As the post-monsoon skies open and winter’s first breeze arrives, India once again turns into a haven for migratory birds. Between September and November, wetlands, lakes, and forests across the country welcome feathered visitors from Siberia, Central Asia, and Europe — transforming the subcontinent into a paradise for birdwatchers.
This year, travel platform Agoda’s search data reveals a fascinating pattern: growing domestic and international interest in mindful, nature-led travel, with four destinations standing out — Kochi, Coimbatore, Alwar, and Cuttack. Together, these birding hotspots have seen a 41% year-on-year rise in searches, reaffirming that travellers are now seeking experiences that blend biodiversity, serenity, and sustainability.
1. Kochi – The New Global Favourite
Kochi has emerged as India’s top birdwatching destination, with international search interest soaring 2.6x year-on-year.
Surrounded by tropical greenery, tranquil backwaters, and lush birding sanctuaries such as Thattekad and Kumarakom, Kochi is an ecological treasure. Bird enthusiasts can spot Siberian Cranes, Brahminy Kites, and Marsh Harriers, among other migratory wonders that thrive amid Kerala’s biodiversity-rich wetlands.
According to Agoda, travellers from Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Singapore are showing the strongest interest in Kochi during the migration window, with searches from Hong Kong (+66%), Singapore (+25%), and Taiwan (+18%) leading the surge. Clearly, Kochi’s charm is no longer India’s secret — it’s now a global birding beacon.
2. Cuttack – Gateway to Asia’s Largest Brackish Birding Haven
Cuttack’s proximity to Chilika Lake, one of Asia’s largest wintering grounds for migratory birds, has made it a rising favourite among eco-travellers. Agoda data shows a 33% jump in domestic searches, reflecting renewed fascination with this vast lagoon.
Every year, thousands of flamingos, herons, and painted storks migrate here from Central Asia and Siberia, turning Chilika into a dazzling spectacle of pink and white wings.
Beyond its natural beauty, Cuttack’s community-led conservation initiatives and scenic boat routes have transformed it into a model for sustainable wetland tourism, where travellers can enjoy nature without disturbing its delicate balance.
3. Alwar – Neighbour to India’s Most Iconic Bird Sanctuary
Set against the backdrop of Rajasthan’s royal landscapes, Alwar has quietly become a birdwatching hub thanks to its proximity to the Keoladeo National Park (Bharatpur) — a UNESCO World Heritage Site and India’s most celebrated avian sanctuary.
Agoda’s data shows a 19% rise in domestic searches for Alwar, as travellers rediscover the thrill of witnessing Siberian Cranes, Painted Storks, Bluethroats, Gadwalls, and Bar-headed Geese in their natural wetlands.
Its easy accessibility from Delhi and Jaipur, along with a well-developed tourism infrastructure, makes Alwar one of India’s most beginner-friendly birding destinations.
4. Coimbatore – At the Foot of India’s Living Forests
For those seeking a quieter, forested retreat, Coimbatore offers a more intimate connection with nature. Nestled at the edge of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, this region is home to endemic species such as the Nilgiri Flycatcher and Black-and-Orange Flycatcher — birds that thrive in the misty montane ecosystems of the Western Ghats.
With a 6% rise in domestic searches, Coimbatore is attracting travellers who want to combine birdwatching with treks, eco-lodges, and scenic hill retreats. Here, birding becomes part of a larger experience — one that blends forest trails, waterfalls, and slow, conscious travel.
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