The rare pink dolphins of the Brahmaputra River are among India’s most extraordinary wildlife sightings. Despite their popular name, they are not a separate species but the endangered Ganges River Dolphin, officially recognised as India’s National Aquatic Animal. Their presence in Assam’s mighty river is both a symbol of ecological heritage and a reminder of the urgent need for conservation.
These dolphins are most commonly spotted in stretches of the Brahmaputra near Majuli Island, one of the world’s largest river islands, as well as around Kaziranga National Park and at river confluences where fish are abundant. The best time to see them is between October and April, when water levels recede and sightings become more frequent. Early mornings and late afternoons offer the highest chances of witnessing their brief, graceful surfacing.
Though often described as pink, these dolphins are naturally grey. Their pinkish appearance is caused by visible blood vessels close to the skin, which become more noticeable in sunlight or as they age. Adapted to the murky waters of the river, they are functionally blind and rely entirely on echolocation to navigate and hunt. They are also known to swim on their sides, a distinctive behaviour that helps them move through shallow waters.
Conservationists estimate that fewer than 300 Ganges river dolphins remain in the Brahmaputra, making each sighting rare and significant. Habitat loss, river pollution, fishing nets, and changing water flows pose serious threats to their survival. Protecting this species is not only about preserving wildlife but also about safeguarding the health of India’s river ecosystems.
The Brahmaputra’s pink dolphins stand as a living testament to the fragile beauty of India’s natural heritage — elusive, endangered, and deeply worth protecting.
