Ward’s Lake And All You Need To Know About It

Spend your time at the calm and inviting Ward’s lake that evokes the beauty of the old world with its resident geese, comfortable paddle boats, iconic wooden bridge, and hot cup of coffee.

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Published On Jul 22, 2024 | Updated On Jul 23, 2024

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Ward's Lake is a magnificent manmade body of water in Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya, India. The Ward’s lake, surrounded by beautiful trees and gorgeous flowerbeds, is popular with locals and tourists. The Lake is said to be around 150 years old. When you first arrive at Ward's Lake, you have no choice but to want to soak in the surrounding scenery. Walking down the cobblestone path that encircles the lake improves the whole experience of the Lake. It adds to the ethereal grace of the entire Lake, which the photograph does not capture well. 
The fact that Ward's Lake, Meghalaya is situated near Raj Bhavan, the Governor's official house helps attract a lot of tourists. It is only sometimes that a visitor gets the view outside of the Governor's mansion of a certain state, let alone the entire country. Even though some may claim that it bears no relation to the White House in the United States, one person cannot help but admire the mansion created for the state governor because it is tied to the history of not only the country but also the state of Meghalaya.

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Walking path at Ward's Lake

Despite being entirely man-made, the lake is aesthetically pleasing because of the wonderful care provided by the local government. Gorgeous botanical gardens encircling the lake provide a view of various fully blossoming orchids. Botanists and horticulturists adore Ward's Lake more than the other available recreational amenities because of its vibrant flowerbeds.

Sir William Ward, Assam's Chief Commissioner, was the one to initiate the lake's construction and so was honoured with the name Ward's Lake. Ward's Lake is strategically positioned, making it accessible by all local modes of transportation. A short bridge was built in the centre of Ward's Lake to allow guests to feed the little fish that float in the water or enjoy a panoramic view of the entire body of water (puffed rice is also available at the lake entrance for feeding the fish). However, paddle boating on the lake is the main attraction.

Ideal visit duration for Ward’s Lake, Shillong: 1 - 2 hours

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Ward's Lake

A visitor to the lake can engage in a wide range of activities while there, some of them are - 

  1. Enjoy the fountain - Take time to admire the captivating fountain at Ward's Lake's centre. Watch the water dance and shine in the sunlight, 
    contributing to the lovely atmosphere of this scenic sanctuary.
  2. Picnicking - Stuff a picnic basket with your favourite munchies and drinks, then have a fun lunch in the stunning setting of Ward's Lake. One of the best things to do in Meghalaya if you want to unwind with friends and family is to have a leisurely picnic beside the picturesque Ward's Lake.
  3. Bird Viewing - With its lush surroundings and a wide variety of bird species, Ward's Lake is a birdwatcher's paradise. Hold your binoculars close and scan the trees and shrubbery along the lake for vibrant birds fluttering by.
  4. Relaxation - Unwind in the tranquil surroundings of Ward's Lake. Soak in the peaceful surroundings by finding a comfortable position on one of the benches dotted throughout the garden or along the lakeside.
  5. Photography - See Ward's Lake through your camera's lens and capture its amazing beauty. Photographers will never run out of an opportunity to capture breathtaking shots, from the colourful blossoms to the serene waterways and picturesque panoramas.
  6. Leisurely Walks - Take strolls along the cobblestone pathways to explore the lovely garden that encircles Ward's Lake. Enjoy the tranquil break from the buzz of the city provided by the lush vegetation and wildlife that line the paths.
  7. Boating - Enjoy a peaceful boating trip as you glide across Ward's Lake's beautiful waters. Explore the lake's environment at your own pace while admiring the gorgeous scenery by renting a paddleboat or rowboat.
  8. Feed the fishes - Take a stroll along the wooden bridge that crosses the lake and enjoy the fun activity of feeding the fish. Watch as the lake's beautiful residents eagerly munch on the offerings, creating unforgettable experiences for guests of all ages. This is one of the most popular activities at Ward's Lake.
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Disclaimer: The details mentioned throughout this blog are sourced from publicly accessible platforms. At Zeezest, we intend to share factual and verified information. Should there be any inconsistencies or variances in the information provided, please understand that these are entirely unintentional and not meant to mislead. 


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