Watching dolphins leap and play in the ocean is such a delightful experience! Their playful antics can make you forget your worries and bring a warm smile to your face. However, these charming animals aren't found everywhere; they are located in specific regions. For animal enthusiasts, visiting these places to witness the dolphins in action is a must.
India offers several spots where you can encounter these stunning marine creatures. What's even better is that if you visit these locations, you might get the chance to see and interact with them up close. If you're eager to meet these wonderful animals, consider planning a road trip to these remarkable destinations in India for an unforgettable experience.
# Odisha
Dolphins aren't commonly found on the beaches of Odisha; instead, they inhabit Chilika Lake, which is teeming with these graceful creatures. Chilika Lake, a salty tidal lagoon, is a hotspot for both birds and dolphins. You can enjoy birdwatching and dolphin sightings from a vantage point known as Satapada. The lake offers kayaking, paddleboarding, and drifting opportunities to help you spot the elusive Irrawaddy Dolphins. Bring your camera to capture these delightful animals, as sightings can be rare. Along with dolphins, Chilika Lake is home to various bird species, including Indian rollers, spoonbills, flamingos, graylag geese, jacanas, black-bellied ocean falcons, and white ibises.
# DiuDiu features a beach where dolphins are often seen playing in the sea. India’s first marine wildlife sanctuary, located here, is home to a variety of marine life, including dolphins. There’s a vessel service between Okha Port and Beyt Dwarka Island, and Dunny Point is a popular spot for dolphin sightings. Diu also offers birdwatching, cave exploration, water sports, nature drives, and dolphin watching. Apart from Ghogla Beach, other attractions include Gangeshwar Temple, Gomtimata Beach, Diu Fort, Nagar Sheth Haveli, and St. Paul’s Church.
# KeralaIn addition to its stunning backwaters and picturesque hill stations, Kerala offers opportunities for dolphin enthusiasts. Cherai Beach is one of the places where you can spot humpback dolphins. Vypeen Island, located about 24 kilometers north of Ernakulam district, provides a tranquil setting and a nearby shed where you can enjoy a snack and watch fishermen at work. Dolphins are often seen early in the morning at Dolphin Point in Kozhikode and Calicut Beach.
# MaharashtraMaharashtra, known for its stunning coastline, is a great destination for dolphin watching. Dapoli, situated 227 kilometers south of Mumbai, is a prime spot for dolphin sightings. While there are several beaches in Maharashtra where dolphins can be seen, such as Harihareshwar, Murud Beach, Tarkarli Beach, Kuravde Beach, and Dabhol Port, many people are unaware of these locations. Maharashtra also offers other unique experiences for tourists exploring the state.
# LakshadweepLakshadweep is not just about adventure sports; it’s also a place where you can see dolphins. The islands are home to river dolphins, and adventure seekers can enjoy activities like diving, canoeing, scuba diving, dolphin watching, and snorkeling.
# West BengalThe Sundarbans, a marshy region on the Ganges Delta, is renowned for its Royal Bengal Tigers and is also home to Irrawaddy and Gangetic Dolphins. The Ramsar Site wetlands, recognized as both UNESCO and World Heritage Sites, offer opportunities to rent river sails, with guides available to assist in spotting dolphins.
# AndamanThe Andaman Islands provide a unique way to view dolphins. From a glass-bottom boat, you can observe these marine animals beneath the water's surface. The Andamans are famous worldwide for dolphin sightings and offer other activities such as scuba diving, parasailing, birdwatching, and kayaking.
# GoaGoa’s beaches are known for their beauty and the chance to see dolphins in the Arabian Sea. Dolphin watching is best in the early morning. Goa also offers a range of activities including sunbathing, clubbing, houseboat cruising, shopping, water sports, and trekking.
# AssamIn Assam’s northeastern region, known for its lush vegetation and tranquility, dolphin tours offer a fantastic opportunity to observe wildlife. Gangetic dolphins are commonly spotted in the Brahmaputra River. Visitors can use wooden rafts to glide along the river, interact with dolphins, and even swim with them. Occasionally, pink river dolphins are also seen in the Brahmaputra. Assam provides a variety of activities beyond dolphin watching, including nature tours, bird watching, history, culture, and wildlife exploration.
# Tamil NaduTamil Nadu's national park offers a remarkable experience with its diverse aquatic life. Picture yourself on a glass-bottom boat watching spinner dolphins. This marine wildlife park is open year-round and provides a close-up experience with sea animals.