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Platanista gangetica

Gangetic River Dolphin

MarineBest Season: Jan–Dec

Best locations

9

Expert creators

0

Field Reports (12 months)

0

Gangetic River Dolphin (Platanista gangetica) — wildlife photography in India

(c) Fábio Olmos, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Fábio Olmos

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Plan a Gangetic River Dolphin trip

1 park mapped with estimated sighting chances, best zones, closures and indicative costs.

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  • Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin SanctuaryBest: Oct–Mar~80%*est. / safari

* Estimated chance per safari, based on reported animal density and sighting reports — not an official Forest Department figure. Prices are indicative ranges.

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.

Quick facts

Scientific name
Platanista gangetica
Category / family
Marine · Platanistidae
Best months to photograph
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Difficulty to spot
Difficult
Best locations
Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin SanctuaryChambal RiverBeas Conservation ReserveDibru-Saikhowa National ParkKatarniaghat Wildlife SanctuaryNational Chambal Sanctuary

Field Reports

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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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PunjabBeas Conservation Reserve
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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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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.

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