Seeing the cute dolphins jumping in the ocean is such a treat! They make you forget your troubles, and you tend to smile lovingly when you see them. But these adorable creatures aren’t found everywhere. You can only find them in specific locations — and if you’re an animal lover, you should visit these places to admire the Dolphin’s play.
There are many areas in India where you can find these beautiful aquatic creatures. And what’s even better? If you tend to visit these areas, you can spot and interact with them! If you are interested in meeting your favorite animal, take a road trip to these magnificent locations in India for your convenience.
Dolphin Watching in India: the Best Places to See them
1. Odisha
Dolphins don’t swim on the beaches in Odisha, and they live in Chilika Lake, which is teeming with dolphins. Some risked birds and animals in Chilika Lake, a salty water tidal pond. Watch birds and dolphins from this vantage point, called Satapada. Read Also: Top 10 Beaches that You Must Visit in Odisha.
The site provides kayaking, paddleboarding, and drifting options in the waters to locate the well-known Irrawaddy Dolphins. If you want to capture these pleasant animals in focus, bring your camera as you are unlikely to see them numerous times. Also, read 5 Famous Romantic Getaways in Odisha for Honeymoon
During a tour of Chilika Lake, you can see different bird species in addition to dolphins. Chilika Lake is home to many bird species, including Indian rollers, spoonbills, and flamingos. Some of the species are Graylag geese, jacanas, black-bellied ocean falcons, and white ibises. Read More: 20 Most Famous Tourist Places to See in Orissa (Odisha)
In addition to Astasambhu Siva Temples, Chilika Lake, Dhauli Hill, Ram Mandir, Udayagiri, and Khandagiri Caves, and the Odisha State Museum of Special Appeals.
Best Places: Chilika Lake
Best Time to Visit: November to February
Things to Do:
- Boat Safaris: Take a boat safari in Chilika Lake to spot Irrawaddy dolphins.
- Bird Watching: Enjoy bird watching as Chilika Lake is a haven for migratory birds.
- Nature Walks: Explore the natural beauty of the lake and its surroundings.
How to Reach:
- By Air: The nearest airport is Biju Patnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar (120 km).
- By Train: The nearest railway station is Balugaon (35 km).
- By Road: Accessible by road from Bhubaneswar and Puri with regular buses and taxis.
2. Diu
Diu has a beach in the front area where you can often see dolphins playing in the sea. India’s first marine wildlife sanctuary is home to many marine animals, including dolphins. A vessel service between Okha Port and Beyt Dwarka Island is also available. The Dunny Point dolphin sighting is extremely popular.
Diu has several well-known activities, including birdwatching, cavern bouncing, water sports, nature drives, and dolphin watching. Aside from Ghogla Beach, Gangeshwar Temple, Gomtimata Beach, Diu Fort, Nagar Sheth Haveli, and St. Paul’s Church, other places to visit include Diu Fort.
Read also: India’s Must-See Places in October
Best Places: Nagoa Beach, Gomtimata Beach
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Things to Do:
- Dolphin Watching Tours: Take a boat tour from Nagoa Beach or Gomtimata Beach to spot dolphins.
- Beach Activities: Enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and water sports on the beaches.
- Explore Diu Fort: Visit the historical Diu Fort and other attractions.
How to Reach:
- By Air: The nearest airport is Diu Airport.
- By Train: The nearest railway station is Veraval (90 km).
- By Road: Accessible by road from nearby cities with regular buses and taxis.
3. Kerala
Besides gorgeous backwaters and scenic hill stations, God’s own country has numerous things to offer dolphin lovers. Cherai Beach is among the places in Kerala where you can observe humpback dolphins. Also, read the List of Famous Beaches in Kerala.
Getting there is as easy as getting on a boat. Vypeen Island is about 24 kilometers north of Ernakulam district, which is known for its peaceful atmosphere. A nearby shed provides a view of fishers at sea while visitors enjoy a snack and a drink. Read Top 10 Tourist Places to See Kerala in May.
Birds and seashells can also be found on the island. You can watch dolphins mostly early in the morning at Dolphin Point in Kozhikode and Calicut Beach. More check: Kerala 10 Famous Places to Visit in June.
