Agoda reports 41% surge in travel interest for Kochi, Coimbatore, Alwar, & Cuttack
Agoda reports
Interest in and around these 4 destinations rose during prime birdwatching season, highlighting a growing movement toward mindful, nature-led travel.
Every year, India transforms into a haven for migratory birds, drawing species from as far as Siberia, Central Asia, and Europe. 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, 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 travellers 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 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
The 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.
Coimbatore and the Nilgiri biosphere represent a different side of birding, a misty and montane ecosystem that draws trekkers and wildlife enthusiasts alike. 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.”
