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India is not short of its own Dolphin-watching bases and destinations where you can catch a glimpse of this playful species in all its glory.
India is home to dolphins from the holy Ganges to the pristine waters of the Lakshadweep.
Among the most loved and adored creatures of the marine world, Dolphins are often associated with tropical islands and ocean cruises overseas. However, India is not short of its own Dolphin-watching bases and destinations where you can catch a glimpse of this playful species in all its glory.
Due to its vast geographical landscape and water bodies, India is home to dolphins from the holy Ganges to the pristine waters of the Lakshadweep. These destinations attract a range of tourists, including wildlife enthusiasts, curious individuals and those eyeing a perfect photo and video opportunity for their social media page.
Here is a list of five destinations where you can watch the dolphins in action across India:
Chilika Lake, Odisha
Hailed as India’s dolphin capital, the Chilika Lake in Odisha is considered the best place in the country to watch the rare Irrawaddy dolphins, which are known for their rounded heads and playful behaviour inside the water. The Irrawaddy dolphins are most evident near the Satapada and Rambha regions of the lake. The winter vibes of November-February, when the migratory birds also raise the water’s aesthetic value, is usually the best time to visit the Chilika lake to see Dolphins.
Goa
Known as a perfect getaway with friends and family for its famous beaches and a party-like atmosphere, Goa’s waters are also the best place to spot the Indo-Pacific humpback and bottlenose dolphins. These vibrant and joyful species are observed frequently around the coast of SinQerim, Candolim, Calangute and Palolem beaches. If you want to visit Goa for Dolphins, make sure to be there during the October-May period when the water is relatively calm.
Lakshadweep Islands
The clean waters of Lakshadweep are the perfect destination to watch spinner and common dolphins. Watching these dolphins leap and spin through the water is an amazing sight that any wildlife and marine enthusiast wouldn’t forget. The dry season of November-March is considered the best time to visit the Lakshadweep for dolphin viewing.
Andaman & Nicobar Islands
The clear waters of the Andaman & Nicobar are often home to the bottlenose, spinner and Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins. Havelock Island and North Bay are considered the best places for dolphin cruises on these islands. To catch the dolphins in open waters, reserve your dates between November and April.
Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary, Bihar
It’s a special sanctuary for dolphins, located along an extensive stretch of the river Ganges between Sultanganj and Kahalgaon in Bihar. This sanctuary has been a protected habitat of the rare Gangetic River Dolphin. This freshwater dolphin, which is naturally blind and navigates mainly by echolocation, is marked as India’s national aquatic animal. The period between October and March is considered the best to watch this rare dolphin.
November 20, 2025, 11:05 IST