Read also:
Best Places: Alappuzha, Kochi, Varkala
Best Time to Visit: October to April
Things to Do:
- Houseboat Cruises: Enjoy a houseboat cruise in Alappuzha to spot dolphins in the backwaters.
- Beach Activities: Relax and enjoy water sports on Varkala Beach.
- Cultural Tours: Explore the cultural heritage of Kochi with its historical sites and local markets.
How to Reach:
- By Air: The nearest airports are Cochin International Airport and Trivandrum International Airport.
- By Train: Well-connected railway stations in Alappuzha, Kochi, and Varkala.
- By Road: Accessible by road with good connectivity to major cities.
4. Maharashtra
Did you find it stunning that Maharashtra occurred on this list? An amazingly rich treasure trove of views awaits you in a state filled with such awe-inspiring sites. Maharashtra offers some great views of dolphins along its seashores, being one of the coastal states in India.
Dapoli, a dolphin-watching destination located 227 kilometers south of Mumbai, is located in Maharashtra. There are a few seashores where dolphins can be spotted off Dapoli, but few people know about that. There are several well-known areas in Maharashtra where dolphins can be seen, including Harihareshwar Murud Beach, Tarkarli Beach, Kuravde Beach, and Dabhol Port.
In addition to Dolphin locating places in Maharashtra, there are a few other strange places that tourists who are exploring the state are likely to visit.
Best Places: Malvan, Dapoli
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Things to Do:
- Dolphin Watching Tours: Take a boat tour from Malvan or Dapoli to spot dolphins.
- Beach Activities: Enjoy snorkeling, scuba diving, and other water sports.
- Explore Forts: Visit the historical Sindhudurg Fort and other attractions.
How to Reach:
- By Air: The nearest airports is Dabolim Airport, Goa (for Malvan), and Pune Airport (for Dapoli).
- By Train: The nearest railway stations are Kudal (for Malvan) and Khed (for Dapoli).
- By Road: Accessible by road from nearby cities with regular buses and taxis.
More About Maharashtra:
- 10 Famous Hill Stations in Maharashtra
- Maharashtra’s Top 20 Trekking Destinations
- Most Popular Caves of Maharashtra
- Maharashtra Beautiful Forts
- Places to See in Winter in Maharashtra
- Maharashtra 15 Best Tourist Destinations to See
5. Lakshadweep
Do you know that here you can enjoy adventure sports? There are dolphins you can see here as well, and you can spot river dolphins here. Adventure seekers can participate in diving, canoeing, scuba diving, and even Dolphin watching and snorkeling in the area. Also, check the 7 Famous Honeymoon Destinations in Lakshadweep.
You can enjoy thrilling water sports and dolphin-watching while on a winter or summer trip.
Best Places: Agatti Island, Bangaram Island
Best Time to Visit: October to May
Things to Do:
- Dolphin Watching: Take a boat tour around the islands to spot dolphins.
- Water Sports: Enjoy snorkeling, scuba diving, and kayaking in the clear waters.
- Beach Relaxation: Relax on the pristine beaches and enjoy the serene environment.
How to Reach:
- By Air: The nearest airport is Agatti Island Airport.
- By Ship: Regular ship services from Kochi to various islands in Lakshadweep.
- By Road: Not applicable as the islands are best navigated by boat.
6. West Bengal
Sundarbans, a marshy area, lies on the Ganges Delta. It is known for the presence of the Royal Bengal Tigers. There are a variety of animals occupying the space, including the Irrawaddy Dolphins as well as the Gangetic Dolphins.
Ramsar Site wetlands are both UNESCO and World Heritage Sites. It is easy to rent river sails in this region, and guides can be helpful.
Best Places: Sundarbans
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Things to Do:
- Boat Safaris: Take a boat safari in the Sundarbans to spot Gangetic dolphins.
- Wildlife Viewing: Explore the rich biodiversity of the Sundarbans and spot Bengal tigers, crocodiles, and bird species.
- Mangrove Tours: Enjoy guided tours of the mangrove forests.
