiam Lake

Umiam Lake, a large reservoir just outside Shillong, is one of Meghalaya's most popular recreational destinations, its calm water framed by forested hills offering boating, kayaking and a range of water sports alongside simple scenic relaxation. The lake's proximity to Shillong makes it an easy half-day excursion, particularly popular with local residents and visitors passing through the capital.

Several viewpoints along the lake's edge and surrounding hills offer photogenic vistas, particularly in the early morning when mist often settles over the water, and Umiam's combination of easy accessibility and genuine scenic appeal has made it one of the most consistently visited spots in the wider Shillong area.

Created by a dam built across the Umiam river in the 1960s primarily for hydroelectric power generation, the resulting reservoir has since developed a significant secondary role as one of Meghalaya's most popular tourist and recreational destinations.

About 15km from Shillong, roughly 30-40 minutes by road.