Photo spot in Shillong
Ward's Lake
Shillong, Meghalaya
A charming horseshoe lake in a landscaped garden at the city's heart, with an arched wooden bridge, boating and blooming borders.
Best time
Morning, when the water is still and the bridge reflects cleanly; late afternoon for soft light on the gardens.
Best angle
Stand on the path at one end of the lake and take a photo of the wooden bridge with its reflection in the water below.
Entry fee
Nominal
Opening hours
8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Crowd level
Medium
Best outfit colors
Overview
Best time to visit Ward's Lake
Morning, when the water is still and the bridge reflects cleanly; late afternoon for soft light on the gardens. Crowds here are typically medium. Arrive a little early to claim your angle and catch the softest light before the day tips over.
Poses & angles
Photo tips for Ward's Lake
Stand on the path at one end of the lake and take a photo of the wooden bridge with its reflection in the water below. Work a few of the pose ideas below, shoot wide for context and tight for detail, and give yourself a couple of extra minutes to get the frame right.
On the wooden arch bridge
Among the flower beds
Outfit guide
What to wear at Ward's Lake
For photos at Ward's Lake, pastel pink, white and sage work beautifully — they stand out against the setting without fighting it. Pick one hero colour and keep the rest of the look calm so you stay the subject of the frame.
Best outfit colors for photos
Trending wear for this spot
Popular modern looks travellers are wearing across Shillong.
Traditional wear for this spot
Timeless, cultural looks that suit Ward's Lake.
Eat nearby
Food near Ward's Lake
Round out the visit with something to eat. Look for jadoh and momos nearby, or settle in at one of the 2 restaurants close by.
Special dishes to try
Restaurants & food places nearby
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Good to know
Local tips
Check before you go on a Tuesday, as travel sources say the lake is closed that day.
Come early for a still surface and a clean reflection of the bridge.
Walk here from Police Bazaar rather than looking for parking in the busy centre.
Hire a paddle boat on a calm morning, when the lake is quietest.
Plan a Khasi lunch at Trattoria in Police Bazaar before or after your walk.
Ask at the gate whether any part of the grounds is closed for upgrade work.
Visit on a weekday if you want the paths without weekend family crowds.
A colonial lake in the city centre
Ward's Lake was laid out in 1894 and named after Sir William Ward, then Chief Commissioner of Assam. It was designed by Fitzwilliam Thomas Pollok, and many locals still call it Pollock's Lake, or Nan Polok. Local lore says the grounds were first worked on by a Khasi prisoner who took up the job to break the monotony of his days.
Around the water
The lake is shaped like a horseshoe, with a wooden bridge across the middle. Cobbled paths run through gardens of flowers and trees, and there is a fountain and a small café. Paddle boats are usually available. It is a calm, easy place for an hour's walk, and families come here on weekends and holidays.
Where it is
The lake sits in the heart of Shillong, close to Raj Bhavan, the Governor's residence, and a short walk from Police Bazaar. It works well as a break between shopping and a Khasi lunch at Trattoria nearby.
Opening days and hours
Travel sources say the lake is closed on Tuesdays, and it has usually closed around late afternoon. Entry is ticketed. Check the days and hours locally, because they may change.
Changes announced in 2025
In April 2025, the state tourism minister announced a major upgrade for Ward's Lake. The plans include moving it from the forest department to the tourism department, keeping it open until 10 pm, and adding a sound-and-light show. Work of this kind can close parts of the grounds for a while, so check what is open before you visit.
Questions
Ward's Lake — FAQ
What is the best time to visit Ward's Lake?
Morning, when the water is still and the bridge reflects cleanly; late afternoon for soft light on the gardens. Stand on the path at one end of the lake and take a photo of the wooden bridge with its reflection in the water below.
Is there an entry fee at Ward's Lake?
Entry to Ward's Lake is nominal.
What are the opening hours of Ward's Lake?
Ward's Lake is open 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM.
What should I wear at Ward's Lake?
Pastel pink, white and sage photograph especially well here. Explore the trending and traditional outfit ideas on this page for full looks.
How crowded does Ward's Lake get?
Crowd levels are typically medium. To miss the busiest window: morning, when the water is still and the bridge reflects cleanly; late afternoon for soft light on the gardens.
What food should I try near Ward's Lake?
Try jadoh and momos, available at nearby restaurants.
Why is it called Ward's Lake?
It is named after Sir William Ward, Chief Commissioner of Assam when the lake was made in 1894. Locals also call it Pollock's Lake after its designer.
Is Ward's Lake closed on Tuesdays?
Travel sources say it is closed on Tuesdays. Hours may change after the upgrade announced in 2025, so check locally.
Can you go boating at Ward's Lake?
Yes, paddle boats are usually available. The lake is small and calm, so it suits families and first-timers.
How far is Ward's Lake from Police Bazaar?
It is a short walk. The lake is in the city centre, near Raj Bhavan, so you can combine it with shopping and lunch.