Ward's Lake Travel Guide - Water Activities & Best Time to Visit

Umiam Lake near Shillong is the most famous lake known for scenic beauty and water activities.

October to April offers comfortable weather for outdoor activities.

Boating, kayaking, and scenic viewpoints are popular experiences around these lakes.

Loktak Lake in Manipur is world-famous for its "Phumdis"—naturally formed floating islands of vegetation, soil, and organic matter. It is the largest freshwater lake in Northeast India and is home to the Keibul Lamjao National Park, which is the only floating national park in the world. This unique ecosystem supports the endangered Sangai (brow-antlered deer), which has adapted to living on these floating masses. Exploring the lake by boat provides a fascinating look at this incredible, self-sustaining biological marvel.

The winter months from October to March are universally the best time to visit Indian lakes. During this period, the weather is cool and pleasant, ensuring that boat rides and lakeside walks are enjoyable. It is also the peak season for migratory bird sightings. If you are visiting high-altitude Himalayan lakes, the window narrows to June to September, as these lakes remain frozen and inaccessible during the deep winter months.

Yes, the North East is home to several revered mountain lakes like Tsomgo Lake (Changu Lake) in Sikkim and Khecheopalri Lake, which is known as the "Wishing Lake." Tsomgo is located at over 12,000 feet and is famous for its reflecting mountain views and spiritual significance to the local people. It is a common stop on the way to the Nathu La pass. Khecheopalri is unique because, despite being surrounded by dense forest, not a single leaf is said to stay on the water’s surface, as birds are believed to pick them up immediately.