Umiam Lake (also called Barapani) is a large manmade reservoir in East Khasi Hills district, Meghalaya — at 25.6691°N, 91.8808°E, ~15 km north of Shillong on NH-6. Created in 1965 by damming the Umiam River for the Umiam Hydroelectric Project, the 220 sq km lake is surrounded by pine-covered hills and is Shillong's most popular day-trip destination. The Meghalaya Tourism Water Sports Complex on its banks offers boating, kayaking, water scooters, and pedal boats — and the sunset view over the lake against the pine hills is among Meghalaya's most photographed scenes.
Umiam Lake
Meghalaya's Mirror Lake — Pine-Fringed Reservoir with Boating, Sunsets & Serene Hill Views
History of Umiam Lake
Umiam Hydroelectric Project (1965)
Umiam Lake was created in 1965 when the Umiam River was dammed for the Umiam Hydroelectric Power Station — one of the earliest large hydroelectric projects in Northeast India. The dam created a reservoir of ~220 sq km, submerging forests and several small Khasi villages whose residents were relocated. The power station generates 185.6 MW — supplying electricity to Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Tripura. The lake's formation accidentally created one of Northeast India's most beautiful scenic landscapes.
Tourism Development (1980s Onward)
The Meghalaya Tourism Department identified Umiam Lake's scenic potential in the 1980s and established the Water Sports Complex on its eastern shore — the first water sports facility in Northeast India. Pedal boats (1985), speed boats (1992), and kayaking (2005) were progressively added. The lake became Shillong's premier leisure escape for residents and tourists. A second resort complex (Ri Kynmaw resort, Meghalaya Tourism) was added in 2010 with lakeside cottages, restaurant, and a garden with natural pine tree views.
Cherry Blossom Season at Umiam
The hills surrounding Umiam Lake are home to Prunus cerasoides — Himalayan wild cherry trees that bloom in November (unlike Japan's March blooms). The Northeast Cherry Blossom Festival (organized by Meghalaya government, November) uses Umiam Lake as its backdrop for the main event — music concerts, food stalls, and guided cherry blossom walks through the hills overlooking the lake. The 2019 festival drew 30,000 visitors over 3 days — making Umiam Lake the epicentre of India's fastest-growing cherry blossom tourism.
Natural Significance
Umiam Lake sits at 1,000 m elevation — lower than Shillong's 1,496 m — creating a warmer microclimate that supports a diverse bird population. Over 200 species have been recorded around the lake including the blue-naped pitta, great hornbill, and bar-tailed treecreeper. The pine forests bordering the southern shore host the primary colony of Himalayan griffon vultures in Meghalaya. Sunrise over Umiam Lake — when mist rises from the warm water into cooler air, creating dramatic fog layers across the pine hills — is considered Meghalaya's photographically finest landscape moment.
Festivals & Events
Northeast Cherry Blossom Festival (November)
India's largest cherry blossom festival (organized annually, mid-November) is centred at Shillong's War Cemetery and Umiam Lake's surrounding hills. Live music (Shillong's indie rock bands), traditional Khasi dance, food courts serving local cuisine, and guided cherry blossom treks through Umiam's pine forests form the core program. Accommodation in Shillong books out 3+ months ahead for festival week — plan early. The festival runs 3 days with shuttle buses from Shillong city to Umiam Lake site specifically for cherry blossom viewing.
National Water Sports Championship (December)
Umiam Lake hosts North East India Water Sports Championship annually (December) — kayaking, canoeing, and rowing competitions draw participants from all 8 Northeast states. The Water Sports Complex's 3-km straight rowing course is the longest in Northeast India. Spectator areas on the lake's eastern bank accommodate 2,000+ visitors. The event is organized by the Meghalaya Aquatic Association and promoted by the state sports department as part of Northeast's adventure tourism push.
Did You Know?
Umiam Lake's water is so clear and still in the pre-monsoon months (March–May) that from the viewpoint on NH-6 (the main Guwahati–Shillong highway), the lake acts as a perfect mirror — reflecting the pine hills so exactly that photographs taken from the highway look like two identical landscapes stacked vertically. This "mirror effect" is most pronounced on windless mornings between 7–9 AM. The lake was used as a location for several Bollywood and regional films — most famously in the 2014 Hindi film "Highway" (directed by Imtiaz Ali) for the Meghalaya segment.
Travel Guide to Umiam Lake
How to Reach
By Air: Shillong Airport (SHL) — 22 km; taxi ~₹400. Guwahati Airport (GAU) — 90 km via NH-6; shared sumo ₹300/seat.
By Train: Guwahati Railway Station (GHY) — 90 km. Trains from Delhi (Saraighat Express), Kolkata (Kamrup Express).
By Road: Shillong → NH-6 North → Umiam Lake (15 km, ~30 min). Local autos from Shillong Bara Bazaar to Barapani: ₹80–120. Shared Sumos from Police Bazaar passing Barapani: ₹20–30/seat.
Best Time to Visit
October to May for clear, calm lake conditions ideal for boating and photography. November: Cherry Blossom Festival — most vibrant atmosphere. March–May: best mirror-lake reflections in pre-monsoon calm. Monsoon (June–September): lake swells dramatically and becomes unsafe for water sports — the surrounding waterfalls are spectacular but boat rides suspended. December–January: cold (8–12°C) but crystal-clear views; pack warm layers. Water Sports Complex open daily 9 AM–5 PM (closed during heavy rain).
Local Attractions Nearby
Shillong: 15 km — state capital with Ward's Lake, Police Bazaar, music scene.
Elephant Falls: 25 km — triple-tier waterfall in pine forest.
Shillong Peak: 22 km — highest accessible viewpoint above Shillong.
Nongpoh: 35 km — gateway town on Guwahati highway.
Tips for Visitors
Water Sports Complex rates: Pedal boat ₹150/30 min, Kayak ₹200/30 min, Speed boat ₹300/15 min. Life jackets mandatory — complex provides them. Open 9 AM–4 PM (last boat 4 PM).
Best photography point: NH-6 highway viewpoint (~500 m north of main complex gate) for the full mirror-lake panorama. Sunrise (6:30–7:30 AM) before traffic starts on NH-6 — mist is most dramatic then.
Stay at Ri Kynmaw (Meghalaya Tourism resort) on the lake shore — lakeside cottages from ₹2,500/night. Booking: meghalayatourism.in or call Shillong Tourism office. Book 4+ weeks ahead for October–November.
Lakeside restaurant at the Tourism Complex serves Meghalayan dishes and snacks — Jadoh (red rice pork), momos, and hot tea. Prices are tourist-market rates (₹150–300/dish) — cheaper options at Barapani village market 500 m away.