Birdwatching Is Only Getting More Popular—Here Are the 11 Best Places to Experience It

Spanning from the hills of Scotland to the jungles of Sri Lanka.GettyOnce viewed as a hobby reserved solely for the post-retirement generation, birdwatching or birding has had a serious shake-up. Today, hip villas, creatively designed hotels, and sumptuous bedrooms mark the starting point for a new breed of birdwatching trips popping up across the globe. What's more, many of these homes away from home allow endemic and colorful birds to be spotted directly from the grounds, ensuring a relaxing, nature-filled trip that rewards the patient traveler.Whether you’re a bird-watching obsessive completing a checklist, a nature-loving globe-trotter, or simply want to delight in the joy that spotting birds brings, these destinations are a perfect place to land. From Sri Lanka’s vibrant endemic species to the migratory birds of Malaysia and Kenya, here’s where to go for a brilliant birdwatching trip to remember.Wilpattu, Sinharaja, and Yala, Sri LankaLangkawi, MalaysiaMaasai Mara and Mount Kenya, KenyaBandhavgarh, IndiaAnjavay, MadagascarSpean Bridge, ScotlandMonteverde and Limón Province, Costa RicaThua Thien Hue Province, VietnamBras d’Eau, MauritiusNorthern Palawan, PhilippinesChocó-Andino, EcuadorRed-faced malkoha GettyWilpattu, Sinharaja, and Yala, Sri LankaDrawn to Sri Lanka for the leopard and sloth bear spotting opportunities found within Wilpattu and Yala National Parks, travelers are often more enchanted with the teardrop island’s birdlife upon arrival. Home to 34 endemic species, like the rare red-faced malkoha and striking blue magpie, as well as boldly colored bee-eaters and fascinating malabar pied hornbills, the country is pure paradise for both beginner and expert birdwatchers.Where to stay:For a stay near the lesser-used gate of Wilpattu National Park: Taru Villas Villu WilpattuFor a sleep within the jungle on the opposite side of the island: Hilton YalaFor staying in Sinharaja: The Rainforest Eco LodgeGreat hornbill GettyLangkawi, MalaysiaSince it sits within the East Asian Australasian Flyway (one of the main routes used by migratory birds), Langkawi abounds with over 260 types of birds, 30% of which are migratory. Some of the most photogenic can be found in the island's lowland rainforests, including the orange-bellied flowerpecker, crimson sunbird, and banded kingfisher—each with its unique markings and vivid colors.Where to stay:For stellar programming and hornbill conservation efforts: The Datai LangkawiFor a seaside stay with amenities: The Ocean Residence LangkawiFor a rainforest stay with over-water villas: The St. Regis LangkawiBee-eaters GettyMaasai Mara and Mount Kenya, KenyaWaking up to birdsong within 300 acres of rewilded forest or amongst the tree canopies of the Maasai Mara really is the stuff of birdwatching dreams. With over 1,000 species to spot, twitchers will adore the country’s handsome lilac-breasted roller on account of it being the national bird of Kenya, the sweet D’Arnaud’s barbet, pretty white-browned Robin, and the curious little bee-eaters.Where to stay:For luxury canvas suites with a bird checklist upon arrival: Great Plains Mara Toto Tree CampFor wild cabins in forestland: Mukima ManorFor glamping near unforgettable wildlife: Mara Intrepids Tented CampIndian robin GettyBandhavgarh, IndiaAn avian sanctuary of more than 250 bird species, the dense jungle of Bandhavgarh National Park supports birdlife from canopy dwellers to ground foragers. Birds to look out for include brahminy starlings, coppersmith barbets, Indian gray hornbills, Indian robins, plum-headed parakeets, and red-vented bulbuls. Moreover, the parkland is home to not one but four species of vulture, one of which is the critically endangered white-rumped vulture.As for hospitality, relaxation comes easy within luxurious canvas tents alongside a comprehensive birdwatching program—especially those led by Oberoi’s expert naturalist, Soulin Chatterjee. (The hotel, mentioned below, can also arrange an immersive birdsong experience where guests can learn to distinguish India’s various species through their unique calls.)Where to stay:For one of India’s