WARD'S LAKE: SHILLONG'S HORSESHOE OF TRANQUILITY

SoundHelix-Song-1.mp3

A Colonial Romance, 130 Years in the Making

Just a leisurely 10-minute stroll from Police Bazaar, where the hum of Shillong's shopping district fades into whispers of pine-scented air, lies a horseshoe-shaped sanctuary that has stolen hearts for over a century. Ward's Lake—or Nan Polok as locals affectionately call it—is where colonial grandeur meets botanical serenity, where cherry blossoms drift onto glassy waters, and where the iconic white bridge has launched a thousand Instagram posts (and probably a few marriage proposals).

Built in 1894 by the visionary Chief Commissioner Sir William Ward and engineered by Colonel Hopkins, this artificial lake isn't just Shillong's prettiest picnic spot—it's a living postcard from the British Raj, lovingly preserved by the Meghalaya Forest Department Times of India.

The Story Behind the Name: Sir William Ward's Vision

Sir William Ward served as the Chief Commissioner of undivided Assam in the late 19th century. Known for his progressive approach to urban planning, Ward envisioned a recreational space where British officials and local residents could escape the administrative grind. Colonel Hopkins, a skilled engineer, transformed this vision into reality, creating an artificial lake surrounded by landscaped gardens East Khasi Hills Government.

The lake is also called Pollock's Lake (Nan Polok in Khasi) after a British engineer named Pollock who contributed to its development—though Sir William Ward remains the name that stuck Wikipedia.

The Horseshoe Design: Engineering Meets Aesthetics

Ward's Lake follows a distinctive horseshoe shape, curving gracefully through the botanical gardens like a liquid embrace. This wasn't just aesthetic whimsy—the design maximized water surface area within a compact urban footprint while creating varied vantage points for visitors Grokipedia.

Key Features:

Clear, calm waters stocked with koi fish and visited by ducks and swans
Grassy slopes descending to the water's edge—perfect for picnics
Paved walking/jogging paths encircling the lake (~1 km loop)
Botanical gardens with seasonal flower beds, rhododendrons, and orchids
Cherry blossom trees that transform the park into a pink paradise each November

The Iconic Bridge: Shillong's Most Photogenic Spot

If Ward's Lake has a superstar, it's the white arched bridge that gracefully spans the water. This elegant wooden (now reinforced) structure is:

The most photographed landmark in the park
A favorite for pre-wedding shoots and couple portraits
The ideal vantage point to watch koi fish glide beneath the planks
Particularly stunning during cherry blossom season when petals carpet the bridge

A 2026 TripAdvisor reviewer gushes: "The white bridge at Ward's Lake is pure magic during sunset. The way the light hits the water and reflects off the blossoms—it's like stepping into a painting." TripAdvisor

Cherry Blossom Season: When Ward's Lake Becomes a Fairytale

Every November, Ward's Lake becomes the centerpiece of Shillong's Cherry Blossom Festival, when Himalayan cherry trees (Prunus cerasoides) burst into bloom, dusting the lake with pink petals Wanderlog.

Why It's Special:

Petals float on the lake surface like confetti
The white bridge becomes framed by pink blossoms
Boat rides feel like gliding through a Monet painting
Cultural performances and music add to the festive atmosphere

Pro Tip: Visit during the first two weeks of November for peak blooms. Mornings (8:30-10:00 AM) offer softer light and fewer crowds.

Boating: Paddle Your Way to Peace

One of Ward's Lake's biggest draws is paddle boating, available year-round (weather permitting).

Details:

Cost: ₹250-₹300 for 30-40 minutes (4-seater boats)
Experience: Glide across calm waters, duck under the arched bridge, feed the ducks (bring your own bird-safe food)
Best Time: Late afternoon (4:00-6:00 PM) for golden-hour glow
Who It's For: Couples seeking romance, families with kids, photographers hunting reflections

An Instagram post from July 2025 notes: "Boating at Ward's Lake is so relaxing. The atmosphere is calm, perfect for walks, reading, or quiet conversations." Instagram

The Botanical Gardens: A Riot of Color

Surrounding the lake is a meticulously maintained botanical garden showcasing Meghalaya's floral diversity:

Flora Highlights:

Rhododendrons: Deep reds and purples (spring bloom)
Orchids: Native species along shaded pathways
Roses: Seasonal displays in dedicated beds
Marigolds & Dahlias: Vibrant bursts during autumn
Cherry Blossoms: The November showstoppers

The Forest Department—which manages the park—employs full-time gardeners who ensure year-round blooms. A 2026 TripAdvisor review praises: "The Forest department is doing a splendid job of maintaining the lawns, the gardens, and the lake itself." TripAdvisor Ireland

Wildlife: Ducks, Swans & Koi

Ward's Lake isn't just for humans—it's home to a resident wildlife community:

Ducks: Mallards and local species paddle near the shores, happily accepting breadcrumbs from visitors
Swans: Occasionally spotted gliding across the water
Koi Fish: Colorful carp visible beneath the bridge and near feeding areas

Children especially delight in the duck-feeding experience (though officials encourage bringing bird-safe food rather than processed bread).