How to Reach:
- By Air: The nearest airport is Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata.
- By Train: The nearest railway station is Canning.
- By Road: Accessible by road from Kolkata with regular buses and taxis.
West Bengal Read More Articles:
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7. Andaman
A unique method enables visitors to observe dolphins in this spot worldwide. Dolphins are poking their heads up from the water here unattended. Using a glass-bottom boat, you’ll be able to spot beautiful marine animals underwater.
Andaman makes it possible to view the seabed without diving into the water. Therefore, you can see how the pontoons function as a bridge between the worlds of land and water. In addition to being a famous dolphin-finding area in India, the Andamans are also a well-known spot worldwide.
A visit to Andaman isn’t just about finding these animals. And it includes fun activities as well. Scuba diving, parasailing, Bird watching, and kayaking are some of the activities available on Andaman.
Best Places: Havelock Island, Neil Island
Best Time to Visit: October to May
Things to Do:
- Dolphin Watching: Take a boat tour from Havelock or Neil Island to spot dolphins.
- Snorkeling and Scuba Diving: Explore the underwater world with snorkeling and diving activities.
- Beach Relaxation: Enjoy the beautiful beaches and scenic views.
How to Reach:
- By Air: The nearest airport is Veer Savarkar International Airport, Port Blair.
- By Ship: Regular ship services from Kolkata, Chennai, and Vishakhapatnam to Port Blair.
- By Road: Not applicable as the islands are best navigated by boat.
More information on Andaman:
- 8 Famous Beaches in Andaman & Nicobar Islands
- 10 Best Things to Do in Andaman for a (Romantic) Honeymoon Trip
- Top 10 Popular Honeymoon Resorts in Andaman
- Famous Tourist Destinations to See in Andaman & Nicobar
8. Goa
There are many surprises in store for visitors to Goa’s beaches, making them one of the most beautiful in India. On top of golden beaches and a calm atmosphere, dolphins can be seen in the Arabian Sea.
There are also dolphins to see in the Arabian Sea and other marine life. Goa’s dolphin watching is best in the early morning, but that isn’t the only factor to consider. The beaches of Goa offer a surplus of opportunities to see dolphins.
Besides sunbathing, clubbing, cruising on houseboats, shopping, participating in watersports, and trekking, tourists can take scuba diving and enjoy water sports.
Best Places: Palolem Beach, Agonda Beach
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Things to Do:
- Dolphin Watching Tours: Take a boat tour from Palolem or Agonda Beach to spot dolphins.
- Beach Activities: Enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.
- Nightlife: Experience the vibrant nightlife and beach parties.
How to Reach:
- By Air: The nearest airport is Dabolim Airport, Goa.
- By Train: The nearest railway stations are Madgaon and Vasco da Gama.
- By Road: Accessible by road from nearby cities with regular buses and taxis.
Explore more details on Goa:
- Top 10 Tourist Places to See in Goa
- North Goa’s 12 Most Famous Destinations
- 10 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in South Goa
- Top Places to Stay in North Goa
- 10 Best Destinations to Stay in South Goa
9. Assam
Vegetation and peace can be found in abundance in Assam’s northeastern territory. Tourism in the state benefits significantly from its natural life. Dolphin tours provide an excellent chance to observe Assam’s wildlife.
Gangetic dolphins can be seen in surplus in the Brahmaputra waterway. Through a wooden float, visitors can slide down the sandy bank of the stream and cruise along the channel. Several moments later, you’ll interact with dolphins and swim in a creek with them.
In the Brahmaputra River, you can periodically see Pink River Dolphins.
There is also a wide range of bird species to observe in Odisha and the dolphin spots. Other than dolphin watching, the state has a number of equally exciting activities to offer: nature, bird watching, history, culture, and wildlife.
Best Places: Brahmaputra River, Dibru-Saikhowa National Park
Best Time to Visit: October to April
Things to Do:
- Boat Safaris: Take a boat safari on the Brahmaputra River to spot Gangetic dolphins.
- Wildlife Viewing: Explore Dibru-Saikhowa National Park and spot various wildlife species.
- Bird Watching: Enjoy bird watching in the park’s rich biodiversity.
