Meghalaya · 6 destinations & hidden spots
Ri-Bhoi & Umiam Lake Basin
Created in the 1960s by damming the Umiam River, Barapani is a majestic expanse of deep blue water often compared to the scenic lakes of Scotland. The lake features water sports including speedboating, kayaking, houseboats, and lakeside picnics along pine-fringed headlands.
Ri-Bhoi & Umiam Lake Basin
Perched on a pine-clad hillock beside the Umiam Water Sports Complex, Lum Nehru Park features landscaped lawns, sprawling aviaries, rare native orchid greenhouses, and paved lakeside trails that offer sweeping vistas across the open waters of Barapani.
Hidden Gem
Ri-Bhoi & Umiam Lake Basin
Umden is Meghalaya's premier eco-cultural silk center, celebrated worldwide for the ethical production of Ryndia (Eri silk). In this peaceful village, silkworms are allowed to complete their lifecycle without being boiled, and women weavers demonstrate traditional organic plant dyeing and backstrap loom weaving.
Hidden Gem
Ri-Bhoi & Umiam Lake Basin
Translating to 'Portal of the Devil' in the Khasi tongue, Dwar Ksuid is a hidden river rock pool located along the Umran River. The rushing mountain currents have carved giant smooth lotus-shaped basins into the sandstone bedrock, creating deep natural swimming pools shaded by wild bamboo.
Hidden Gem
Ri-Bhoi & Umiam Lake Basin
Spread over 25 hectares near Nongpoh, Marngar Lake is a pristine wetland ecosystem surrounded by rolling green hills. Developed as a community eco-tourism hub, it offers scenic bamboo pedal boating, children's park pathways, and tranquil bird-watching spots away from highway noise.
Ri-Bhoi & Umiam Lake Basin
Nongpoh is the headquarters of Ri-Bhoi district, situated halfway between Guwahati and Shillong. Nestled among undulating forested hillocks, the area is famous for roadside organic fruit markets selling giant Kew pineapples, betel leaf plantations, and peaceful subtropical hiking trails.
