The highway from Guwahati to Shillong is superb, undoubtedly one of the best in the country. It quickly snakes up from the plains of Assam to the hills of Meghalaya and is a joy to ride/drive. As you leave the outskirts of Guwahati behind, you are welcomed by the green hills of Ri Bhoi district. The first thing you notice is the eased out traffic. Also, the people on the road seem to be more disciplined, something quite common in the hills of North East. You see more greenery all around and every other turn seems to be a viewpoint.

Guwahati to Shillong by road is something I do regularly and I enjoy taking it every single time. Be it the lush green surroundings, the organic and fresh fruits sold by the locals in their roadside house cum shops, the fantastic road itself or be it the simple yet mouthwatering jadoh (rice in pork gravy). I love every bit of it, more so during the monsoons. My most favorite season here in the North East.

The Umiam (Barapani) Lake

Originally built by the Assam Electricity Board to store water for North East Region’s first hydro-electric power plant, part of the Umiam lake have become a favorite tourist destination over the years. The lake is huge. Its grandeur never fails to impress, whether you see it from up close or from a distance. For the tourists, it now has quite a lot to offer. From speed boating and water-scooting to boating on the calm waters of the emerald-watered Barapani lake to parks where families can sit and relax while the children run around.

Umiam Lake Shillong Photos During The Monsoons

I might not go to the Umiam water-sports complex every time I cross it on my way to Shillong but I never forget to stop at the view-point around 15 minutes drive uphill. Mostly to photograph the beautiful lake below but sometimes, I stop just to take-in the view and appreciate it.

The viewpoint offers a fantastic 180-degree view of part of the lake and the hills surrounding it. If you are heading to Shillong from Guwahati by road and whether you enter the water-sport complex or no, this is one place you must stop. The view is sure to leave you mesmerized and impressed.

Over the years, I have shot a lot of photos but was never serious enough to store and share them, until recently. This post is a small compilation of a few images of this gorgeous lake – a major stopover on the way to Shillong – and its surroundings shot over the past few months this monsoon season.

Have you been seen the Umiam lake on your way to Shillong? Do you think it looks similar to any other lake you have seen anywhere else? Do let us know.