Shilllong known for its nature with beautiful places, waterfalls and many other places to visit. It has some of the beautiful lakes which attract many tourists to this place. Below are the lakes of Shillong: Umiam Lake Lakes in Shillong Umiam Lake is a water body located in the hills 15 km north of Shillong in Meghalaya. The lake is also popularly called Barapani (big water). The landscape of the lake has a fascinating beauty. Umiam Lake is one of the major tourist spots in the state of Meghalaya due to its ethereal beauty. The Legend of Umiam Lake Umiam Lake is associated with a legendary history. It is said that two sisters came down to Meghalaya from heaven. Only one of them reached their destination. The other sister was unable to reach her destination. The sister cried when she reached her destination and a lake was formed with her tears. The lake is called Barapani which literally means vast water. Umiam Lake was created as part of the construction of a dam. Construction of the dam began in 1965. The dam is the first Hydel Power project in the Northeast. Umiam Lake is managed by the Meghalaya State Electricity Board. Meghalaya Tourism is responsible for developing the lake's tourism-related business. Umiam Lake is one of the major tourist places in Meghalaya. The tourism department also runs the Orchid Tourist Home overlooking the lake. The lake is surrounded by hills and mountains all around. The lake offers tourists opportunities for water sports and adventure facilities. It attracts a large number of tourists for its boating, scootering, cycling and kayaking facilities. The lake has a water sports complex with facilities such as rowing boats, pedal boats, cruise boats, sailing boats, river buses and...... amidst paper paths and lawns and have different orchids and flowers beautifying them. This lake is surrounded by the Shillong Club, Shillong Raj Bhawan, Pinewood Ashok Hotel, State Legislative Assembly and Shillong Botanical Garden. The lake is packed with fish. It is enclosed by a winding walkway and is dotted with gently sloping flowerbeds and innovative lighting, bordered by lush greens. Boating is possible in Ward Lake. There is also a botanical garden located downstream from Wards Lake. This garden was built in the early 1900s and is home to a collection of native plants and trees. The garden is also home to rare and beautiful species of birds such as tragopan, pheasant and warbler. The paths and green lawns near the garden make it a good walking route for tourists. Best Time to Visit: All year round Address: Rita Road, Shillong, Meghalaya 793001