Lakeside Café: Sip, Savor, Soak It In

Perched overlooking the water is a cafeteria/restaurant offering:

Chai & Coffee: Perfect for lakeside sipping
Snacks: Samosas, pakoras, sandwiches
Light Meals: Thalis and noodle dishes
Desserts: Ice cream and local sweets

Ambience: Outdoor seating with direct lake views; ideal for post-walk refreshments or lazy afternoon reading sessions.

Practical Information: Plan Your Visit

Detail	Information
Official Name	Ward's Lake (Nan Polok / Pollock's Lake)
Location	Walking distance from Police Bazaar (10 min walk)
Entry Fee	₹10-₹20 (adults); ₹5-₹10 (children); 50% off for senior citizens
Timings	Summer (Mar-Oct): 8:30 AM - 7:00 PM; Winter (Nov-Feb): 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Boating Cost	₹250-₹300 for 30-40 minutes (4-seater)
Visit Duration	1-2 hours
Best Time	October-March; mornings (8:30-11 AM) or evenings (4-6 PM)
Plastic Policy	Plastic-free zone; deposit bottles at entrance

Note: Entry fees may be slightly higher during Cherry Blossom Festival (November).

How to Reach

From Police Bazaar:

Walking: 10 minutes (approximately 1 km) - the most convenient option!
Simply head towards the city center; Ward's Lake is well-signposted

From Other Parts of Shillong:

Taxi/Auto: ₹50-₹100 from outlying areas

From Outside Shillong:

By Air: Umroi/Shillong Airport - 29 km; taxi to city center
By Train: Guwahati Railway Station - 105 km; 3-hour drive to Shillong
By Road: 100 km from Guwahati via NH6 Travel Triangle

Pro Tip: If you're staying near Police Bazaar or anywhere in central Shillong, skip the taxi and walk. The 10-minute stroll through Shillong's streets is part of the experience!

Photography Tips: Capture the Magic

Best Shots:

The White Bridge: Golden hour (6:00-7:00 PM summer, 4:00-5:00 PM winter) for warm backlighting
Cherry Blossom Reflections: Shoot downward from the bridge to capture petals on water
Duck Interactions: Kids feeding ducks make heartwarming candid shots
Wide Garden Views: From elevated spots near the café, capturing the full horseshoe curve

Camera Fee: May be charged separately (₹10-₹20); confirm at entrance.

Sustainability: The Plastic-Free Pledge

Ward's Lake is proud to be a plastic-free zone. Visitors must deposit plastic bottles and containers at the entrance, where they're collected for recycling TripAdvisor.

This initiative keeps the lake pristine, protects wildlife, and sets an example for sustainable tourism practices across Meghalaya.

Nearby Attractions: Build Your Walking Itinerary

All within easy walking distance:

Police Bazaar (10 min walk): Shopping, dining, local market
Lady Hydari Park (15 min walk): Mini zoo and butterfly museum
Don Bosco Museum (20 min walk): Seven-storey cultural center
All Saints Cathedral (25 min walk): Gothic architecture gem

Half-Day Walking Itinerary:

9:00 AM: Start at Police Bazaar - breakfast and chai
9:30 AM: Walk to Ward's Lake (10 min) - boat ride, garden stroll (1.5 hours)
11:30 AM: Walk to Lady Hydari Park (15 min) - explore zoo and gardens (1 hour)
1:00 PM: Walk back to Police Bazaar for lunch

Visitor Testimonials: What Travelers Say

From TripAdvisor (2026): "Enchanting experience. The expanse and greenery around the lake was nothing but magical. Great ambience—a must-visit in Shillong." – Ravi M, Mumbai

"Good place to unwind. The lake is neat and clean with a huge garden surrounding it. You definitely need 1-2 hours here." – Anjali K, Delhi TripAdvisor NZ

From WanderOn (2025): "Ward's Lake looked magical with cherry blossoms in full bloom. The whole place felt calm, colorful, and picture-perfect—such a soothing spot!" WanderOn

Best Time to Visit: Seasons & Hours

By Season:

October-March: Best overall—pleasant weather, flowers in bloom, clearest skies
November: Peak cherry blossom season (don't miss it!)
April-June: Warmer; occasional pre-monsoon showers
July-September: Monsoon—wet, foggy, fewer visitors

By Time of Day:

Morning (8:30-11:00 AM): Fresh air, softer light, fewer crowds
Afternoon (2:00-4:00 PM): Warmer, busier, good for social atmosphere
Evening (4:00-7:00 PM summer): Golden hour magic, romantic ambiance

The Verdict: Is Ward's Lake Worth Visiting?

Absolutely—especially if:

You're already in Police Bazaar (it's literally a 10-minute walk!)
You appreciate colonial-era architecture and landscaping
You're visiting during cherry blossom season (November)
You need a peaceful urban escape
You enjoy low-key activities (boating, walking, photography)

For ₹10-₹20, Ward's Lake offers exceptional value—a 130-year-old slice of history, year-round botanical beauty, and the kind of serenity that makes you forget you're in a bustling city.