The short answer
Ri Kynjai – Serenity by the Lake: what visitors should know first
Worth it if a quiet, scenic lakeside stay matters more than being within walking distance of Shillong's city-centre sights. Expect a 30–40 minute drive into town for most sightseeing, offset by lake views, spacious grounds and a genuinely restful setting rare in the city itself.
Useful facts
Ri Kynjai – Serenity by the Lake facts at a glance
- Location
- Umsning, on Umiam Lake, 18 km from Shillong
- Stay style
- Small lakeside cottage resort
- Location trade-off
- Scenic and quiet, but a 30–40 minute drive from city sights
- Best suited to
- Couples and travellers prioritising lake scenery
- Origins
- Built in Khasi-inspired architectural style on Umiam Lake
- Operator
- Independently run resort property
Why it matters
Why Ri Kynjai – Serenity by the Lake is worth your time
Ri Kynjai's architecture deliberately draws on Khasi vernacular building traditions, particularly the upturned-boat roof form linked to local beliefs about the community's seafaring ancestry, rather than following a generic hill-resort template. That choice ties the property visually and culturally to the region it sits in, in a way that many larger hotel-chain properties in Northeast India do not attempt.
Its location directly on Umiam Lake also reflects the lake's transformation from a purely functional hydroelectric reservoir into one of the region's main leisure destinations, discussed at the Umiam Lake sight itself. For visitors, a stay here is as much about experiencing that lake setting over a full day and evening as it is about the amenities of the resort.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
Khasi-style cottages
Upturned, boat-shaped roofs on the cottages draw on traditional Khasi hut design and local seafaring lore.
- 02
Lake frontage
The 45-acre property sits directly on Umiam Lake, with lake-view rooms looking straight over the water.
- 03
Sao Aiom restaurant
The resort's restaurant serves local, Chinese and continental dishes with lake views from its seating area.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Ri Kynjai, meaning 'Serenity by the Lake' in Khasi, sits on the shore of Umiam Lake about 18 km from Shillong, with its cottages built in a style inspired by traditional Khasi thatched huts, featuring distinctive upturned, boat-shaped roofs said to reflect the seafaring history of Khasi ancestors. The 17-room property spreads across 45 acres of landscaped grounds, giving it a spacious, unhurried feel that is hard to find within Shillong itself.
Rooms range from lake-view hybrid cottages to forest-facing suites, and the property's restaurant, Sao Aiom, serves a mix of local, Chinese and continental dishes looking out over the water. A spa and assistance arranging local excursions, from lake activities to day trips further out, are part of the standard guest experience.
Staying here works well as a quieter alternative to a city-centre Shillong hotel, particularly for guests planning to spend time at Umiam Lake itself or heading towards Guwahati, since the resort sits directly on the main highway route. It suits travellers prioritising scenery and calm over walking access to Police Bazar and the city's markets.
Plan with confidence
Before you book the room.
- Confirm transfer arrangements into central Shillong, about 30–40 minutes away
- Book lake-view rooms in advance if the view matters to you
- Ask about excursion arrangements for day trips further afield
- Bring a light jacket for cooler lakeside evenings
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Umsning, on Umiam Lake, about 18 km from central Shillong
- Time needed
- A full stay for guests; a lunch or tea booking for non-guests interested in the setting
- Best time
- Year-round; October to March gives the clearest lake views
- Walking level
- Easy
- Senior comfort
- The resort is spread over 45 acres, so distances between cottages, the restaurant and the lakeside can involve a reasonable walk, though grounds are landscaped and level rather than steep. Staff can usually assist with transport between areas of the property for guests who prefer not to walk far.
- Tickets and access
- No general public entry; this is a paid resort stay booked directly or through a travel agent. Non-guests wanting to see the property can typically book a meal at its restaurant, subject to availability.
Best for
Plan it with
Book with confidence
Check rates at Ri Kynjai – Serenity by the Lake
Compare room types, cancellation terms and breakfast before you book. Ask for a ground-floor or lift-access room if anyone finds stairs hard.
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Travelling with parents?
The resort is spread over 45 acres, so distances between cottages, the restaurant and the lakeside can involve a reasonable walk, though grounds are landscaped and level rather than steep. Staff can usually assist with transport between areas of the property for guests who prefer not to walk far.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
How far is Ri Kynjai from Shillong?
About 18 km, roughly a 30–40 minute drive, since the resort sits directly on Umiam Lake rather than in the city centre.
Can non-guests visit Ri Kynjai?
General public entry is not typical, but a meal booking at the resort's restaurant, Sao Aiom, is usually possible subject to availability.
What is distinctive about the resort's architecture?
Its cottages are built in a style inspired by traditional Khasi huts, with upturned, boat-shaped roofs linked to local beliefs about Khasi seafaring ancestry.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.
