Lady Hydari Park

The gentle rustle of weeping willow branches dipping into quiet ornamental ponds greets visitors as they step into this manicured green oasis. Strolling along the neat paved pathways, you are surrounded by neatly trimmed lawns, stone bridges arching over small streams, and vibrant geometric flower beds filled with seasonal rhododendrons, roses, and orchids. Phan Nonglait Park, originally and still widely known to locals as Lady Hydari Park, is a historic public park and mini-zoo located in Lachumiere, Shillong, East Khasi Hills District, Meghalaya, at 1,496 meters above sea level. Officially renamed in 2023 to honor the legendary Khasi freedom fighter Ka Phan Nonglait, the park is Shillong's only central green reserve that combines Japanese-style landscaping, a botanical sanctuary, a children's play park, and a rescue zoo in a single space.

Colonial Origins and Indigenous Reclamation

Established during the British administration, the park was originally named to honor Lady Hydari, the wife of Sir Muhammad Saleh Akbar Hydari, the last British-appointed Governor of Assam. The park's layout reflects the Japanese garden style that was highly popular among British officials in the early 20th century, utilizing natural water flows to feed a series of interconnected ponds. In 2023, the Government of Meghalaya officially renamed the site to Phan Nonglait Park, celebrating the indigenous Khasi heroine who played a pivotal role in assisting U Tirot Sing's resistance against British forces in the 1830s. This renaming marks a significant cultural reclamation, transforming a symbol of colonial administration into a monument to local heritage.

The Botanical Sanctuary and Mini-Zoo

The park functions as a key civic green lung, housing a rich variety of native montane flora. Towering conifers and ancient pine trees stand alongside weeping willows (Salix babylonica) that drape over the pond edges. In the spring, the park bursts into color with blooming rhododendrons and orchids native to the Khasi Hills.

The mini-zoo inside the park is a small wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center managed by the state forest department. It serves as a sanctuary for regional fauna, including Himalayan black bears (Ursus thibetanus), Indian leopards, jackals, porcupines, and several species of deer such as the rare serow. The aviary section houses colorful hornbills and local kites, while the ponds are home to domestic swans, pelicans, and large schools of common carp. A small on-site museum displays biological specimens, including old elephant skulls and photos of Meghalaya's diverse forest ecology.

What NOT to Expect

Do not expect a massive national park or a modern, high-tech zoo with expansive open enclosures. The mini-zoo is older and features traditional caged enclosures, which can feel small to some visitors. Do not expect total silence; being located in central Shillong, the park is highly popular with local families and school groups, particularly on weekends. The children's play area can get very noisy. Boating is not available here; the ponds are reserved for waterfowl and fish.

Seasonal Breakdown

• October to February (Autumn & Winter): The ideal time to visit. The air is cool and crisp, with daytime temperatures averaging 15°C. The summer monsoons have washed the foliage clean, and the paths are dry and perfect for walks.
• March to May (Spring): The park's botanical gardens are at their most beautiful. Rhododendrons, roses, and local orchids are in full bloom, painting the geometric flowerbeds in vivid pinks and reds.
• June to September (Monsoon): The rain is frequent and heavy, which can make the stone paths slippery. However, the willow canopy is lush and dripping green, and mist frequently rolls through the trees, making it very scenic for visitors carrying umbrellas.

Photography Spots

• The Japanese Stone Bridge: Capture the classic Japanese garden design by photographing the arched stone bridge framed by weeping willow branches over the main pond.
• The Pine Walkway: The central pathway lined with tall Khasi pine trees offers a beautiful forest-like perspective in the middle of the city.
• The Orchid Conservatory: If open, this area offers macro-photography opportunities of delicate local orchid species.