About Lady Hydari Park
Lady Hydari Park is one of Shillong's oldest public parks and a short drive from Police Bazar. In 2023 the Meghalaya government officially renamed it Ka Phan Nonglait Park, after a Khasi woman from Rymmai village who fought the British in the time of U Tirot Sing. Most people in the city, and most drivers, still call it Lady Hydari Park. The park dates back to the late 1930s. It began as a marshland garden laid out under Governor Sir Robert Neil Reid as the Lady Reid Pleasure Park. It was renamed after Lady Hydari when Sir Akbar Hydari was Governor of Assam in 1947–48. Today the park is a quiet green space with landscaped lawns, ornamental ponds, flower beds and a garden laid out in a Japanese style. It also has a mini zoo run by the Forest Department, with deer, birds and some native mammals, along with a small natural history museum and a butterfly museum. A Nature Interpretation Centre on Meghalaya's plants and wildlife opened in 2023. It is an easy half-day stop with children or a break between city sights.
What to expect at Lady Hydari Park
Garden: Paved paths around lawns, ponds and flower beds, with benches in the shade. Mini zoo: Enclosures with deer and birds, plus some other native animals. The species on show vary over time. Museums: A small natural history museum, a butterfly museum and a Nature Interpretation Centre on Meghalaya's wildlife. Kids: A children's play area with swings. Walk: Flat and easy, suitable for elderly visitors. Facilities: Ticket counter at the gate, and parking and food stalls on the surrounding roads.
Visitor Information
Best Time to Visit
March to May and October to November
Spring (March–May) is the best season, with flowers in bloom and mild weather. Post-monsoon (October–November) is also pleasant and green. Winter (December–February) is cool, crisp and clear, and fine for a walk in the middle of the day. During the monsoon (June–September) paths get wet and frequent showers cut visits short. Morning, soon after opening, is the quietest time and the animals are more active. The park is closed on Mondays.
Getting There
The park is in central Shillong, about 1–2 km from Police Bazar.
The park is in central Shillong, about 1–2 km from Police Bazar. The drive takes about 5–10 minutes, depending on city traffic, or you can walk there from the Police Bazar area in about 20 minutes. Ward's Lake and the Shillong Golf Course are nearby, so the three are easy to combine. From Guwahati, allow about 3–3.5 hours by road to Shillong. Locals may know it as Lady Hydari Park or Phan Nonglait Park, so either name works when asking directions. A private cab from Shillong can be booked with Tour Meghalaya.
Entry & Duration
Entry Fee: About ₹10–20 per person; camera extra
Most visitors spend about 1–1.5 hours walking the garden, the mini zoo and the small museums.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lady Hydari Park open on Monday?
No. Lady Hydari Park is closed on Mondays. It is usually open from about 8 am to 5 pm on other days.
What is the entry fee for Lady Hydari Park Shillong?
Entry is a nominal fee of about ₹10–20 per person, with a separate charge for cameras.
What is the new name of Lady Hydari Park?
In 2023 the Meghalaya government renamed it Ka Phan Nonglait Park, after a Khasi woman who fought the British in the time of U Tirot Sing. Locals still widely use the old name.
Is there a zoo in Lady Hydari Park?
Yes. The park has a mini zoo with deer, birds and some native mammals, along with a small natural history museum and a butterfly museum.
How far is Lady Hydari Park from Police Bazar?
It is about 1–2 km from Police Bazar, a 5–10 minute drive, close to Ward's Lake.
