Ward's Lake

Ward's Lake is an artificial horseshoe-shaped lake located in the centre of Shillong, Meghalaya, near Raj Bhavan and Police Bazar. Constructed in 1893-94 during the British colonial period, it is set within a landscaped garden with flower beds, cobbled walkways and a wooden bridge. Known for its calm waters, boating facilities and well-maintained botanical surroundings, it is one of Shillong's most visited recreational and sightseeing attractions.

Visitors can expect a well-maintained urban lake surrounded by a botanical garden with seasonal flower beds, lawns, cobbled pathways and a wooden bridge extending over the water. The horseshoe-shaped lake offers paddle boating and row boating, a central fountain, benches for relaxation, and views of Raj Bhavan. The area is landscaped for leisurely walks, photography and sightseeing in a calm, central city setting.

Constructed in 1893-1894 under Sir William Ward, Chief Commissioner of Assam, and planned by Colonel Hopkins. The artificial horseshoe-shaped lake was developed as a recreational promenade during the British colonial period and has since remained a prominent colonial-era landmark in Shillong.

A central recreational and leisure space for residents and visitors, Ward's Lake is valued for its landscaped gardens and boating tradition and forms an important part of Shillong's urban identity and tourism circuit.