River Dolphin Spotting

The Ganges river dolphin, locally called sihu, is a nearly blind freshwater dolphin with a long, slender beak that navigates the muddy Brahmaputra by echolocation. It is listed as endangered, and in 2008 it was declared India's national aquatic animal; it is also Assam's state aquatic animal.

Dolphins favour deep pools where currents meet, such as river confluences and the downstream side of sandbars. Good spots include the Brahmaputra near Guwahati and Kurua, the channels around Dibru-Saikhowa National Park and the Kulsi river west of Guwahati, where a small resident population is studied by researchers. Sightings are usually brief — a curved back and fin rolling at the surface, or the occasional beak — so patience and quiet boats are essential.

We organise early-morning or late-afternoon boat outings with local boatmen who know the dolphins' habits, often combined with birdwatching. Please follow guidelines: keep a respectful distance and avoid chasing animals.