- Where
- Ri-Bhoi district, beside the Guwahati–Shillong highway
- Altitude
- About 1,000 m
- Distance
- About 15–20 km from Shillong; 85 km from Guwahati
- Timings
- Viewpoints any time; water sports about 9am–5pm
- Entry fee
- Viewpoints free; water sports priced per ride
- Permit
- None
- Best time
- October–April
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
Umiam Lake, also called Barapani ("big water"), is a reservoir spread between pine-covered hills right beside the Guwahati–Shillong highway. Nearly everyone driving up to Shillong sees it, and many stop for boating or the sunset.
Is Umiam Lake natural?
No, it is man-made. The Assam State Electricity Board dammed the Umiam river in the early 1960s to store water for hydropower. The Umiam Stage I powerhouse, with four 9 MW generators, began commercial operation in 1965: the first reservoir-storage hydroelectric project in Northeast India. The catchment covers about 220 square km, fed mainly by the Wah Umkhrah and Wah Umshyrpi rivers.
The lake came at a cost. Khasi villages in the valley, including Khwan and Umsaw, were flooded, and around 200 families were moved.
What to do
- Viewpoints along the highway, free and open any time.
- The water sports complex: kayaks, pedal boats, speed boats and water scooters, roughly 9am to 5pm.
- Lum Nehru Park on the shore, for a walk and a picnic.
- Sunset, the most photographed view of the lake; see the table below.
- Sailing: Umiam hosted the first Indian Sailing League in March 2026.
How to reach Umiam Lake
The lake is on NH-6, about 15 to 20 km before Shillong. Any Guwahati–Shillong car can stop there. See our Guwahati to Shillong cab page and Guwahati to Shillong guide.
| From | Road distance | Usual drive time |
|---|---|---|
| Shillong | about 17–23 km | 30–45 min |
| Guwahati city | about 85 km | 2.5–3 hrs |
| Guwahati Airport | about 105 km | 3 hrs |
Road distances from OpenStreetMap routing. Drive times are what we see on these mountain roads, not map estimates.
Water sports prices
Listed rates vary a lot between sources and seasons, so treat these as a guide and check the board at the complex.
| Activity | Reported price |
|---|---|
| Kayak, canoe or pedal boat | ₹20–200 per session |
| Speed boat | From about ₹75 for a short ride |
| Water scooter | About ₹50–150 |
Sunset time by month
Calculated for the 15th of each month at the lake.
| Month | Sunset |
|---|---|
| Jan | 4:53 pm |
| Feb | 5:16 pm |
| Mar | 5:31 pm |
| Apr | 5:45 pm |
| May | 6:01 pm |
| Jun | 6:15 pm |
| Jul | 6:16 pm |
| Aug | 5:58 pm |
| Sep | 5:27 pm |
| Oct | 4:56 pm |
| Nov | 4:34 pm |
| Dec | 4:34 pm |
Weather and best time
Umiam is lower and warmer than Shillong. The dry months from November to March bring clear skies and calm water.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 18°C | 8°C | Dry |
| Feb | 20°C | 10°C | Dry |
| Mar | 24°C | 14°C | Dry |
| Apr | 26°C | 17°C | Light |
| May | 26°C | 18°C | Wet |
| Jun | 26°C | 21°C | Very wet |
| Jul | 26°C | 21°C | Very wet |
| Aug | 27°C | 21°C | Very wet |
| Sep | 26°C | 20°C | Very wet |
| Oct | 24°C | 17°C | Wet |
| Nov | 22°C | 13°C | Dry |
| Dec | 20°C | 10°C | Dry |
Monthly averages for 2015–2024 from ERA5 reanalysis via Open-Meteo, at the site's elevation (about 998 m). Rain and snow are rated relative to this location's own year.
Things most guides don't tell you
- Umiam and Dawki are different places. Dawki's clear Umngot river is about 80 km south of Shillong.
- The best viewpoints are on the highway before the dam if you're coming from Guwahati.
- A new expressway from Guwahati to Umiam was announced in 2025 and should cut the drive when built.
A stop on the Guwahati–Shillong drive
- Coming up from Guwahati: stop at the highway viewpoints first, then the water sports complex if you want to get on the water. Allow an hour.
- From Shillong: go in the late afternoon for boating, then stay for sunset.
- Staying by the lake: Meghalaya Tourism's Orchid Lake Resort and several private resorts sit on the shore, a quieter base than Shillong for a night.
Who it suits
- Families: pedal boats and kayaks are easy, and life jackets are provided.
- Older travellers: the viewpoints are by the road and need no walking.
- Photographers: dawn mist over the water from October to February.
What to carry
Small notes for ride tickets, a light jacket for the evening, and mosquito repellent in the warmer months.
Nearby
- Elephant Falls and Laitlum Canyons near Shillong.
- Meghalaya tour packages.
Umiam Lake (Barapani): questions travellers ask
Is Umiam Lake natural or man-made?
Man-made. It was created by damming the Umiam river in the early 1960s for hydropower.
Are Umiam Lake and Barapani the same?
Yes. Barapani, meaning big water, is the local name for Umiam Lake.
Is Umiam Lake the same as Dawki?
No. Dawki is on the Umngot river, about 80 km south of Shillong near the Bangladesh border.
How far is Umiam Lake from Shillong?
About 15 to 20 km, 30 to 45 minutes, on the road from Guwahati.
How far is Umiam Lake from Guwahati?
About 85 km from the city, 2.5 to 3 hours.
What are the boating timings at Umiam Lake?
Roughly 9am to 5pm.
Is there an entry fee at Umiam Lake?
The highway viewpoints are free. Water sports are priced per ride.
Is Umiam Lake worth visiting?
Yes, as a stop on the Guwahati–Shillong drive, especially for boating or sunset.
Sources
- Wikipedia: Umiam Lake
- Ri-Bhoi district administration: Umiam Lake
- Meghalaya Tourism: 1st Indian Sailing League 2026
- TravelTriangle: Umiam Lake
Timings and fees change. Check on the day, or ask us when you book.
