India is setting new standards in ecotourism as wetlands and backwaters witness a rise in demand for bird watching with top destinations like Chilika and Kumarakom at the forefront.

Published October 31, 2025

India has recognized new benchmarks in eco-tourism as the country’s wetlands and backwaters have become popular destinations in the country for bird watching with iconic places like Chilika Lake and Kumarakom becoming bird watching hotspots. This interest indicates a new trend based primarily on nature-focused sustainable travel and more specifically on outdoor travel preferences during the COVID-19 pandemic. The growing interest in traveling to this location demonstrates India’s ability to redefine its ecotourism capabilities as bird watching provides a sustainable and economically viable way to support local communities and awareness about environmental conservation. With the bird migration season in full swing and human visitors also arriving, these wetlands – and ecotourism activities in these wetlands – have become crucial for the development of biodiversity centres.

As autumn sweeps across India, the country’s wetlands and remote areas have become prime destinations for migratory birdlife, attracting increasing interest from travelers and nature lovers. According to recent data released by travel platform Agoda, there has been a notable rise in searches for bird watching destinations in India, highlighting a major shift in travel patterns. Bird watching trips, once considered niche, have now found their place in mainstream travel planning, with a clear increase in local and international interest.

The rise of bird watching in India

The growing trend of bird watching in India can be attributed to several factors, from changing travel preferences to increasing awareness of the importance of nature conservation. Agoda’s analysis shows a 41 percent increase year-on-year in searches for birds and natural hot spots in the country. Prime locations like Kochi, Cuttack (Chilika), Alwar and Coimbatore have emerged as among the most popular destinations for avid bird watchers.

Lake Chilika, one of the largest wintering areas for migratory birds in Asia, has seen a surge in interest. The lake, located in Odisha, is known for its rich biodiversity and provides a unique opportunity for bird watchers to spot thousands of species, including flamingos, pelicans and other migratory birds. The steady rise in searches for Cuttack indicates the growing importance of Chilika as a bird watching destination, cementing its position as a major player in India’s growing nature tourism sector.

On the opposite coast, Vembanad Lake in Kerala attracts bird watchers to the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. Although the reserve may be smaller in size compared to Chilika Reserve, it offers a peaceful and intimate experience for nature lovers. The refuge is home to both resident bird species and seasonal migratory birds. Bird watching can be done from the various observation towers, as well as from houseboats that meander through the peaceful hinterland, providing a truly unique and peaceful bird watching experience. Kerala’s reputation for hospitality adds to its appeal, making it an ideal location for those looking to combine bird watching with relaxation.

Why are searches for bird watching on the rise?

There are several factors driving the increase in bird watching and eco-tourism in India. Post-pandemic travelers, eager to enjoy health-focused outdoor experiences, are turning to nature-focused destinations that allow them to connect with the environment in meaningful ways. Wildlife enthusiasts and photographers are particularly drawn to India’s diverse birdlife, with platforms like Agoda helping to discover lesser-known, off-the-beaten-path locations outside bustling city centres.

The increase in media coverage of bird counts and the viral spread of stunning images, including flocks of flamingos and cranes in flight, have also played a pivotal role in sparking curiosity. As social media continues to fuel wanderlust, stunning images of India’s wetlands have inspired many to seek out these natural havens for their own immersive experiences. This increased interest in birds is reflected in longer stays and off-season travel, providing local economies a timely boost, especially during periods when other tourism sectors are stagnant.

Economic and environmental impacts

While the rise in bird watching is a positive development for India’s tourism sector, it is not without challenges. Nature tourism can drive economic growth in rural areas, especially through boat operators, local guides, homestays, and small businesses. The influx of bird watchers helps generate revenue, create jobs, and improve the livelihoods of local communities. With responsible tourism, the benefits extend to protecting wetlands and wildlife, and promoting greater political will for conservation efforts.

However, experts warn that unregulated growth in bird watching tourism could lead to negative consequences for the environment and local wildlife. Increased human presence, pollution and overdevelopment can threaten the ecosystems that attract visitors. Therefore, sustainable tourism practices, such as community-led ecotourism, regulated visitor access, and long-term habitat monitoring, are essential to protect these fragile environments. When managed properly, ecotourism can become a powerful tool for environmental conservation, helping to preserve biodiversity while benefiting local communities economically.

The future of wetland tourism in India

India’s wetlands and backwaters have huge potential as major players in the global ecotourism scene. As interest in nature-based travel continues to grow, policymakers and tourism authorities face the critical task of balancing economic growth and environmental responsibility. The challenge is to translate the growing interest into sustainable management – ​​ensuring that wetlands remain protected and that local communities are empowered to play an active role in conservation efforts.

In the coming years, India’s bird watching destinations could become more integrated into the global tourism landscape. By focusing on preserving the natural beauty of its wetlands, promoting community-based tourism initiatives, and implementing sustainable practices, India can transform its wetlands into a model of responsible tourism, benefiting its people and wildlife for generations to come.

India is a pioneer in ecotourism, with wetlands such as Chilika and Kumarakom attracting increasing interest in bird watching, driven by travellers’ appreciation for sustainable nature-based tourism and the region’s high biodiversity.

With millions of migratory birds traveling along molting and wintering trails, the growing interest of travelers in India’s birding regions provides a wonderful opportunity to honor and conserve the country’s natural heritage and deepen the relationship between citizens and nature.