Where to spot pink dolphins in India: Best places to see rare river dolphins

River dolphins in India have become increasingly popular among nature enthusiasts, particularly the unique “pink dolphins in India”, such as Gangetic, Brahmaputra river dolphins and freshwater dolphins. Though there are no pink freshwater dolphins in the Indian subcontinent, as they do exist in South America in the form of the Amazon river dolphins, some of the Gangetic river dolphins, which live in the Brahmaputra and Ganga river system, can sometimes exhibit a pinkish grey hue due to skin pigmentation or blood vessels under sunlight. They are mostly found in the states of Assam, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and West Bengal.However, the Brahmaputra River in Assam is famous for being one of the best places to catch a glimpse of these rare river dolphins. Specific areas around Guwahati and the Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary attract many tourists interested in seeing dolphins in their natural environment, especially during calm mornings when they surface near boats.The Gangetic river dolphin is known as “susu” and is considered India’s national aquatic animal. The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) indicates that these dolphins thrive in the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna rivers located in India, Nepal, and Bangladesh. WWF reports that the species is endangered and can only be found in freshwater bodies.Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary is another excellent place to find river dolphins in India. It stretches across a 60-kilometre-long area along the Ganga River in Bihar. The site is among the best-protected areas for dolphins in the country. It has been recommended by conservationists to visit during the winter season due to favourable visibility.Dolphins are common in the Ganga River around Narora and Bijnor in Uttar Pradesh. Recently, surveys carried out as part of India’s Project Dolphin have indicated healthy populations in tributaries.Unlike their well-known counterparts, the Amazon river dolphins, India’s river dolphins cannot be described as naturally bright pink in colour. In some instances, however, certain dolphins tend to take on a pinkish hue due to blood vessel dilatations, ageing, water properties, and reflection from sunlight.As indicated by the Whale and Dolphin Conservation, the pink colouring among river dolphins is associated with maturation and an increase in blood flow. Some dolphins also acquire a pink-gray mottle skin pigmentation as they mature.Similarly, another scientific discussion on Indian river dolphins noted the influence of minerals in the water body, ageing, and physical activities on dolphin colouring. Male dolphins in the Indian River may sometimes become brighter when socially active or in warmer water temperatures.Researchers in wildlife conservation efforts have continuously debunked viral photos showing vibrant bubblegum-pink river dolphins. Dolphins inhabiting the Indian rivers are normally gray-brown but with a pink tinge at times.These animals are considered indicators of healthy conditions in rivers and are viewed by biologists as a reflection of better water quality and more biodiversity.Based on the countrywide dolphin population census from 2021 to 2023, there have been more than 6,300 sightings of Gangetic River Dolphins in Indian rivers. The research was carried out by the Wildlife Institute of India as part of Project Dolphin.Dr Ravindra Kumar Sinha, called “The Dolphin Man of India,” claimed in his peer-reviewed paper titled “Ganges River Dolphin: An Overview of Biology, Ecology, and Conservation Status in India” that habitat fragmentation, pollution, gill nets, and decreased river discharges threaten this species more than anything else. Moreover, river conservation is also important in conserving this rare species.Eco-tourism in their habitat areas is currently developing quite well. Proper river tourism, less pollution, and conservation can make sure that these amazing freshwater dolphins are found by future generations.