Ri Kynjai – Serenity by the Lake

Name: Ri Kynjai – Serenity by the Lake
Address: Shillong

A lakeside resort on the wooded shore of Umiam Lake, about 20 km north of Shillong, with cottages built in the Khasi manner of timber and thatch-shaped roofs. It is our first choice in Meghalaya for couples and anyone who wants quiet evenings after long days on the road.

Photo: ANKAN · CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Ri Kynjai sits on a slope of pine and broadleaf forest above Umiam, the reservoir that travellers pass on the drive up from Guwahati. The cottages and rooms look over the water, and the design draws on traditional Khasi houses: steep roofs, local timber and stone, and wide verandas. Inside, rooms are warm and simply furnished, with good beds and fireplaces in some categories, which matter on winter nights when the temperature drops towards 5 °C.

Its position works well for touring. Shillong's markets and cathedral are about 45 minutes away, Sohra and the root bridge trail about two hours, and Guwahati airport roughly 2.5 hours, so guests can arrive and settle the same afternoon. The restaurant serves Khasi dishes alongside Indian and continental cooking, and we ask the kitchen for jadoh and smoked pork when guests want to try local food without a city restaurant.

Why we book it

Lake views and forest walks within the grounds
Khasi-inspired architecture rather than a generic resort block
Close enough to the airport to arrive on day one

Questions travellers ask

Good to know

How far is Ri Kynjai from Shillong?

About 20 km, or roughly 45 minutes by car depending on traffic at the Shillong end. The resort is on the Guwahati side of the city, near Umiam Lake, so it is also convenient for airport transfers. Guwahati's airport is about 2.5 hours away, which makes Ri Kynjai a good first and last night in Meghalaya.

Is Ri Kynjai good for visiting Sohra and the root bridges?

Yes, as a base for day trips. Sohra is about two hours each way, so the Nongriat walk makes a long but manageable day if you leave by 6:30 am. Guests who want to walk to the double-decker bridge at a gentler pace often add one or two nights in Sohra and keep Ri Kynjai for the start and end.

Does Ri Kynjai have heating in winter?

Rooms are equipped for the cool Shillong winter, and some categories have fireplaces. December and January nights can fall to around 5 °C, so we request the warmer cottage categories for winter stays and confirm heating arrangements at booking. Bring a warm layer for evenings on the veranda.

Journeys

Routes that stay here

North East India · 14 nights Grand North East: Khasi Hills to Tawang Sohra (Cherrapunji) · Shillong · Kaziranga National Park · Balipara Tea Country · Dirang · Tawang · Dirang · Balipara Tea Country From₹4,60,000 pp

North East India · 10 nights Meghalaya hills, Kaziranga and tea country Sohra (Cherrapunji) · Shillong · Kaziranga National Park · Balipara Tea Country From₹3,40,000 pp

North East India · 7 nights Meghalaya: root bridges, falls and a lake Shillong · Sohra (Cherrapunji) · Shillong From₹2,10,000 pp

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