Dolphins Tourism in Bramhputra

From childhood to adolescence to youth, I have had nurtured the dream of a trip to Switzerland. The reason is plain and simple: Dolphin. Yes, but the very recent trip in Assam has some what abridged the biggie dream leaving some hope, on a note of discovery of Dolphins.

An hour on the fringe of Guwahati the Brahmputra stretch is home to gobs of Gangetic dolphins, which are called xihu (as hihu) in the local tongue. In recent tourism’s upstairs kick Dolphin Tourism is creating the abuzz among its keen takers. Specialized Dolphin tours are promoted in order to generate the influx of tourist to the state. Sighting of frolicking Dolphins are not so uncommon for the commoners who frequent the place.


The much-sought-after Brahmputra dolphins’ shares quiet a resemblance to sea water Dolphins those are quiet long and sportive. However, the Brahmputra River dolphins are stout and have snout that pouts long with tooth in the frontal. A conversation on boat with the boat men reveals that once the entire Brahmaputra stretch was crammed with dolphin population but soon their blubber made them susceptible at the hands of humans. As the locals and other natives affirm, Dolphin Oil is a miraculous cure for myriads of deadly ailments.


For me the sight was sinfully captivating whenever unmistakable humps rose out of water. Other few minutes my eyes roved to catch a sight of another dolphin romping under water, or preparing unforeseen to end the wait of those who take boat rides especially to catch these aquatics in their natural demeanor. Boastfully, considering a fairly large number of Dolphin populations, the Assam government is working to declare the area as Dolphin Sanctuary. As we neared the prime spot with our guide, scores of these merry riverine creatures aired intermittently along the spot. To spot one quickly transformed to a game and we engaged in the game to distinguish among the scaly, dark ones, adults, paired or child dolphins. A rough estimation concludes some 200 populace in the river belt and close vicinage.

Like every prized species the dolphins too are facing danger in the threat of poaching of aquatics. Animal activists and conservationist are pumping a lot of awareness for Dolphins conservation and their contribution to the sea as well as earth life.

Reaching and Lodging

Guwahati is the access point where all major airlines connect from Kolkata, Mumbai, Delhi, Pune and Bangalore. For lodging the river bank has number of hotels starting at 2000 and above. To name some of it are Rajmahal; Dynasty; Greenwood Resort, Rajmahal, Dynasty et al.

Dolphin Watch

The best way to catch a glimpse of Dolphins is at Kukurmara which is a small village in the in Kamrup district of Assam, some 22 km from Guwahati Airport. Now days there are many trip planner and tour guide who escort you to the Dolphin spots. You can avail the trip for Rs 500 to Rs 1000 inclusive of tea, snacks and lunch that constitutes traditional Assamese menu of fish, chicken, dal and Khaar. Besides the Dolphin trip steal away some time for Kaziranga National Park, Manas National Park and Hajo. Shop at Sualkuchi for the two-piece mekhla chador, the traditional dress of Assamese.