LADY HYDARI PARK: SHILLONG'S GARDEN OF TWO NAMES

A Park, Two Identities, One Story

In the heart of Shillong, where colonial history meets contemporary cultural pride, lies a verdant sanctuary that answers to two names. To longtime visitors and taxi drivers, it's Lady Hydari Park—a British-era garden honoring the wife of a colonial governor. To the Meghalaya government and Khasi cultural activists, it's Ka Phan Nonglait Park, renamed in 2023 to commemorate the first Khasi woman who dared to resist British rule The Shillong Times.

This Japanese-style landscaped garden, established in 1937 under Governor Sir Robert Neil Reid, is more than just Shillong's prettiest park—it's a living testament to the city's evolving identity, where rhododendrons bloom alongside debates about heritage and memory Central Zoo Authority.

Colonial Roots: The Lady Behind the Original Name

Lady Hydari Park was named after the wife of Sir Muhammad Saleh Akbar Hydari, who served as Governor of Assam from 1937 to 1942. Lady Hydari was known for her love of nature and social welfare initiatives, and the park was created as a tribute to her contributions to the region Assam Holidays.

The park's design reflects the Japanese landscaping aesthetics popular during the late colonial period, featuring:

• Meticulously manicured lawns
• Ornamental ponds with stone bridges
• Flowering shrubs arranged in geometric patterns
• Winding pathways designed for contemplative walks

For decades, it served as Shillong's premier public garden—a place where British officers, local elites, and eventually everyday families came to escape the city's hustle.

The Renaming Movement: Honoring Ka Phan Nonglait

In November 2017, the Khasi Students' Union (KSU) began demanding that the park be renamed to honor Ka Phan Nonglait, a legendary Khasi freedom fighter who revolted against British colonial forces in the 19th century. She is celebrated as the first Khasi woman to take up arms against the Empire Highland Post.

The movement gained momentum:

• April 2018: KSU activists physically removed the "Lady Hydari Park" signboard and installed a new one reading "Phan Nonglait Park" The Shillong Times
• May 17, 2023: The Meghalaya State Cabinet officially approved the renaming
• May 26, 2023: A government notification formalized the park's new identity as Ka Phan Nonglait Park Meghalaya Government

Despite the official change, many locals and tourists still use the old name—a linguistic holdover that reflects the park's dual identity in the public imagination.

The Japanese Garden: A Botanical Wonderland

The park spans several acres in the Laban neighborhood, just 2.5 km from Shillong Bus Stand and an easy walk from Police Bazaar Trawell. Its Japanese-inspired design creates a serene atmosphere:

Flora Highlights:

• Rhododendrons: Meghalaya's state flower, blooming in vibrant reds and pinks during spring
• Orchids: Native species displayed along paved walkways
• Rose Garden: Seasonal roses in multiple hues
• Ornamental Shrubs: Meticulously pruned into shapes and hedges

Design Elements:

• Stone bridges arching over lily-pad-dotted ponds
• Gravel pathways winding through flower beds
• Japanese rock gardens with carefully placed boulders
• Wooden benches strategically positioned for optimal views

A TripAdvisor reviewer from 2026 writes: "The garden is beautifully maintained. Perfect for a morning stroll or an afternoon with a book. The rhododendrons were in full bloom when we visited—absolutely stunning!" TripAdvisor

The Mini Zoo: Shillong's Only Wildlife Sanctuary

One of the park's biggest draws is its mini zoo—the only zoological facility in Shillong Indian Holiday. Managed by the Forest Department, it houses:

Mammals:

• Himalayan Black Bears
• Deer (multiple species)
• Serow (goat-antelopes native to the Eastern Himalayas)
• Tigers (limited enclosures)

Avifauna: 73 bird species, including native pheasants, parrots, and raptors

Reptiles: 140 species, including snakes, lizards, and turtles

While the enclosures are modest by modern zoo standards, they provide a rare opportunity for Shillong residents—especially children—to encounter wildlife without traveling to distant sanctuaries.

Note: Some online reviews from 2025-2026 mention that certain sections of the zoo have been periodically closed for renovation, so check current status before visiting.

The Butterfly Museum: Tiny Wings, Big Wonder

Tucked within the park grounds is a butterfly museum showcasing Meghalaya's rich lepidopteran diversity Shillong.com. The museum features:

• Preserved specimens of rare butterfly species
• Educational displays on butterfly life cycles
• Photography exhibits highlighting Meghalaya's endemic species

Timings: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM (included in park entry ticket)

For nature photographers and entomology enthusiasts, the museum offers insights into species like the Golden Birdwing and Tawny Coster butterflies found in the region.

