Dolphin Watching
Respectful, guided observation of India's National Aquatic Animal.
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Bhagalpur, Bihar · Est. 1991
Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary
Discover the River. Meet the Dolphin. Protect the Ganga.
At a Glance
Key Facts About VGDS
1991
Established
Bhagalpur, Bihar
Location
Sultanganj to Kahalgaon
River Stretch
October to June
Best Time to Visit
Meet the Dolphin
India's National Aquatic Animal
The Gangetic dolphin (Platanista gangetica gangetica) is a freshwater dolphin found in the Ganga river system — functionally blind, and superbly adapted to hunt in turbid water using echolocation.
- Freshwater habitat — lives exclusively in river systems, never the open sea
- Echolocation — navigates and hunts using sound, not sight
- Behaviour — generally solitary, surfacing periodically to breathe
- Conservation status — Endangered on the IUCN Red List
Did You Know?
Gangetic dolphins have no lens in their eyes, leaving them essentially blind. They rely almost entirely on echolocation to navigate and find prey in the Ganga's often-murky waters.
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Explore VGDS
From dolphin watching to river ecosystems, discover the many ways to experience the sanctuary.
Explore on the Map
From Sultanganj to Kahalgaon
The sanctuary follows the Ganga through Bhagalpur, connecting Sultanganj in the west to Kahalgaon in the east. Explore the river route, visitor points and habitat areas on our interactive GIS map.
Markers show real town locations; the exact sanctuary boundary awaits official GIS data from the Forest Department.
Explore Interactive MapWildlife
Wildlife of the Sanctuary
Beyond the Gangetic dolphin, the sanctuary landscape supports a range of riverine species.
Conservation
Protect the River. Protect the Dolphin.
The sanctuary's dolphins and river ecosystem face several ongoing pressures.
Water Pollution
Industrial, domestic and agricultural pollution can affect river health.
Fishing Nets
Dolphins can become accidentally entangled in fishing gear.
Boat Traffic
Increasing boat activity can disturb dolphins and their habitat.
Habitat Changes
Changes in water flow and habitat can affect aquatic wildlife.
Plan Your Visit
Plan Your VGDS Experience
Everything you need to plan a safe, responsible visit to the sanctuary.
Stay Informed
Latest Updates
Image pending CMS upload
EventsSample content
Nature Camp and Dolphin Discovery Session for School Students
A nature camp introducing school students to the Ganga river ecosystem, dolphin conservation and the sanctuary's biodiversity is planned in collaboration with local schools.
EventsSample content
River Clean-up Drive Along the Ganga Sanctuary Stretch
A community river clean-up drive was organised to mark World Wetlands Day, involving local volunteers, students and Forest Department staff.
Conservation ActivitiesSample content
Annual Gangetic Dolphin Monitoring Exercise Conducted Along the Sanctuary Stretch
Forest Department teams and researchers carried out boat-based monitoring surveys along the Sultanganj–Kahalgaon stretch as part of ongoing dolphin population monitoring efforts.
Digital Media
Gallery
Close examination of a dolphin's beak during a field research exercise
Ganga river, Bihar
Ganga river, Bihar
Field team assisting a dolphin during a rescue and rehabilitation exercise
Ganga river, Bihar
Ganga river, Bihar
A Gangetic dolphin breaks the surface of the Ganga
Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary, Bhagalpur
Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary, Bhagalpur
Dolphin surfacing to breathe in early morning river mist
Ganga river, Bhagalpur stretch
Ganga river, Bhagalpur stretch
Side profile of a Gangetic dolphin at the surface
Ganga river, Bhagalpur stretch
Ganga river, Bhagalpur stretch
Dolphin swimming just beneath the surface
Ganga river
Ganga river
The dolphin's long, tooth-lined beak breaking the surface
Ganga river
Ganga river
Dolphin swimming laterally near the surface
Ganga river
Ganga river