LAKES AND RIVERS IN MEGHALAYA

Well, water bodies are one of the major attractions in the north eastern zone of the Indian subcontinent. Right from majestic and picturesque waterfalls to calm and soothing rivers and lakes, you have it all. However, if you happen to be a person fond of water bodies, do not miss out on visiting the ones in Meghalaya too. Each waterbody is uniquely built and has something new and different to offer. In the case of water bodies in Meghalaya, there is something not to be seen everywhere.
Meghalaya has in store some of the well celebrated water bodies that happen to give you a heart throbbing experience. For the locals too, there is no scarcity of beautiful picnic spots to plan during weekends. It is indeed an enriching experience for the tourists to be witnessing such kind of true and natural beauty. Having said that, let’s look in detail at what each waterbody has to offer.

UMIAM LAKE

Located at a distance of about 16 km from police bazar, this particular lake is one of a kind. It is not only famous as a tourist spot but also stands as a great picnic spot for the locals too. The timings of the place generally remain from 9am in the morning till 5pm in the evening. The lake is surrounded by mountains and provides a stunning view and one must not miss out on capturing the moment in a camera.
This is also recognized as the Barapani which literally means a large lake. One can undertake activities such as sailing, water skiing, water scooter, boating etc. depending on your adventure levels, you can pick any of the activities of your choice. The prices for the activities are reasonable for common man to afford.

WARDS LAKE

This particular waterbody remains surrounded with botanical gardens all throughout and orchid blossoms can also be witnessed. For the months of November till February, the timing remains as 8:30 AM till 5:30 pm owing to the prevailing winter chills out there. Whereas, during the months of march till October the closure timings are extended till 7pm.
The most interesting part about this lake is that it is a man-made lake. The locals choose to call it as “Nan Polok” or “Pollock’s Lake” owing to the surrounding view that it offers. It is situated in the core of the city close to Raj Bhawan and is without difficulty can be reached from Shillong. The ideal activities to be done here includes boating and long and pleasant walks along the arched bridge that is a part of this man-made structure. It is in no way necessary that water bodies always are gifts of nature. The wards lake stands as a true example validating the statement.

DAWKI RIVER

Located at about a distance of 95 km from Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya, this river body is known for its clear surroundings. It is just a mile distant from the international border of Bangladesh. The river is symbolic of its transparent water that makes the river bed evidently visible and boating happens to be the best experience in it.
It is in itself located in a town named Dawki which is in the west Jaintia hills and it also encompasses within itself the Umngot river that also deserves attention. In Dawki, one can undertake activities such as camping by the river side, and other river activities such as cliff jumping, kayaking, scuba diving, snorkeling etc.

UMNGOT RIVER

Situated about 85 kms from Shillong, this river body is quite similar to that of Dawki. It’s path too follows the east Jaintia hills that forms part of the international border of Bangladesh, shared with India. The water in this river is crystal clear and is known for its cleanliness. The months from November till April is considered the ideal time for enjoying the ultimate beauty of this place.
It is usually in the months of monsoon that water activities such as boating remain prohibited in this area. The river remains surrounded by greenery on all sides and is perhaps so healthy and peaceful to be in. Thus, there is no reason why one should miss out on a visit to this place.

SIMSANG RIVER

The river named Simsang is also known as someshwari river. The geographical significance of this particular waterbody is highly interesting to be known. The Garo hills are divided into two different parts by the course of this river. It is of huge significance in the Indian state of Meghalaya. It flows through the Garo hills to the Netrakona District of Bangladesh. It thus remains shared between two countries.
The tributaries of this river lie in several folds which in turn are the sources of different picturesque waterfalls in the state. Though, one cannot end up taking my adventurous water activities in this river body, but it is still of greater significance.

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