Children's Paradise: Play Areas & Activities

Families with young children will appreciate:

• Playground: Swings, slides, see-saws, and small climbing structures
• Picnic Areas: Shaded spots with seating for family outings
• Boating: Small boats available for rides on the park's ponds (seasonal)
• Open Lawns: Safe spaces for kids to run around

The park is a popular weekend destination for local families, often buzzing with the sounds of children's laughter and families sharing picnics on the grass.

Practical Information: Plan Your Visit

Best Time to Visit:

• Season: October to March (pleasant weather, flowers in bloom)
• Time of Day: 9:00-11:00 AM or 3:00-4:30 PM for optimal light and fewer crowds WanderOn

How to Reach

From Within Shillong:

• Walking distance from Police Bazaar (1.5-3 km)
• Taxi/Auto: ₹50-100 from city center
• Local shared taxis available

From Outside Shillong:

• By Air: Umroi Airport (Barapani) - 25 km away; taxi to Shillong, then local transport
• By Train: Guwahati Railway Station - 105 km; 3-hour drive to Shillong
• By Road: 100 km from Guwahati via NH6 Capture A Trip

Photography Tips

• Golden Hour: Visit just after opening (8:00-9:00 AM) or before closing (4:00-5:00 PM) for soft, warm light
• Flowers: Macro lens ideal for orchids and roses
• Wildlife: Telephoto lens for zoo enclosures (respect animal welfare—no flash)
• Portraits: Stone bridges and Japanese rock gardens make excellent backdrops

Remember to pay the ₹10 camera fee at the entrance.

Nearby Attractions: Build Your Itinerary

Combine Lady Hydari Park with other Shillong highlights:

Within 5 km:

• Ward's Lake (2 km): Another colonial-era garden with boating
• Don Bosco Museum (3 km): Seven-storey cultural museum
• Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians (2 km): Gothic-style church

Half-Day Itinerary Suggestion:

1. 9:00 AM: Lady Hydari Park (1.5 hours)
2. 11:00 AM: Ward's Lake (1 hour)
3. 12:30 PM: Lunch in Police Bazaar
4. 2:00 PM: Don Bosco Museum (2 hours)

Visitor Testimonials: What Travelers Say

From TripAdvisor (2026): "A well-maintained park with a beautiful variety of flowers. The mini zoo is small but kids loved seeing the bears and deer. Entry fee is very reasonable. Great spot for a morning walk." – Sneha R, Bangalore

"This park is amazing with open spaces and lots of trees. The animals are caged, but I liked the Himalayan black bear most. Walking around is relaxing." – Amit P, Delhi TripAdvisor

From Wanderlog (2025): "Despite the zoo closure, the park remains a serene retreat. Affordable entry, well-maintained grounds blooming with seasonal flowers." Wanderlog

Cultural Context: Who Was Phan Nonglait?

Ka Phan Nonglait was a 19th-century Khasi woman who became a symbol of resistance against British colonial expansion into the Khasi Hills. At a time when women rarely participated in armed conflict, she fought alongside male warriors to defend Khasi autonomy.

Her legacy:

• First documented Khasi woman to take up arms against the British
• Symbol of indigenous resistance and women's empowerment
• Honored by modern Khasi cultural organizations as a freedom fighter

The park's renaming reflects a broader movement across India to reclaim public spaces from colonial nomenclature and honor indigenous heroes.

The Verdict: Is It Worth Visiting?

Absolutely—with the right expectations.

Lady Hydari Park (Ka Phan Nonglait Park) is ideal for:

• Families with children seeking a safe, clean outdoor space
• Nature lovers who appreciate curated gardens and local flora
• Photographers looking for colorful backdrops
• Anyone needing a peaceful escape in central Shillong

Manage Expectations:

• The zoo is small and enclosures are basic (this isn't a modern safari park)
• Parking can be challenging during weekends
• Some facilities (toilets, snack stalls) are basic

For the modest entry fee (₹10-20), it's a worthwhile addition to any Shillong itinerary—especially combined with nearby attractions.

Final Tips

1. Visit on weekdays to avoid weekend crowds
2. Bring cash (no card payment facilities)
3. Carry water and snacks (limited food options inside)
4. Respect the animals—don't tap on enclosures or throw food
5. Check butterfly museum timings (11 AM-4 PM; may close for lunch)
6. Use the official name "Ka Phan Nonglait Park" when asking for directions from younger locals—they'll appreciate it

Sources & Further Reading

• The Shillong Times - KSU Changes Lady Hydari to Phan Nonglait
• Meghalaya Government - Park Renamed Notification
• TripAdvisor - Lady Hydari Park Reviews (2026)
• Central Zoo Authority - Lady Hydari Park Annual Report
• Shillong.com - Lady Hydari Park
• WanderOn - Lady Hydari Park Shillong Guide
• Assam Holidays - Lady Hydari Park