Located in the heart of Shillong, the charming hill station of Meghalaya, Ward's Lake stands as one of the most beloved and picturesque attractions in the region. Whether you’re an avid traveler, a nature enthusiast, or simply looking for a peaceful retreat, Ward's Lake offers an ideal escape with its lush surroundings, clear waters, and historical significance.
The article is a deep-dive into everything you need to know about Ward's Lake, importance to the city, beauty of its cherry blossoms, and why it's essential to include in your itinerary when visiting Shillong.
What is Ward's Lake?
Ward's Lake is an artificial lake located at the heart of Shillong and surrounded by a well-maintained garden with lush greenery. One of the main attractions in Shillong is the lake because of its scintillating beauty and peaceful environment it gives to the tourists. This lake is in the form of a horseshoe shape set against rolling hills and lush green landscapes. The place is perfect for nature walks, boat rides, and strolling leisurely.
The lake was constructed in the 19th century by the then British Civilian and the Superintendent of Shillong, Sir William Ward, after whom it is named. He thought of making a peaceful place where locals and visitors could spend some time in a peaceful environment with nature. The lake is still one of the monuments of the colonial era in Shillong and gives a glimpse of the history of the city.
Wards Lake Shillong: A Place for Peace and Leisure
The tranquil surroundings are one of the main reasons why locals and visitors alike go crazy about Ward's Lake. The beautiful lake has manicured gardens with lovely flower beds and walking paths. People throng here to relax and enjoy a peaceful walk around the lake, sit by the water's edge, or take a boat ride. The lake is kept especially clean, and the area surrounding it is full of beautiful flowers, lush greenery, and well-kept pathways. For the family picnic, romantic evening walk, or even photography lovers looking to capture scenes from nature in all its glory, this is the place
A wooden bridge, well designed, connects the two sides of the lake. It offers the visitors a chance to view the beauty from all sides. The ambiance of the lake is very peaceful, and one can hear birds chirping and leaves rustling to create an atmosphere to get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Activities at Ward's Lake
Ward's Lake is a centre for various activities that can be enjoyed by people of all ages:
The boat ride is the most famous activity at Ward's Lake. You can paddle on the lake waters in calm waters while having a very peaceful experience by viewing the entire lake. Either take a short ride or just sit and relax, as this boat ride gives you an opportunity to have a closer view of the lake.
Nature Walks: The walking trails surrounding the lake are well-maintained and are perfect for a walk. As you walk along the trail, you can enjoy the greenery around, the colorful flowers, and the fresh, cool air of Shillong. Whether you are walking alone to clear your mind or with loved ones to enjoy the scenery, the peaceful environment of the lake will surely calm your senses.
Photography: For the photography enthusiasts, Ward's Lake is a heaven. The peaceful lake surrounded by greenery, colorful flowers, and picturesque wooden bridges makes for fantastic photo opportunities. Whether it's capturing the stillness of the lake at sunrise, the lively boat rides, or the beauty of the gardens, Ward's Lake is a perfect subject for nature photographers.
Relaxed by the Lake: One of the best things to do in Ward's Lake is just sit and enjoy the natural beauty. Be it reading a book, having a picnic, or just seeing the view, this place allows complete relaxation in a peaceful atmosphere.
Ward's Lake Shillong Cherry Blossom
Perhaps one of the most attractive times of the year to go to Ward's Lake is in the cherry blossom season, from October to November. Every year, it makes the entire lake area spectacularly beautiful in soft pink and white blooms, as if from heaven. Soft pink and white cherry blossoms cover the surrounding trees with these delicate flowers in bloom, a beautiful sight to the eyes that would attract thousands of visitors, whether locals or tourists.
Cherry blossoms are of high significance because Ward's Lake enjoys a climate so apt for such trees that Shillong and, in general, the Meghalaya region happens to have one. The pretty flowers with the very thin petals do give an already peaceful environment in Ward's Lake an air of magic. The tranquil water of the sea is combined with the pink and white flowers, so everything seems quite soothing and peaceful that you may just not be willing to miss.
Cherry Blossom Festival: Shillong, along with Ward's Lake, organizes the Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival. This festival attracts the masses who visit the place for the blossoming of cherry trees. It features cultural performances, food stalls, and a chance to view and appreciate the beautiful blossoming cherry that bloom all over the city. The festival often attracts visitors both from within and outside the country, giving a lively, vibrant atmosphere to the serene lake.
The beauty further increases in this period, and the cherry blossom makes this a great place for photography, nature walks, and just basking in the splendor of nature.
Ward's Lake Location and Accessibility
Ward's Lake is centrally located in Shillong. It is accessible from all other areas of the city. It is located close to Police Bazar, which is one of the most crowded markets in Shillong. Therefore, it is an ideal place to visit when you are roaming around the city and wish to get out of the noise. It is walkable from the main markets so that you can visit this lake while doing the sightseeing around Shillong.
Ward's Lake Accessibility
By Taxi or Car: If you are coming from outside Shillong, the easiest way to get to Ward's Lake is by taxi. Shillong is very well connected by roads to all the other cities in the Northeast and a taxi or private car can bring you straight to the lake.
By Foot: If you are already in the Police Bazar area, you can walk to Ward's Lake easily. It is 1-2 kilometers from Police Bazar. So, for those who are interested in walking through the area, it is easily accessible on foot.
Best Time to Visit Ward's Lake
The best time to visit Ward's Lake is in spring and autumn, especially during the months of October to March. During this time, the weather of Shillong is cool and calm. The time has turned out perfect for all types of outdoor games, including boating, walking, and photography. In the season of cherry blossoms, the atmosphere has been highly magical because, all over the lake and surrounding, there has been beautiful flowers in pink and white. If you would like to see the blooming cherry blossoms, October and November are perfect times.
Ward's Lake is always a cool place even during summer since Shillong is relatively high in altitude, so it is a welcome destination from the hot temperatures in India at most places.
Ward's Lake: A historical pride in Shillong
Aside from its natural beauty, Ward’s Lake also holds historical significance. It was constructed in the late 1800s during British rule, and its creation was part of the British legacy in Shillong, which was developed as a summer retreat for colonial officials. The lake and the surrounding gardens reflect this colonial influence, and today, it is a popular spot for both tourists and locals to enjoy.
You can't help but feel the charm of its colonial past as you visit Ward's Lake. The lake, the surrounding gardens, and the British-era architectural style of the bridge and pathways are a testament to the history that the region has witnessed. For history buffs and those who appreciate the colonial architecture, a visit to Ward's Lake is an enriching experience.
Conclusion
Of all the beautiful locations in Shillong, certainly Ward's Lake happens to be one, and it goes without saying one should visit such a place that holds such strong importance. Among the beautiful, serenary surroundings, which carry historical connotations, stands out as perfect escapism in this bust city. The place gets a colorful glow with cherries blossoming pink and white flowers.
It offers the serenity of a boat ride, also great for walking through its lush gardens or simply relaxing by the water. So, really, if you are heading to Shillong, do not miss this, as the natural beauty and peaceful spirit of this charming hill station come alive in Ward's Lake.
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