How to Reach:
- By Air: The nearest airport is Dibrugarh Airport.
- By Train: The nearest railway station is Tinsukia.
- By Road: Accessible by road from nearby cities with regular buses and taxis.
Check more about the Assam:
- 20 Most Beautiful Tourist Places to See in Assam
- Assam 7 Famous Historical Destinations
- Top 11 Honeymoon Places in Assam
10. Tamil Nadu
There are a number of aquatic plants and animals in this national park, which is its greatest strength. Picture yourself on a glass-bottom boat, watching the sea. Wow! The Spinner dolphins will be able to see you.
Imagine visiting a marine wildlife park or getting up close with sea animals. You should go to this place in Tamil Nadu, which is open all year.
Best Places: Gulf of Mannar, Rameswaram
Best Time to Visit: November to February
Things to Do:
- Dolphin Watching: Take a boat tour in the Gulf of Mannar to spot dolphins.
- Water Sports: Enjoy snorkeling and scuba diving in the clear waters.
- Temple Visits: Explore the famous temples in Rameswaram.
How to Reach:
- By Air: The nearest airport is Madurai Airport.
- By Train: The nearest railway station is Rameswaram.
- By Road: Accessible by road from nearby cities with regular buses and taxis.
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Tamil Nadu Articles:
- Best Places to See June in Tamil Nadu
- Places to Visit Tamil Nadu in May
- 10 Most Famous Beaches in Tamil Nadu
- Tamil Nadu 20 Best Destinations to Visit
- Top 7 Offbeat Places of Tamil Nadu
The following are the top 10 best places in India for seeing dolphins. India is filled with exciting activities and many undiscovered hubs.
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FAQs: Dolphin Show and Watching in India
1. Are there dolphin shows in India?
Yes, dolphin shows are held in various locations in India, including Bangalore, Kolkata, and Mumbai.
2. Where can I see dolphins in Goa?
You can see dolphins at several spots in Goa, such as Dolphin Point, Palolem Beach, and Sinquerim Beach.
3. What is the best time to see dolphins in Goa?
The best time to see dolphins in Goa is from November to February, during the early morning hours.
4. Can you see dolphins in the Andaman Islands?
Yes, you can see dolphins in the Andaman Islands, especially around the beaches and during boat tours.
5. Where is the Dolphin View Point in Guwahati?
The Dolphin View Point in Guwahati is located along the banks of the Brahmaputra River.
6. What is the best time to see dolphins in Chilika Lake?
The best time to see dolphins in Chilika Lake is from October to March.
7. Is there a dolphin park in Mumbai?
Yes, there are dolphin shows and dolphin parks in Mumbai, offering entertainment and educational experiences.
8. Can you swim with dolphins in India?
Swimming with dolphins is not widely available in India, but you can enjoy dolphin watching and boat tours.
9. Where is the Dolphin Safari in Dwarka?
The Dolphin Safari in Dwarka is located near the Beyt Dwarka area, offering boat tours to see dolphins in their natural habitat.
10. Are there dolphins in Kerala?
Yes, you can spot dolphins in Kerala, especially around Cherai Beach and other coastal areas.
11. What types of dolphins are found in Chilika Lake?
Chilika Lake is home to the Irrawaddy dolphins, which are known for their unique appearance and behavior.
12. Is there a dolphin museum in Delhi?
While there isn’t a specific dolphin museum in Delhi, there are several educational centers and aquariums that feature exhibits about marine life, including dolphins.
13. Where can I see pink dolphins in India?
Pink dolphins, also known as the Amazon river dolphins, are not native to India. However, the Gangetic dolphin, which has a pinkish hue, can be seen in the Ganges and Brahmaputra rivers.
14. Can I see dolphins at Mahabalipuram?
While Mahabalipuram is not typically known for dolphin sightings, nearby coastal areas and beaches may offer opportunities for dolphin watching.
15. What is the Dolphin Day in India?
Dolphin Day in India is celebrated to raise awareness about the conservation of dolphins, particularly the endangered Gangetic dolphins. The day includes various events and activities focused on education and conservation efforts.
