Meghalaya is a remarkable region, famous for some of the wettest spots on Earth like Cherrapunji and nearby Mawsynram. Beyond its rainfall, the state is dominated by hills and forests, with Shillong serving as its vibrant capital and main urban center.
Perched above Umiam Lake, Ri Kynjai offers a tranquil retreat with stunning lake views. Below is a detailed review of our early 2021 stay at this lakeside resort.
Table of Contents
- Booking
- Check-in
- The Room
- The Food
- The Property
- A Short Trek
- Activities
- Bottomline
Booking
- Revenue Rate: 14,000 INR per night (Superior Room)
- Payment: Amazon Pay Balance
At the time of booking the property was not widely available on reward redemption portals, so I booked using Amazon Pay vouchers. These vouchers were obtained through various reward programs and promotions; while not literally free, they effectively reduced the cash outlay for the trip.
Check-in
We drove from Guwahati (leaving Radisson Blu in the morning) and reached Shillong around noon. The Guwahati–Meghalaya road is impressively well maintained—wide, scenic and much better than many city roads elsewhere.
Ri Kynjai sits just outside the city, closer to the airport, so we arrived quickly. Check-in was smooth and included a welcoming drink, setting a calm tone for the stay.
The Room
Our first impression of the room and the lake view was immediate—breathtaking. The Superior Room we booked was spacious and featured a comfortable balcony that opened onto the lake.
There is a larger top-tier room with an expansive balcony that can better accommodate a large family. For two people, the Superior category felt appropriate and comfortable.
Room photos:
Meghalaya’s climate is cool year-round; during our stay temperatures hovered around 15°C and evenings were noticeably colder. The room heater and cozy furnishings made the nights comfortable.
The highlight was undoubtedly the balcony and the sweeping views of Umiam Lake:
The Food
Breakfast: The breakfast spread was decent, though I expected a more elaborate buffet given the room rates.
Dinner: We ordered a few North Indian dishes for dinner which were satisfying and well prepared.
The Property
Ri Kynjai sits on a generous expanse of land with winding pathways ideal for peaceful nature walks. The grounds are quiet most of the time—so hushed that a single conversation on a balcony feels like the only sound in the resort.
This serene atmosphere aligns perfectly with the property’s tagline: “Serenity by the lake.” Architecturally, the resort features distinctive exteriors that complement the natural setting.
A Short Trek
A trail from the property leads into the woods and down to Umiam Lake, offering a quiet alternative route to the water. The walk takes roughly 15 minutes and opens to a secluded lakeside spot that feels remote and undisturbed—an enjoyable contrast to more developed tourist areas.
Activities
Dawki: A full-day trip to Dawki (about four hours one way) rewards you with crystal-clear river views and boat rides on nearly transparent water. The area borders Bangladesh, and from certain points you can see activity on the opposite bank—an unusual and memorable sight.
Nearby attractions include a famously clean village and the living root bridges, both well worth a visit if you have time.
Umiam Lake: The lake entrance is a short five-minute drive from the hotel. An evening boat ride across this expansive waterbody—especially at sunset—creates a peaceful, almost otherworldly experience. We visited during a quieter time, which made the sunset all the more special.
Bottomline
- Cardexpert Rating: 5/5
Ri Kynjai provided one of the most memorable stays of the year. If you value peace, natural beauty, and expansive lake views, this property is an excellent choice. It’s conveniently close to Shillong airport—about a 30-minute drive—making it easy to combine a lakeside stay with visits to Cherrapunji and other Meghalaya highlights.
Have you visited Meghalaya? Feel free to share your experiences in the comments below.