Dolphin-watching season begins in Kailali

By Abinash Chaudhary,Dhangadhi, July 22:The dolphin-watching season has begun in Kailali, and domestic tourists have already started thronging Baidi, located in Tikapur municipality-7, to behold dolphins.

Throughout the monsoon, dolphins can be spotted in the Mohana, Pathraiya, Kandra, and other tributaries of the Karnali River, attracting both domestic and foreign tourists to witness the majestic creatures.

Dolphin conservationist Bhojraj Dhungana reported that dolphins have been spotted in the Mohana and Pathraiya rivers since July 1 this year. Among them, some are adult dolphins, while others are calves.

Last year, dolphins arrived in the rivers on June 15, due to the early onset of the monsoon. However, this year, their arrival to the tributaries of Karnali got delayed due to the late arrival of the monsoon.

The dolphins that inhabit the Karnali River throughout the year, move to the Mohana, Pathraiya, Kandra, and other tributaries only during the monsoon. 

Dhungana explained that with the rise in water level during the rainy season, dolphins come here to reproduce and raise their calves. After the monsoon, they move towards the lower coastal areas in search of deeper waters.

Kailali offers an excellent opportunity for close observation of dolphins, attracting both domestic and foreign tourists every year.

Furthermore, visitors are also fascinated by the rare sight of crocodiles nurturing their offspring in the same area where dolphins inhabit.

 For the first time, a gharial crocodile has been spotted with its baby in the Pathraiya River at Baidi. Tourists, both local and international, are thrilled to witness the adorable sight of baby crocodiles playing in the same river inhabited by dolphins. Dhungana mentioned that domestic tourists are thrilled to witness the baby crocodiles in action while they come to watch dolphins.