Platanista gangetica
Gangetic River Dolphin
MarineBest Season: Jan–Dec
Best locations
7
Expert creators
0
Field Reports (12 months)
0
(c) Fábio Olmos, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Fábio Olmos
About this species
The Gangetic River Dolphin, India's national aquatic animal, navigates the murky waters of the Ganga and Brahmaputra river systems using echolocation. Functionally blind, this ancient species surfaces frequently to breathe, creating brief sighting opportunities. Boat safaris on the Ganga near Varanasi and the Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary in Bihar offer the most reliable encounters. Spot the endangered Gangetic River Dolphin on boat safaris. Best locations along the Ganga and Chambal, conservation efforts.
Field Reports
0 total reports
No field reports yet for this species.
Best locations for Gangetic River Dolphin
Reserves and landscapes where our photographers reliably encounter this species, with links to place-specific guides.
BiharVikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary
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Madhya PradeshChambal River
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AssamDibru-Saikhowa National Park
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Uttar PradeshKatarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary
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RajasthanNational Chambal Sanctuary
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Uttar PradeshNational Chambal Sanctuary (UP)
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Wildlife Creators Specialising in Gangetic River Dolphin
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Upcoming Trips Targeting Gangetic River Dolphin
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When and Where to Photograph Gangetic River Dolphin
The Gangetic River Dolphin, India's national aquatic animal, navigates the murky waters of the Ganga and Brahmaputra river systems using echolocation. Functionally blind, this ancient species surfaces frequently to breathe, creating brief sighting opportunities. Boat safaris on the Ganga near Varanasi and the Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary in Bihar offer the most reliable encounters. Spot the endangered Gangetic River Dolphin on boat safaris. Best locations along the Ganga and Chambal, conservation efforts.
Plan field days around Jan–Dec: light is often strongest at dawn and dusk, when many mammals and birds are most active. Work with a naturalist who knows local movement patterns — they will position you ethically while improving your odds of a encounter in Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary.