Umiam Lake

Umiam Lake also known as Barapani Lake is a lake in the state of Meghalaya 15 km (9.3 miles) north of Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya. It was formed in the early 1960s. The major area of the lake and dam is spread over 220 square km.

Often compared to the stunning lakes of Scotland. Umiam Lake is also a famous picnic spot. Spread over a huge area, it gives a treat to the eye and soul for nature lovers. Mesmerising view of the lake makes you feel to stare it for hours and hours.

This lake also consist of a water sports complex, Nehru park and Orchid Tourist Home. They provide a variety of water sport activities. You can select the water activities according to your skill. There are a numeral adventurous and fun activities for children to do at Umiam Lake. Apart from boating, there are other water sports and fun activities that children can indulge themselves in, under the guidance of their guardians.

Today tourists in large numbers visit the Umiam Lake to spend some quality time. This mystifying lake adds a diverse attraction to the attractiveness of the area which is at the lap of nature. The fame of the lake provides an ideal stage for diverse water sport activities like kayaking, water cycling, scooting and boating to name a few by doing which you can have a thrilling experience of your visit to the Umiam lake.

Pine trees moving slowly to the wind, water running on its coast like a young energetic child, the fresh breeze caressing your face and the massive body of water in the middle of nowhere gives a spectacular view of this famous Umiam Lake.

Umiam Lake lies on the highway between Guwahati and Shillong. It is 20 kilometers away from the main town of Shillong. The Lake is so huge that it can be seen from the NH 40 (Highway connecting Guwahati and Shillong) while driving. Tourists often stop at the dam-site or the viewpoint for having a mesmerizing view of Umiam Lake and for clicking photographs. The lake is surrounded by hills on all the sides and boating facilities are also available. Tourists enjoy sitting for a long time in the garden beside the lake and there is also an island in middle of the lake. Umiam Lake is one of the most striking attractions in Meghalaya because of which the state tourism department has taken different measurements and steps to beautify it and present it in the best way to the travelers across the globe.

Umiam Dam, impounded by the lake, was built by the Assam Electricity Board in the early 1960s. The dam’s main objective was to hoard water for hydroelectric power generation. The Umiam Stage I powerhouse, situated at the northern side of the lake, has four 9-MW turbine-generators, Umiam Stage I was the first reservoir-accumulating hydroelectric project proposed in the northeastern region of India. Three more stages of the Umiam Project were later built downstream.

You can find many fishermen frequently roaming around the shoreline of the river. Seldom, you would find them selling their prize catch by the main road. A bit on the expensive side but you can be certain that the fish would be great.

The best time to Visit Umiam Lake is from March till December as at these times you will have find pleasant weather in the region.