Meghalaya, meaning “abode of clouds” in Sanskrit, is a state in Northeast India famed for its abundant rainfall, lush forests, and mesmerizing lakes. Nestled in the Garo, Khasi and Jaintia hills, Meghalaya boasts of some of the clearest and most pristine lakes in India fed by rainwater and natural springs. These mirror-like lakes are considered sacred by the locals, even as they attract tourists from far and wide.
From the iconic Umiam Lake that has put Meghalaya on the tourist map to the less explored lakes tucked away in dense forests, here is a comprehensive list of the top 15 lakes you must visit on your trip to Meghalaya along with helpful travel information for a memorable vacation.
1. Umiam Lake
Located 15 kilometers from Shillong, Umiam Lake, also known as Barapani Lake, is easily the most popular tourist hotspot in Meghalaya. Encompassing an area of over 220 square kilometers, this vast and beautiful artificial lake was created in the early 1960s after the construction of a dam for generating hydroelectric power.
Nicknamed the “Barapani Picnic Spot”, the shores of Umiam Lake today have well-manicured gardens, children’s parks, resorts, and cafes that see crowds of visitors almost every day of the year. For tourists, the biggest highlight is taking a boat ride on the pristine blue-green waters of this stunning lake surrounded by verdant Khasi hills. The Orchid Lake Resort situated on the banks of the lake offers complementary boat rides to guests.
2. Dawki Lake
Dawki Lake, nestled along the Indo-Bangladesh border, 125 kilometers from Shillong, has gained fame as one of the cleanest lakes in India owing to its transparent blue-green waters. Formed by the damming of river Umngot, this lake straddles the international border acting as a trade route between India and Bangladesh with small country boats transporting goods across the lake.
A boat ride on Dawki Lake reveals its clear waters and even allows glimpses of shoals of fish and the lakebed lined with smooth pebbles and rocks through its depth. Local fishermen can be seen rowing their boats on the lake early mornings in search of a fresh catch. The best time to visit is during monsoons when the water level rises revealing even more mesmerizing sights.
3. Shnongpdeng Lake
Situated in the wettest place in the world at Mawsynram Village, Shnongpdeng Lake is a less-explored natural lake tucked amidst verdant Khasi hills. Its unique selling point is the root bridges and natural living root bridges created by rubber trees surrounding the lake. Local Khasi villagers have trained the massive roots of the trees to entwine and grow into sturdy natural bridges over streams feeding into the lake. Some root bridges here are strong enough to allow two people to cross at one time.
Visitors can take a fun jungle trek from the banks to cross these ancient living root bridges best visible during dry months when the water level recedes. Local villagers also offer bamboo raft rides to visitors who wish to explore the lake at a relaxed pace.
4. Ward’s Lake
Built in the 1890s by a Khasi tribal chief, Ward’s Lake is an artificial lake nestled in the heart of Shillong city making it easily accessible for tourists. As the saying goes, save the best for the last – it is ideal to cover this lake towards the end of your Shillong tour when you wish to escape the traffic for some serenity.
Well-maintained by state authorities, Ward’s Lake is the perfect place for boating, picnics or simply unwinding amidst natural beauty in the city. Pedal and row boats are available for rent and visitors can spend time feeding fish or strolling along flower beds in the sprawling gardens surrounding the lake. Don’t miss visiting the cafeteria on site for hot snacks with scenic views.
5. Pynthorwah Lake
Pynthorwah Lake situated in Amlarem, Jaintia Hills, is an intriguing natural lake fast emerging as an offbeat attraction in Meghalaya, away from touristy spots. Local legend traces the crescent-shaped lake’s origin to an act of kindness shown by villagers to jellyfishes stranded in a pond which later expanded to form this lake that never dries up. The unique name is derived from the incident where a woman used her cloth to guide the jellyfishes into the lake.
Visitors can take a jungle trek through Amlarem village for stunning views of the lake’s crystal clear turquoise blue waters which reflecting the surrounding tropical foliage resembling a scene straight out of paradise. Try and visit post-monsoon between October to March for the most memorable experience.
6. Thadlaskein Lake
Nestled close to the border with Assam, Thadlaskein Lake emerged after the area was flooded by the Ganol river dam project. Surrounded by hills on three sides, this lake is famous for extensive fish farming drawing angling enthusiasts from neighboring states. Prior permission from authorities is needed for fishing in the lake.
If you wish to experience rural Meghalayan life, take a guided walk through some of the 14 villages scattered around the lake. Interact with the friendly Wanang, Khynriew and Pnar tribal communities native to this area through local homestays offering insights into indigenous culture and cuisine.
7. Elephant Lake
As the name suggests, Elephant Lake located close to Shillong offers good chances of elephant sightings making it a nature lover’s paradise. Formed due to a dam constructed over the Myntdu river, its fairly large size hosts flora, birds and animal species native to Meghalaya.
The best area to enjoy uninterrupted views of the lake is from Rishi Forest View Point from where even novice birdwatchers can spot egrets, bitterns and other unique avian species. Visit in early mornings or evenings for better wildlife sightings in their natural habitat. Jungle resorts around the lake like Café Cherrapunji Clay Dwellings offer guided nature trails, birdwatching walks and angling for a complete experience.
8. Tamabil Lake
Located close to the Bangladesh border, Tamabil Lake formed after the construction of a dam for power generation is marked for its unique location split between India and Bangladesh by a wire fence. During monsoons when the water level rises substantially, it presents an endless expanse of blue waters as far as the eye can see dotted only by the odd border guard towers.
