About Ward's Lake
Ward's Lake is an artificial lake in the heart of Shillong, a short walk from Police Bazar. It was built in 1894 during British rule, under Colonel Hopkins, and named after Sir William Ward, then Chief Commissioner of Assam. Locals call it Nan Polok or Pollock's Lake. The horseshoe-shaped lake is ringed by a stone walkway, flower beds, lawns and old trees, with a wooden bridge across the middle that is the most photographed spot. You can hire paddle boats, feed the fish from the bridge and sit by the water. The Shillong Botanical Garden lies next to the lake. It is an easy, low-effort stop that suits families, older travellers and anyone with an hour free in the city, such as the evening after a long day trip or the morning before a flight. A local legend credits a Khasi prisoner with first proposing the lake, though this is folklore rather than documented history.
What to expect at Ward's Lake
Walk: A paved path loops around the lake past gardens and seating; it is flat and easy for all ages. Bridge: A wooden bridge crosses the lake, popular for photos and fish feeding. Boating: Paddle boats are available on the lake for an extra charge. Garden: Lawns, flower beds and shade trees, with the Botanical Garden next door. Facilities: A ticket counter at the gate, a cafeteria and seating areas. Parking around Police Bazar is limited, so being dropped at the gate is easiest. Closed: Tuesdays.
Visitor Information
Best Time to Visit
October to May
The lake is pleasant year-round.Winter (December–February) is cold but sunny. The monsoon (June–September) keeps everything green, but frequent rain makes boating and walking less comfortable. Visit in the morning for a quiet walk, or late afternoon for softer light. Remember it is closed on Tuesdays.
Getting There
Ward's Lake is in central Shillong, about 1 km from Police Bazar, a 5–10 minute drive or a short walk.
Ward's Lake is in central Shillong, about 1 km from Police Bazar, a 5–10 minute drive or a short walk. It is about 100 km from Guwahati, around 3–3.5 hours by road, and about 30 km from Shillong Airport at Umroi. Most visitors combine it with Police Bazar shopping or other city sights such as Lady Hydari Park and the Don Bosco Museum. Traffic around Police Bazar can be heavy in the evening, so allow extra time. A private cab from Shillong can be booked with Tour Meghalaya for a city sightseeing day that includes the lake.
Entry & Duration
Entry Fee: About ₹10–20 per person; camera and boating charged extra
Most visitors spend about 1–1.5 hours walking around the lake, crossing the bridge and boating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ward's Lake open on Tuesday?
No, Ward's Lake is closed on Tuesdays. It is open on the other days of the week.
What are the timings of Ward's Lake Shillong?
It generally opens around 8:30–9 am and closes around 5:30 pm in winter and later in summer. Hours change by season, so check at the gate.
What is the entry fee for Ward's Lake?
Recent sources put it at about ₹10–20 per person, with separate charges for cameras and boating.
How far is Ward's Lake from Police Bazar?
It is about 1 km from Police Bazar, a short drive or roughly a 15-minute walk.
Is boating available at Ward's Lake?
Yes, paddle boats can be hired on the lake for an extra fee.
Who built Ward's Lake?
It was built in 1894 under Colonel Hopkins and named after Sir William Ward, Chief Commissioner of Assam at the time.
