Ward's Lake

Ward's Lake (Nan Polok) is a historic artificial lake and botanical garden in central Shillong, East Khasi Hills District, Meghalaya, at 1,520 meters above sea level. Conceived by Chief Commissioner Sir William Ward and built in 1894, this horseshoe-shaped urban sanctuary is celebrated for its iconic white wooden bridge and lakeside Himalayan cherry blossoms.

A Pine-Scented Escape in the City Center

Tucked away just a short distance from the city's commercial hubs, the park greets visitors with a peaceful atmosphere. A crisp breeze carries the scent of Khasi pines (Pinus kesiya) as morning light filters through the high canopy. Cobblestone pathways wind along the grassy banks, where colorful beds of salvia, marigolds, and dahlias bloom.

At the center of the lake, a Japanese-style white wooden bridge arches over the calm, green water. Geese glide across the surface, and massive carp swim below, waiting for visitors to toss them fish food. Unlike the vast, windswept shores of Umiam Lake, Ward's Lake offers a highly manicured, quiet retreat right in the middle of Shillong.

Colonial Foundations and the Name "Nan Polok"

The lake was planned during the British administration of Assam, when Shillong served as its summer capital. Envisioned by Sir William Ward in the early 1890s, the park was designed by engineer Fitzwilliam Thomas Pollok and constructed in 1894 under the supervision of Colonel Hopkins. According to historical records kept by the Meghalaya State Portal, the site was originally designed as a water reservoir before it was turned into a public park.

The local Khasi name Nan Polok (literally "Pollock's Lake") is a phonetic adaptation of the engineer's surname, showing how the local community made the colonial site their own. Local history also tells of a Khasi prisoner who did much of the early digging and gardening to ease the monotony of his confinement.

Botanical Diversity and the Cherry Blossom Festival

The park functions as a botanical garden, home to several mature tree species. These include the shaggy-barked Cryptomeria japonica (Japanese cedar), towering eucalyptus, and native orchids. The lake itself is a small ecosystem, home to resident geese, migratory teal ducks in winter, and grass carp that gather near the wooden bridge.

In late November, the park becomes the main venue for the annual Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival. The Himalayan cherry trees (Prunus cerasoides) along the banks burst into bright pink blooms, casting petals onto the lawns and water. During the festival, the Meghalaya Tourism Development Corporation hosts light shows and live music performances inside the gates.

What NOT to Expect

Do not expect a wild, unmanaged forest or a hiking area. Ward's Lake is a structured municipal park with paved paths, ticket gates, and set hours. Boating is limited to simple, hand-pedaled paddle boats; there are no motorboats or high-speed water activities.

Swimming and fishing are strictly banned to protect the resident fish and waterfowl. On weekend afternoons, the park is very popular with local families, so visitors seeking quiet should plan to arrive early in the morning.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Ward's Lake?

• November to February (Winter): The best months for clear skies and cool weather. Daytime temperatures hover between 12°C and 18°C, dropping to 4°C at night. The cherry blossoms bloom in late November.
• March to May (Spring & Summer): Pleasant weather and lush gardens. The trees are green, and the flowerbeds are filled with seasonal blooms.
• June to September (Monsoon): Heavy rain makes the paths wet, but the park is at its greenest and quietest, with mist rising off the lake.

Location and Getting There

The park is located in the European Ward of Shillong, about 1.5 km from Police Bazaar. It is a 10-minute walk via the pedestrian overpass or a short local taxi ride. It is rated 4.4/5 on Google Maps with over 7,000+ reviews, making it a convenient morning or afternoon stop on your first day in Shillong.