Ward’s Lake is an artificial lake in central Shillong, with a garden setting that makes it a natural stop during a city outing. You can walk beside the water, see the flower beds and wooden bridge, and check whether boating is available during your visit.
- Location: Central Shillong.
- Setting: Garden paths, flower beds, a fountain and a wooden bridge.
- Boating: Available at the lake; confirm current details before your visit.
- Entry: Fees vary by visitor category.
Where Ward’s Lake fits into a Shillong day
Ward’s Lake fits easily into a central Shillong outing, with Police Bazaar identified as a nearby landmark. The Meghalaya Tourism page also describes a botanical garden next to the lake, so you can combine both green spaces in the same part of the city.
For broader planning, the practical guide to Shillong’s city sights puts the lake in the context of other stops.
The lake is also known as Nan Polok or Pollock Lake. It was built in 1894 and has long been a place for recreation. The East Khasi Hills district tourism page attributes the plan to Sir William Ward and the construction to Colonel Hopkins.
The Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures is another Shillong stop to include in a wider city itinerary.
What are the garden paths and lake setting like?
A garden surrounds the water, with flower beds, cobblestone footpaths, a fountain and a wooden bridge across the lake. Meghalaya Tourism describes a stone path encircling the water and flower gardens shaded by trees, giving you a loop to follow beside the lake.
Cherry blossoms bloom at Ward’s Lake in autumn, and events take place there throughout the year. The garden setting is the main reason to include the lake in a walk through central Shillong.
Boating and visitor facilities
- Entry
- fee category for visitors with disabilities, but access arrangements such as whe
Boating is available at Ward’s Lake, and a cafeteria serves refreshments and beverages. Confirm boating hours, charges and safety requirements with the site before you go.
Meghalaya Tourism provides an entry-fee category for visitors with disabilities, but access arrangements such as wheelchair access, accessible paths and toilets should be confirmed with the site before setting out.
Hours, entry and access checks
Ward’s Lake hours vary across official pages. One gives seasonal hours of 8:30 AM–5:30 PM from November to February and 8:30 AM–7:00 PM from March to October; another gives 8:30 AM–6:30 PM and cautions that timings may change by day and season.
A selectable booking time slot runs from 8:30 AM–7:30 PM, but it does not specify which days the lake is open. Check the official site before you go.
Meghalaya Tourism gives entry fees of ₹20 for adults and ₹10 for children, senior citizens and visitors with disabilities. The main entrance is on the Pinewood Hotel side, off Camel Back Road, near Jawaharlal Nehru Rose Garden; the back entrance is on Soso Tham Road, opposite Meghalaya Co-operative Apex Bank.
Nearby stops to pair with the visit
Hotel Poinisuk is a three-star hotel in Shillong; the lake can be included in an outing from the hotel.
Police Bazaar is a nearby landmark, making the lake a straightforward pairing with a central-city outing. If you plan to spend time among the city’s markets, include Police Bazaar and Iewduh in your itinerary.
FAQs
What is Ward’s Lake also called?
Ward’s Lake is also known as Nan Polok or Pollock Lake.
Is boating available at Ward’s Lake?
Yes. Boating is available, but confirm current hours, charges and safety requirements before your visit.
Does Ward’s Lake have more than one entrance?
Yes. The main entrance is off Camel Back Road, and the back entrance is on Soso Tham Road.