Pleasant scenes can be witnessed early mornings with villagers from both countries using small boats for fishing or crossing over the lake to graze cattle on the other side. While boating facilities are not available currently, visitors can walk along a section of the India-Bangladesh border fence separating the lake for striking photographs.
9. Rengdong Lake
Rengdong Lake situated 1 kilometer from Dom Dom waterfall near Mawsmai Village is a hidden natural treasure located off well-trodden tourist trails in Meghalaya. Believed to be fed by an underground spring, its appeal lies in pristine dark blue waters fringed by villages inhabited by Pnar tribals on all sides.
Local villagers who act as stewards of the lake offer bamboo rafting for visitors to soak in panoramic views of Dom Dom waterfalls and tropical foliage from the lake’s middle which would be nearly impossible to see from land. Try some authentic Khasi meals with fish freshly netted from the lake prepared in stilt homes and local Pnar huts called ‘Kongthong’ dotting its banks.
10. Nongkhyllem Sanctuary
Tucked away on the outskirts of Shillong, Nongkhyllem Wildlife Sanctuary is best known for its tranquil lakes, dense forests and caves attracting nature lovers. Covering an area of 29 square kilometers, it acts as a protected refuge for critically endangered animal species like pythons, civets and clouded leopards along with a mindboggling variety of flora and fauna.
The most popular attraction is the crystal clear Frinkip Lingee Lake surrounded by ancient moss-covered trees and mysterious caves. Visitors can take guided treks to vantage points that offer stunning views of the sanctuary’s thick green foliage and cascading waterfalls feeding its network of pristine lakes far removed from civilization.
11. Rupasor Lake
Rupasor Lake situated in Tura at a distance of 45 kilometers from Shillong is an upcoming tourist hotspot known for its endless grasslands, unique crimson flowers, meandering streams and splashes of colourful lilies in monsoon. Local Garo tribal dwellers have interesting folk tales linked to each site whether a massive boulder, oddly shaped rock or trench around the lake shaped by human activities.
While facilities are still being developed, activities you can try include leisurely nature trails to hidden waterfalls, birdwatching guided by locals and camping under starlit skies. Visit during spring to catch sights of vibrant orchids and valley flowers or after monsoon to view mirror-like reflections of hills surrounding the emerald-coloured lake.
12. Ranikor Lake
Located close to the Nokrek National Park, Ranikor Lake also referred to as Ranimati Lake is a vast lake sourced by numerous mountain streams rich in mineral deposits. Its remote location surrounded by tropical forests ensures limited tourist footfall allowing visitors to soak in unspoiled vistas at this hidden natural treasure.
Divided into smaller segments by bamboo groves, a visit during winter offers glimpses into each lakescape where activities range from children learning to swim, anglers hoping to snag a prized mahseer fish or women washing clothes on its stepped banks. Be sure to watch locals fish using slender cane baskets that allow smaller fish to escape while trapping bigger ones.
13. Kynshi Lake
Kynshi Lake located in the East Khasi Hills close to Cherrapunjee is home to some astounding geographical features like Thlumuwi waterfall, Ramit reheh caves and Kynrem Falls. The lake itself remains shrouded in mist for parts of the year taking on variant hues from dawn to dusk from emerald shades to dark blue.
Trek along well-laid trails that skirt the banks of the lake to get different perspectives of the water body snaking between hills cloaked in rainbow-coloured rhododendron trees. Pay a visit to friendly Khasi tribal villages scattered nearby and overnight at basic wooden cottages enjoying local hospitality amidst picture-postcard settings.
14. Siju Cave Lake
Situated near the Siju Bird Sanctuary close to Tura, Siju Cave Lake is fast gaining popularity as an emerging eco-tourism site frequented by trekkers and adventure lovers. Home to colonies of bats, extensive stalactite-stalagmite limestone formations and an underground river, what sets this lake in Dobu village apart is the contrasting landscape visible after climbing down 700 steps.
Resembling a scene straight out of JRR Tolkien’s Middle Earth, an ethereal emerald lake flanked by dense forests materializes in the midst of dark caves. Take a short boat ride on the perfectly still waters before entering Simsang river gorge known for challenging river tracing over boulders and natural tunnels.
15. Bhalki Lake
Last on the list, Bhalki Lake located in the West Garo Hills close to Tura town is noteworthy as a community-managed natural lake supporting rural tourism. Surrounded by areca nut plantations and bamboo groves, its unique appeal stems from troves of fossils, ancient rock paintings and stone monuments found scattered around the lake periphery.
Interact with hospitable local Garo tribals and hear interesting myths linked to each discovery over homestays in traditional stilt houses called ‘Dak bungs’ offering sweeping views. Don’t miss sampling the unique dashi fish, found only in Bhalki lake waters, cooked with tart soop, a signature Garo-style tangy spinach chutney with strong umami flavors.
Conclusion
This concludes an in-depth round-up of the top 15 lakes worth discovering in Meghalaya – each unique with distinctive scenic beauty, charming local culture, adventure opportunities or simply picture-perfect places to sit back and relax in the lap of nature. So go ahead, pack your hiking boots and camera to capture magical memories from this abode of clouds’ many entries into paradise in the form of crystal clear, azure-blue lakes that almost seem like optical illusions amidst evergreen tropical forests.
Want to visit these lakes? Book the North East India tour package today.