le voyage

Meaning ‘Serenity by the Lake’ in Khasi, Ri Kynjai offers you the perfect getaway from the urban hubbub.

Driving up to the resort through groves of majestic pine trees, lush paddy fields, and small organic tea and vegetable gardens, your first view is of the traditional thatch roof of the porch and the distinctive hybrid cottages that is unique to Ri Kynjai.

Spread over 45 acres and presiding over the picturesque Umiam Lake, the boutique resort is sure to take your breath away. Here, you can choose to luxuriate in perfectly appointed cottages, relax with traditional Khasi spa treatments and dine on exotic local delicacies. Those more adventurous can go on beautiful hill treks, boat rides and island picnics, and of course, also spend a day at the Shillong Golf Course that dates back to 1889 and is even today referred to as the Gleneagles of the East.

legend and more

Ethnicity is at the core of Ri Kynjai. Set against the backdrop of the enchanting Khasi Hills, its distinctive lake view cottages are supported on tall circular stilts. They are derived from vernacular Khasi architecture and portray the transition from tradition to modernity-with an unusual interpretation of the upturned boat roof in metallic thatch that has been fused to modern gables.

Legend has it that millennia ago, the sea caressed the southern slopes of the Himalayas and the ancient Khasis may have been a sea-faring community. They readily adopted the upturned boat roof from which is inherently capable of withstanding the harsh monsoon winds and incessant rainfall. Considering that the Cherrapunjee-Mawsynram belt, the world’s rainiest area, lies on these slopes, these aerodynamic-friendly upturned boat roofs are perfect to withstand the squalls and storms.

Inspired and derived from the original Khasi thatch huts, the resort reflects the warmth of Khasi hospitality, their eco-centric culture and captivating architecture that has been wonderfully combined with modern convenience and luxury.

something for everyone

Ingeniously built into a cliff, the main block is not visible as you approach the resort. Overlooking the azure waters of the Umiam Lake, the elegant 800 sq. ft. rooms are spacious and meticulously planned. Each includes a sleeping and living area, bathroom, dressing room, and opens out to a balcony where you can relax and enjoy the spectacular view.

Designed with an eye for detail, the intricately framed ceiling is set off by red pine walls and flooring. You can also climb up a few wooden steps that lead up to a loft which serves as a cosy auxiliary space or sit by the fireplace in the living-bedroom area which adds cosy intimacy to cool nights.

In the garden area, Sao Aiom-the dining room and bar-offers a panoramic view of the lake, hills and forest and is perfect for enjoying Indian, Continental, Chinese and North-eastern specialities.

Ri Kynjai offers something for everyone. For trekkers, the legendary peaks, Lumsohpetbneng and Lumdiengiei are few kilometres away while the resort’s forest walks to the lake provide for more relaxed exploration. At an on-site emporium you will also find textiles and crafts from around the Northeast.

Finally, the Khem Janai Spa is equipped with state-of-the-art hydrotherapy equipment and a traditional Khasi massage and aqua therapy are must-dos.

To top it all, Ri Kynjai is designed with its orientation to the east, capturing the view of the lake and the rising sun-a sublime wake-up call for those who wish to revel in the spirit of the rising sun.