Water is a central feature of Shillong's landscape, characterized by lakes and cascading falls.
* **Umiam Lake (Barapani):** A massive, stunning reservoir just north of the city, popular for water sports and sunset views. * **Waterfalls:** Beyond Elephant Falls, the city is near Sweet Falls (a steep, striking drop, though notoriously dangerous) and Spread Eagle Falls. * **Rivers:** The Umkhrah and Umshyrpi rivers flow through the city, though they have faced significant ecological challenges due to urbanization.
