Lady Hydari Park is one of the most beautiful and popular attractions in Shillong, the capital city of Meghalaya. Named after Lady Hydari, the wife of the first Governor of Assam, the park is a perfect blend of natural beauty, tranquility, and well-maintained gardens. Spread over a large area, the park is a favorite spot for locals and tourists alike. Lady Hydari Park is one of the vital places for relaxation when one wants a family outing or just takes a leisurely walk in Shillong city’s heart.
About Lady Hydari Park
Lady Hydari Park is in Japanese style and has beautifully laid pathways, well-manicured lawns, and colorful flower beds. It has a wide variety of plants and trees and thus is a nature lover’s haven. Among its attractions is the small zoo in the park that makes it more interesting for children and families.
Lady Hydari Park is in Laban, the heart of Shillong, and is easily accessible, and one should not miss it while visiting the “Scotland of the East.”
Why Visit Lady Hydari Park?
Lush Greenery
The park is surrounded by tall trees, colorful flowers, and a variety of shrubs. It is a place ideal for meeting nature.
Relaxation is sure to be available in the placid and tranquil atmosphere of Lady Hydari Park. The cool wind and scenic view create a cool and refreshing scene.
Attractions for Kids
The small zoo within the premises is full of deer, porcupines, and birds, which is a children’s playground. Apart from this, it has a kid’s play arena as well where kids can engage themselves.
Photo Opportunity
Vibrant flowers, green landscapes, and Japanese-style design are some of the reasons why photographs are taken at this park. This is a good place for professionals and amateur photographers alike because the scenery is plentiful here.
Features of Lady Hydari Park
- Beautiful Gardens
The gardens in Lady Hydari Park are maintained well. A lot of flowers are seen to be in bloom all year around and give vibrant colors to the park. Spring is especially good as the flowers have bloomed at their peak. The overall layout of the park resembles a Japanese-style garden with its well-manicured pathways and an aesthetically pleasing design.
- Mini Zoo
The zoo inside the park has animals and birds of local origin. It’s small but quite well maintained for an educational experience especially for children. You can catch a glimpse of deer, Himalayan black bears, and various other exotic birds.
- Pond and Ducks
A small pond with ducks swimming around creates an added attraction to the park. People, especially kids, enjoy the beauty of seeing the ducks glide effortlessly on water.
- Children’s Playground
The park has a playground area for kids, with swings and slides for them to enjoy. This park is an excellent place for family outings.
Ideal Time to Visit Lady Hydari Park
The park is open throughout the year, but the seasons for flowers when blooming in their totality are when seasons fall in spring and summer seasons – March to June. The weather remains pleasant during these months in Shillong, ideal when to enjoy the beauty of the park.
If you’re visiting during the monsoon (July to September), you can experience the lush greenery of the park but be prepared for rain. Winters (October to February) in Shillong are chilly, but the park’s serene atmosphere remains captivating.
Things to Do at Lady Hydari Park
Take a Leisurely Stroll
The park’s pathways are perfect for a peaceful walk amidst nature. Enjoy the cool breeze and the soothing sound of birds chirping.
Relax and Unwind
Lady Hydari Park is a great place to sit back and relax. Bring a book, enjoy a picnic, or simply soak in the beauty of the surroundings.
Explore the Zoo
The small zoo is a highlight of the park. It’s a fun way to learn about the region’s wildlife and enjoy watching the animals.
Photography
The park is a heaven for photographers as it is a place with flowers, gardens well maintained, and a beautiful pond. It will be an ideal place to take pictures of the beauty of nature and capture lasting memories.
Visit with Family
The park is family friendly. There is something for everyone, from a children’s play area and zoo to a relaxing and serene atmosphere for adults.
Lady Hydari Park Timings and Entry Fee
The park is open on all days except Monday. The timing is generally between 9:00 AM and 5:30 PM. But it’s always better to check the timings before visiting the park.
The entry fee is very nominal, so everyone can afford it.
How to Reach Lady Hydari Park
Lady Hydari Park is centrally located in Shillong. Thus, it can be easily accessed by all the modes of transport.
By Road: You can travel by taxi or private vehicle. Shillong has good road connectivity.
By Air: The nearest airport is Shillong Airport, located about 30 km away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi to the park.
By Train: The closest railway station is Guwahati, which is 100 km from Shillong. You can take a taxi or a shared cab from Guwahati to Shillong and then to Lady Hydari Park.
Tips to Visit Lady Hydari Park
Visit the park in the morning or evening for the best experience.
Bring a camera to capture the beauty of the park.
Wear comfortable footwear since you will walk a lot.
Respect the park’s rules and avoid littering.
If visiting with children, keep an eye on them near the zoo and play area.
Nearby Attractions
If you’re visiting Lady Hydari Park, you can also explore other nearby attractions in Shillong, such as:
Ward’s Lake: A beautiful artificial lake surrounded by lush gardens, located close to the park.
Shillong Peak: The highest point in Shillong, offering panoramic views of the city and surrounding hills.
Elephant Falls: A beautiful waterfall that is just a short drive from the park.
Don Bosco Museum: A museum that showcases the culture and traditions of Northeast India.
Conclusion
Lady Hydari Park is more than a park; it’s a peaceful oasis during the busy city of Shillong. It has lush gardens, a quaint zoo, and peaceful surroundings that are perfect for unwinding, spending time with the family, and photography. Be it a nature enthusiast, a tourist, or just someone looking to unwind, Lady Hydari Park is the must-visit place in Shillong.
Akash shree