Umiam Lake
A hydroelectric reservoir about 15 km north of Shillong on the Guwahati road, with boating, water sports and lakeside viewpoints.
Overview
Umiam Lake is the large reservoir on the Guwahati road, one of the easiest Shillong attractions to fit into a transfer day. Here are the activities, history and best season.
Umiam Lake, also known as Bara Pani, is a reservoir in the hills about 15 km north of Shillong, in Ri-Bhoi district, formed by damming the Umiam River. The dam was built by the Assam State Electricity Board in the early 1960s, and its four 9-MW turbines began commercial operation in 1965, making it the first reservoir-storage hydroelectric project in north-eastern India.
Meghalaya Tourism lists boating and water sports, Lumpongden Island, Lum Nehru Park, sunset viewing and bird watching. Wikipedia mentions kayaking, water cycling and scooting. The lake lies on National Highway 6 on the Guwahati–Shillong route, so many travellers stop on arrival or departure; roadside viewpoints give broad views without any ticket. Meghalaya Tourism suggests October to March for cool weather and clear sunsets.
Wikipedia also notes pollution and silting problems. No opening hours or activity rates were found on official pages.
Entry fees
Fee information currently needs verification.
No fees found. Water-sport and boating rates are set by operators and were not found.
We only show an amount when a source backs it. Prices change, so confirm locally before you go.
Opening hours
Opening hours have not been confirmed by a reliable source yet.
No hours published; the lake and roadside viewpoints are on a public highway, but water-sports operators set their own timings.
Visitor information
- Best time to visit
- October to March for cool weather and clear sunsets (Meghalaya Tourism).
- Best time of day
- Late afternoon for sunset
- How long to spend
- 1–2 hours
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Families
- Suitable for families
Location
Photos
Umiam Lake from the hillside. Photo: Prof. Vikramjit Kakati / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0 View from the roadside viewpoint. Photo: ANKAN / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0 The road beside the lake. Photo: ANKAN / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0 Umiam Lake at sunset. Photo: Zev Editor / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0 Wide view of the reservoir. Photo: Ganesh Mohan T / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0
Frequently asked questions
How far is Umiam Lake from Shillong?
About 15 km north of Shillong on NH6, per Meghalaya Tourism.
What can you do at Umiam Lake?
Meghalaya Tourism lists boating, water sports, Lumpongden Island, Lum Nehru Park, sunset viewing and bird watching.
When was the Umiam dam built?
Wikipedia says the Umiam Dam was built in the early 1960s and the power station began commercial operation in 1965.
Information sources
Where the facts on this page come from, and what still needs confirming.
Information last checked 7 October 2026
Not yet confirmed
- Boating and water-sport availability
Not available yet
- opening hours
- fees
- Wikipedia – Umiam Lake · Encyclopedia
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