Umiam Lake is also known as Barapani or Big Water and is a scenic place tucked away amidst the hills of Meghalaya, around 15 Km from Shillong. Here, across the Umiam River stream, a massive hydroelectric dam has been constructed. The Lake is popular venue for the water sport and adventure facilities.

The naming of the Umiam Lake is legendary. The story is that two sisters from the heaven came down to Meghalaya, but somehow only one of the sisters reached their destination. The other sister could not make it. So the sister who reached her destination cried her heart out and thus a lake was formed with her tears, which is now known as Barapani. Its literal meaning is Vast Water. The entire region is mountainous with ethereal landscape reflected in the shining waters of the Umiam Lake. But Umiam or Barapani is also an angler`s paradise with a wide variety of fish.

Thousands of tourists visit this spot for kayaking, water cycling, scooting and boating. Almost all tourist facilities are available at the Umiam Lake. The Lake has been developed as a tourist attraction by the State authorities and the Meghalaya Tourism Department. They also run the Orchid Tourist home overlooking the lake. The climate in Umiam Lake is very favorable for orchids.

The floating restaurants with ferry services are some of the most interesting venues visited by the tourists. The nearby Lum Nehru Park is equipped with an aviary, an orchidarium and superbly maintained lawns. Umiam Lake is an ideal getaway from Shillong; the journey itself is a delightful part of the travel. Rolling hills, feathery clouds, glistening lake, twisting roads and spectacular countryside - all make up the sheer beauty of Umiam Lake.