Northeastern India’s Shillong, the state capital of Meghalaya, is 15 km south of the mesmerising artificial lake known as Umiam Lake. The lake was created after a dam was constructed to generate hydroelectric power. The lush East Khasi hills surround the gorgeous Umiam Lake, giving nature lovers one of the best panoramic vistas in the country. Don’t miss the opportunity to see the sunrise beside the lake. A picnic-friendly park near Umiam Lake is frequented by locals who utilise it as a haven from their busy schedules.

The serene lake or reservoir is surrounded by substantial coniferous forests and has a surface measuring around 222 square kilometres. Children can spend an afternoon at the botanical garden with parents or grandparents; tourists can take a lengthy boat trip around the lake; and those interested in adventure can appreciate rowing and different water sports. Students and nature lovers can observe the plant and animal life at Umiam.

 Lake while studying the scientific research behind the dam. Aside from the peace that Umiam Lake offers, one can also see locals going about their everyday lives beside the lake, looking for branches and grass or fishing in the calm waters. Beautiful Gulmohar trees line the shoreline in the summer, and in the winter, the water level drops and the colour turns azure.

 

The Umiam Lake Legend

In Khasi, the name “Umiam” means “water of tears,” and it has an intriguing backstory. The story claims that there were once two girls who set out from heaven to travel to Meghalaya, the lovely home of clouds. During the ride, the younger sister became disoriented. The older sister was so distraught over not being able to find her sibling that she could not stop crying. As a result, the tears created Umiam Lake.

 

History

After the River Umiam was dammed in 1965, a reservoir known as Umiam Lake was created. The previous Umiam Untru Hydroelectric Power Project, which was the first hydroelectric power project in northeast India, included the construction of the dam. The Assam State Electricity Board constructed the power plant. Enough water was stored in the dam and reservoir that were created as a result of the area’s hydroelectric power production.

 

The dam at Umiam Lake

 

The Umiam Dam is situated in seismic zone V on the Umiam River in the Brahmaputra River basin. It was built in 1965 as a gravitational and masonry dam to supply the area with hydroelectric power. The dam is 175 metres long and rises 74 metres beyond the foundation.

 

The design flood is around 28 cubic metres per second, while the dam’s spillway capacity is 1850 cubic metres per second with two spillway gates. Each spillway gate has dimensions of 12.12 x 12.12. Umiam Stage I powerhouse is located north of the lake. Four Francis turbine generators, each producing 9 MW of energy, make up this power plant. This means that an aggregate of 36 MW of energy can be produced by the power plant.

 

Activities at Umiam Lake

 

1. Using a boat on Umiam Lake

 

At Umiam Lake, a relaxing trip on the water should never be skipped. It is extremely thrilling to see the calm reservoir waters, the verdant woodlands that encircle the lake, and the starry skies.

Boating is among the most popular activities in the area, with group, family, couple, and solo boat trips available between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. for prices starting at INR 20.

 

2. Aquatic Sports

The lake’s waters are a great place for water sports. On the Aquatic Sports Complex near Umiam Lake, adventurers can satiate their need for adventure sports by participating in solo boating, fishing, kayaking, and water skiing.

The Aquatic and Sports Complex is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Every day of the week

Cost per person:

Pedal Boating, Canoeing, and Kayaking: INR 20

Water Scooter Ride (5 minutes): INR 50

Cruise Boat (10 minutes): INR 10

Speed Boat (5 minutes): INR 75

River Bus Ride (20 minutes): INR 50

Yachting (60 minutes): INR 100

Water Skiing (5 minutes): INR 200

 

3. Camping and hiking

For dedicated hikers, camping and trekking around Umiam Lakes is a fantastic idea. They can go through the thick trees and set up camp on the lonely Lumpongden Island in the reservoir. The entire camping experience, from pitching tents to cooking over campfires, is great and ought to be something that everyone has had a minimum of once in the course of their lives.

 

4, Umiam Lake fishing

Fishing enthusiasts can head to Umiam Lake. Many different fish are living in the vast reservoir, including carp and catfish. Every day, locals go fishing at the lake.

 

4. Lake Boathouse at Umiam

Lumpongden Island, a lake island in Umiam Lake, is home to a charming, tiny boathouse that is well-known for it. The Boat House accepts reservations from visitors in advance. The Boat House can only accommodate one party of guests at a time (6 people at most), so those seeking solitude and seclusion away from the masses typically reserve this property. The majority of visitors reserve overnight accommodations and bring all essential supplies, including food and water. However, while making your reservation, you may ask them if they can make these arrangements.

 

The tourists must board a boat to get to this island after they arrive at the lake. The cost of renting a vehicle of their choosing within the Water Sports Complex is approximately INR 1200 (to and from), and the rent for the Boat House, which includes cooking and tips but not the cost of supplies, is approximately INR 3500. Visitors only need to relax and relish their stay because the carers will take care of everything else, including cooking.

 

The ideal season to visit

Umiam Lake is best visited during March and June when the weather is nice for sightseeing.

Tips

1. In order to get to the lake, visitors must walk or hike a fair distance.
2. Although some stores sell food, it is advised that you bring adequate hydration and food for the journey.
3. For the convenience of visitors, there are some restrooms.
4. Avoid leaving trash or polluting the area.

 

Getting to Umiam Lake

From Shillong, one may hail a taxi or cab to the lovely lake by way of the NH6’s scenic road. From any part of Shillong, the trip takes only an hour.

 

The airport closest to Umiam Lake is the one in Shillong. The Shillong Bypass The highway can be used to catch a cab and travel for around 25 minutes to the scenic lake.