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Every year, India transforms into a haven for migratory birds, drawing species from as far as Siberia, Central Asia, and Europe. In the post-monsoon season between September and November, hundreds of bird species make their way to India's wetlands, lakes, and forests, creating spectacular opportunities for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. Hotspots in and around Kochi, Coimbatore, Alwar, and Cuttack offer a front-row seat to this natural spectacle. According to Agoda's search data, interest from domestic and international travellers for these 4 destinations rose by 41% year-on-year, highlighting a growing movement toward mindful, nature-led travel.
Kochi - The New Global Favourite
Kochi stands out as the top-rising destination, with international interest climbing 2.6x year-on-year. The city's surrounding birding sanctuaries, including Thattekad and Kumarakom, offer an ideal blend of tropical forests and tranquil backwaters. Travellers can spot species such as Siberian cranes, Brahminy kites and Marsh Harriers among others, all emblematic of Kerala's rich biodiversity.
Agoda search data reveals that travelers from Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Singapore are most interested in traveling to Kochi during the September to November period during prime birdwatching season. Among these top five markets, Among Agoda's top five markets searching for travel to India, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Taiwan have seen the sharpest surge — with searches up by 66%, 25%, and 18% respectively — reflecting growing enthusiasm for India's natural getaways across Southeast Asia.
Cuttack - Gateway to Asia's Largest Brackish Birding Haven
Cuttack saw a 33% rise in domestic search interest, propelled by renewed attention on Chilika Lake, one of Asia's largest wintering grounds for migratory birds. From September onwards, the lagoon welcomes hundreds of bird species, including flamingos, herons, and painted storks that migrate thousands of kilometres from Central Asia and Siberia. Its scenic boat routes and community-led conservation initiatives have turned the region into a model for sustainable wetland tourism.
Alwar – Neighbour to One of India's Most Iconic Bird Sanctuaries
The legendary Keoladeo National Park in Bharatpur is just a daytrip away from Alwar and remains a crown jewel for birdwatchers. Searches on Agoda for Alwar grew by 19% among domestic travellers, reflecting sustained interest in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Each year, visitors flock to its wetlands to witness the Siberian Cranes, Bar-headed Geese, Painted Storks, Gadwalls, Bluethroats, and various other avian species in this enthralling location. Its accessibility and well-developed infrastructure make it one of India's most beginner-friendly birding destinations.
Coimbatore – At the Foot of India's Living Forests
Coimbatore and the Nilgiri biosphere represent a different side of birding, a misty and montane ecosystem that draws trekkers and wildlife enthusiasts alike. Known for endemics such as the Nilgiri flycatcher and black-and-orange flycatcher, the region is a vital stopover for forest-dwelling species during migration. Agoda data shows domestic search interest up 6%, indicative that travellers are looking to pair the region's birding opportunities with hill retreats and nature trails across the Western Ghats.
"As travellers seek balance between adventure and awareness, nature-based destinations are taking centre stage," said Gaurav Malik, Country Director for the Indian Subcontinent and Indian Ocean Islands at Agoda. "The data points to a clear shift toward travel that celebrates both biodiversity and cultural depth. From the serenity of Kochi's backwaters to the spectacle of Bharatpur's bird sanctuary, India's nature-tourism appeal is stronger than ever. At Agoda, we are consistently aiming to make it easier for travellers to discover such experiences that inspire both connection and conservation."
The shift toward nature-conscious travel is shaping how, when, and where people explore. As this momentum grows, Agoda continues to empower travellers with exclusive deals, flexible booking options, and a wide range of stays, flights, and packages at competitive prices. Whether it's a weekend escape to a birding sanctuary or an extended eco-adventure across India, Agoda makes it easier for travellers to turn their travel inspirations into reality.
