15 Best Places In India To Watch Dolphins (2024)

Isn’t it exciting to watch dolphins whooshing out of the water? If you are excited enough to watch dolphins and are in India then you must be made aware that there are some amazing places where you can spot dolphins. Dolphins are pretty common in India, from north to south and from east to west.

15 Best Places In India To Watch Dolphins

Scroll down to know about some of the best places in India to watch dolphins.

1. Bihar- Vikramashila Dolphin Sanctuary

Bihar is known for its Vikramashila Dolphin Sanctuary. Even though dolphins are now about to extinct, this sanctuary in the district of Bhagalpur in Bihar is known to dedicatedly protect these cute creatures. You can see a few hundred dolphins in Vikramashila Dolphin Sanctuary, in Bihar.

Address: Vikramashila Dolphin Sanctuary, Bhagalpur, Bihar

Best Time To Visit: October to June

2. Tri-point of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, And Rajasthan- National Chambal Sanctuary

Another state in India where you can watch dolphins is in Uttar Pradesh. This sanctuary is located on the Chambal river, near the tri-point of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan. The National Chambal Sanctuary is primarily known for its huge population of Gharial(crocodiles). However, there is more to it. One can also spot Ganges Dolphins here, which are a species of river dolphins found in India. Apart from dolphins, you can also see some endangered animals and around 320 species of birds.

Address: Kheda Azab Singh, Uttar Pradesh

Best Time To Visit: October to March

3. Assam- Dibru Saikhowa National Park

Dibru Saikhowa National Park in Assam is another spot where you can easily watch freshwater Gangetic Dolphins. This is also a Biosphere Reserve and a great place to witness a wide range of flora and fauna too. It is located on the south bank of the river Brahmaputra. You can also see a rare sight of the Pink River dolphin, in the Brahmaputra river itself.

Address: Dibru Saikhowa National Park, Laika Gaon, Asssam

Best Time To Visit: November to April.

4. Goa- Morjim Beach, Sinqurim, Cocoa, and Cavelossim Beach

When we talk about beaches, one name comes to our mind and that is Goa. This place is known for some of the perfect beaches in India, and this is well known to all. However, are you aware that the beaches in Goa are also one of the most ideal destinations to spot dolphins in India? Yes, you read that right. If you want to watch dolphins then head to Cocoa Beach, Morjim beach, Sinquerim beach, or Cavelossim beach in Goa. You can take a cruise that takes you to the Arabian sea, especially during the morning hours when you can genuinely see some dolphins.

Address: Cocoa Beach, Morjim beach, Sinquerim beach, or Cavelossim beach, Goa

Best Time To Visit: January to December

5. Maharashtra- Dapoli

Dapoli in Maharashtra is also famous as a place to watch dolphins. Dapoli is located at a distance of 227 km from Bombay. Kuravde beach, Murud beach, Dabhol Port, and Harihareshwar are some of the best places where you can spot dolphins in Dapoli. You can also collect an experience of an actual dolphin safari here, especially from November to February.

Address: Dapoli, Ratnagiri, Maharashtra

Best Time To Visit: November to February

6. Odisha- Chilika Lake

Odisha is a state in India known for Irrawaddy dolphins. These dolphins can be spotted on Chilika Lake in Odisha, and believe us, you will fall in love with these beautiful creatures once you see them. You can spot these Irrawaddy dolphins while you are on your boat ride in Chilika Lake.

Address: Chilika Lake, Odisha

Best Time To Visit: November to February

7. Andaman And Nicobar Islands- North Button Island National Park

These islands are primarily known for spotting dugongs and dolphins. You can get close to the ocean world in AAndaman and Nicobar islands and watch dolphins enjoying and whooshing out of the water. The best place to spot dolphins in Andaman and Nicobar Islands is the North Button Island, National Park.

Address: North Button Island, National Park, North Andaman Island

Best Time To Visit: November to May

8. Lakshadweep Island

One more best place in India to watch dolphins is Lakshadweep Island. You can spot river dolphins here and also enjoy adventurous water sports like snorkeling, scuba diving, and canoeing.

Address: Lakshadweep Island, India

Best Time To Visit: October to May

9. West Bengal- Sunderbans National Park

Sunderbans National Park in West Bengal is another place in India where you can see dolphins. Apart from being the home of Royal Bengal Tigers, this national park is also known for various other animals and the Irrawady dolphins too. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and you should take a river cruise here to catch a glimpse of these amazing dolphins.

Address: Sunderbans National Park, Kolkata, West Bengal

Best Time To Visit: September to March

10. Tamil Nadu- Gulf Of Mannar Marine National Park

Do you want to experience a boat ride on a glass-bottomed boat and have a spectacular view of the ocean? If yes, then you need to visit Tamil Nadu. You can get a striking view of Spinner dolphins in the Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park along with other marine fauna and flora. This is one of the best experiences you will ever have in your life.

Address: Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park, Ramanathapuram, Tamil Nadu

Best Time To Visit: Throughout the year.

11. Kerala- Cherai Beach

Cherai beach in Kerala is another wonderful place to spot dolphins in India. You can watch some humpback dolphins if you take a boat from the Cherai beach. There are also some other fishes and birds which can be spotted on the way.

Address: Cherai Beach, Vypin, Kochi, Kerala

Best Time To Visit: October to March

12. Karnataka- Om Beach

Karnataka is a phenomenal southern state in India, known for its coastal beaches. One of the most famous beaches here is Om beach. You can spot some humpback dolphins here. There are regular boat services that can be taken into the ocean to have a pleasant view of the ocean and marine life in the Arabian sea.

Address: Om Beach, Gokarn, Karnataka

Best Time To Visit: October to March

13. Gujarat- Gulf Of Kutch Marine National Park

The Gulf of Kutch Marine National Park in Gujarat is a fine place to spot dolphins and also whales. Researchers are persistently trying to improve this. Some of the dolphins that can be spotted here are the Indo-Pacific dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, and common dolphins. You can even witness the greater Flamingo colony in this marine national park.

Address: Jamnagar, Gulf Of Kutch, Gujarat

Best Time To Visit: October to February

14. Punjab- Harike Wildlife Sanctuary

Out of the 15 best places in India to watch dolphins, the Harike wildlife sanctuary in Punjab is one of the most noted ones. This is located on the downstream confluence of the Beas and the river Sutlej. The most spotted dolphins here are the Indus dolphins.

Address: Harike Wetland, Jakopur Khurd, Punjab

Best Time To Visit: October to February

15. Diu- Dunny Point And the Island Of Beyt Dwarka

Another place in India to see dolphins is Diu. This is a town in Daman and Diu, a Union Territory of India. Being situated by the ocean, Diu is the best place to watch dolphins. Some of the famous places where you can spot dolphins in Diu include Dunny Point and the island of Beyt Dwarka.

Address: Diu, Daman and Diu

Best Time To Visit: August to October

Conclusion

So, here were the list of the 15 best places in India to watch dolphins. If you are ready to experience one of the best gifts of nature, i.e. the dolphins, then make sure that you visit as many of these places and experience nature to its best with these beautiful and most intelligent marine creatures.