Agoda sees 41 pc rise in searches for birding sanctuaries

Agoda’s recent data highlight Kochi, Coimbatore, Alwar, and Cuttack as favoured birding hubs witnessing strong growth in travel interest

A head of the migratory bird season, Agoda, a global platform for booking hotels and flights, has reported a 41 pc surge in travel interest for birding and nature hotspots across India, with Kochi, Coimbatore, Alwar and Cuttack leading.

Each year, between September and November, India becomes a vibrant refuge for migratory birds from Siberia, Central Asia and Europe. Wetlands, lakes, and forests bustle with hundreds of avian species, attracting both domestic and international birdwatchers. Agoda’s recent data highlight Kochi, Coimbatore, Alwar, and Cuttack as favoured birding hubs witnessing strong growth in travel interest.

In a press statement, Agoda, a global travel platform, says that Kochi emerged as the top performer, with searches from international travellers rising 2.6 times compared to last year. Bird sanctuaries like Thattekad and Kumarakom, known for sightings of Siberian cranes, Brahminy kites, and Marsh Harriers, have fuelled this growth. Searches from Hong Kong, Singapore, and Taiwan surged by 66 pc, 25 pc, and 18 pc respectively, indicating increasing enthusiasm for Kerala’s eco-rich experiences across Southeast Asia.

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The statement adds that Cuttack, strengthened by its proximity to Chilika Lake the largest brackish water lagoon in Asia recorded a 33 pc jump in domestic interest. The lagoon’s seasonal arrival of flamingos, herons, and painted storks underscores its role in sustainable wetland tourism. Alwar also drew steady attention with a 19 pc rise, benefitting from its easy access to Keoladeo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for species such as bar-headed geese, gadwalls, and bluethroats.

According to the statement, Coimbatore saw a 6 pc uptick as travellers paired the Nilgiri biosphere’s birdwatching routes with Western Ghats hill retreats.

“As travellers seek balance between adventure and awareness, nature-based destinations are taking centre stage, 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,” says Gaurav Malik, Country Director, Indian Subcontinent and Indian Ocean Islands Agoda.

“At Agoda, we are consistently aiming to make it easier for travellers to discover such experiences that inspire both connection and conservation,” Malik adds.