Umiam Lake

Umiam, often called Barapani, was created in the early 1960s when the Umiam river was dammed for the first hydroelectric project in northeast India, flooding a valley and leaving the tops of ridges as wooded islands scattered across around two hundred and twenty square kilometres of catchment. The lake is the first thing travellers see coming up from Guwahati, with viewpoints on the highway looking down over the water and pine ridges. Kayaking, boating and water scooters operate from a park on the eastern shore, and resorts have been built along the banks. Sedimentation and pollution have been persistent management problems.

Background

Umiam Lake, also called Bara Pani, fills a valley in the hills 15 kilometres north of Shillong; it was made by damming the Umiam River in the early 1960s. The main catchment of the lake and dam spreads over about 225 square kilometres. In February 2025 a new Guwahati to Panchgram expressway was announced, planned as the first in Northeast India; it is to run from Guwahati to Umiam and on to Panchgram, cutting the journey by 5 hours.

Source: Wikipedia, "Umiam Lake"

Highlights

• The wooded islands - ridge tops left standing above the flooded valley.
• The highway viewpoints - overlooks on the road up from Guwahati.
• The water sports - kayaking and boating from the eastern shore park.
• The pine ridges - forested slopes around the reservoir.

When to go

September to May; October to December gives the clearest water and air. The monsoon raises levels and brings silt. Weekends bring crowds from Shillong and Guwahati.

Before you go

Water quality has declined with sedimentation and inflow pollution. Shore development is uneven. Water sport operators vary in safety standards and life jackets are not always used.

Nearby

Shillong lies south; Guwahati is north.

Key facts