Meghalaya’s Hidden Lakes Showcase 5 Stunning Waterbodies Offering Adventure, Tranquility, and Rich Cultural Heritage for Every Traveler Seeking Serenity

Published on October 5, 2025

Meghalaya’s hidden lakes offer a unique combination of natural beauty, adventure, and cultural significance, making them perfect for any traveler in search of serenity. These five stunning waterbodies, each surrounded by lush landscapes and steeped in local folklore, provide not only tranquil escapes but also exciting opportunities for adventure. From the expansive Umiam Lake, offering water sports and breathtaking views, to the sacred and serene Thadlaskein Lake, each destination is rich in history and culture. Whether you seek peaceful boat rides, scenic walks, or a deeper connection with Meghalaya’s traditions, these lakes offer the ideal setting for a rejuvenating experience amidst nature’s finest.

Umiam Lake – The Serene Beauty of Shillong

Umiam Lake (Bara Pani or Big Water) is a large reservoir surrounded by the Khasi Hills. It is famous for its water sports facilities as well as its tranquil beauty. It is located 15 km from Shillong, Meghalaya, making for a great short getaway. The word ‘Umiam’ comes from the Khasi dialect ‘water of tears’, a reference to a local legend of a grieving sister who cried so much for her lost sibling that her tears filled the lake. Visitors to Umiam Lake enjoy water cycling, kayaking, and boating, and the soft silhouette of the hills at sunset makes for great photographs. For a lake visit, Umiam is certainly a place for great adventure and beauty.

Ward’s Lake – A Peaceful Retreat in the Heart of Shillong

Ward’s Lake, in the middle of Shillong, is an artificial lake with calm peaceful settings of greenery. The lake is shaped like a horse, and is a perfect place to escape the bustling streets of the city. A lovely wooden bridge is built over the lake, and a garden full of greenery which contains a variety of flowers, including orchids, adds to the beauty of the place. There is a nice set of the footpaths for walking set around the lake, and is lovely place to relax in shapely greenery., In addition, the peaceful, lake is perfect for the city, in the city, for people to the calm.

Thadlaskein Lake – A Sacred Waterbody in Jowai

Thadlaskein Lake, in Jowai, is of great historical and cultural importance to the people around Jowai, especially those of the Raid Mukhta area, in the Indian state of Meghalaya. Known as Pung Sajar Nangli, this man-made lake is the result of a legend involving Sajar Nangli and his followers, who through extraordinary measures, dug and created the lake. For those of Raid Mukhta, Thadlaskein is a sacred lake and as part of their religion, they surround the lake offering sacrifices. Blessed with sylvan surroundings, the meadows and the lush green picnic area are a great place to unwind. For those interested to see the mountain and appreciate the local culture, this area is a great spot.

Umhang Lake: a hidden treasure among Jaintia Hills

Surrounded by Jaintia Hills dense forests, Umhang Lake stands hidden, unspoiled by visitors’ flood. Jaintia legends state that Sajar Nangli who, after drinking from a local spring, decided to create a lake to be a one of a kind addition to the Jaintia Kingdom. The lake and the forests surrounding it, provide a perfect destination for anyone wanting to experience the untouched Meghalaya nature. The calm water of the lake, be a perfect source for serene boat rides. It will be a great source to appreciate the untouched Meghalaya. The peaceful boat rides will provide a perfect opportunity of appreciating the untouched Meghalaya. Being one of the lakes that isn’t widely known, be the perfect chance for discovering the nature.

Pamphyrnai Lake – A Calm Getaway in Nongstoin

Pamphyrnai Lake, located close to Nongstoin, is ideal for people looking for a quiet place to spend some time as it is one of the most underrated places you can visit in Meghalaya. The Lake has some of the most peaceful and relaxing qualities as it has clear waters, and is surrounded by greenery and flourishing Pamphyrnai Lake has. The Lake is really rich in the diversity of its flora and fauna. The Lake has really quiet and untouched beauty. It is a really nice place for anyone looking to relax and immerse themselves in the untouched nature of Meghalaya with no other tourists.

Conclusion

The lakes in Meghalaya are not just beautiful in nature, they also have a historical and spiritual story to tell. With the sprawling waters of Umiam Lake, and the peaceful, quiet, and serene Pamphyrnai Lake, there is endless beauty for any traveller. If you are looking for an adventure, a connection with the many traditions of the region, or plain relaxation, you will be sure to get an unforgettable memory from these amazing lakes with the most peaceful surroundings. The five lakes showcase the blend of history, nature, and spiritual beauty Meghalaya has to offer.