newest wildlife retreats: Oberoi Vindhyavilas Wildlife ResortFor a prime position amidst a vast swath of wildlife rich forest: Samode Safari LodgeFor amenities mixed with culture and birdspotting: King's LodgeEurasian hoopoe GettyAnjavay, MadagascarAs one of the world’s last truly untouched frontiers, Madagascar’s Anjajavy is a remarkable sanctuary in which rare birdlife thrives undisturbed in its natural habitat. Sadly now extinct, the island was once home to the largest bird in the world, the incredible elephant bird. Today, much smaller and profoundly beautiful birds can be spotted in abundance, with the endemic crested coua standing out as the most photogenic, closely followed by the brilliantly named Eurasian hoopoe.Where to stay:For the bucket-list stay, part of Relais & Châteaux: Anjajavy le LodgeFor a trusted villa in Nosy Ambariovato: Oceanview rental with poolFor a spacious, beloved rental in Nosy be: Avana villa AirbnbRed-breasted robin GettySpean Bridge, ScotlandFor birdwatching in colder climates, the Highlands of Scotland are endlessly bewitching. Its dramatic scenery of snow-capped peaks, icy rivers, and fertile moorlands hosts soaring golden eagles, snow geese, sweet red-breasted robins, and osprey. Of course, Scottish birds may not be as colorful as those from more tropical vibes, but that doesn’t mean they’re any less exciting to spot.Where to stay:For a cozy stay, close to mighty Ben Nevis: Spean LodgeFor a charming inn with a private beach: Corriegour Lodge HotelFor an Airbnb near all of nature's action: The Swallow's Nest rentalResplendent quetzal GettyMonteverde and Limón Province, Costa RicaDue to its island status, Costa Rica requires perseverance to get to, yet it rewards with some of the most incredible birdlife on the planet. From the cloud forests of Monteverde, where the famed resplendent quetzal and hundreds of hummingbirds live, to Limón province with its dramatic scarlet macaws, which can often be spotted overhead—it’s gasp-inducing at every turn.Where to stay:For an ideal for a birdwatching beach break: Aguas ClaraFor a stay up in the dense cloud forest: Senda MonteverdeFor a spacious stay in Monteverde: Casa Coyota HotelCrimson sunbird GettyThua Thien Hue Province, VietnamFrom chirping greater racket-tailed drongos, which almost look too perfect to be real, to bold crimson sunbirds that command attention with their jewel-box feathers, the central regions of Vietnam are anything but dull when it comes to birding. With over 900 types of birds within the country, including 18 endemic species, Vietnam is not to be missed.Where to stay:For a champion of birdwatching in many forms: Banyan Tree Lang CoFor a simply fantastic Airbnb: Affordable rental for twoFor an amenity-forward birding oasis: Angsana Lang CoParadise flycatcher GettyBras d’Eau, MauritiusTucked along the northeastern coast of Mauritius, Bras D’Eau is renowned among birdwatchers who arrive on the island with hopes of spotting myriad rare and endemic species. The Mauritius paradise flycatcher, Mauritius fody, Mascarene swiftlet, and the remarkable Mauritius kestrel—once on the brink of extinction—are just a few worth looking out for. At the heart of the reserve, a tranquil lake provides a seasonal refuge for migratory birds, adding to the park’s rich and ever-changing birdlife.Where to stay:For excursions straight into the center of Bras d’Eau forest: Salt of PalmarFor beachfront galore: Seasense Boutique Hotel & SpaFor the perfect mix of conservation and luxury: One&Only Le Saint GéranOlive-back sunbird GettyNorthern Palawan, PhilippinesBlack-naped orioles, large-tailed nightjars, and olive-backed sunbirds are just a few of the amazing creatures that can be spotted in the Philippines. Amazingly, the country has roughly 260 endemic bird species, with 27 of those found only on the island of Palawan, hence why it’s often known as the birding capital of the Philippines.Where to stay:For a bucket-list, private island stay: AmanpuloFor rainforest villas dripped in luxe: Karuna El NidoFor a sun-soaked stay that overlooks the mountains: Panorama Boutique Hotel & Beach ClubGolden-naped tanager GettyChocó-Andino, EcuadorFor a once-in-a-lifetime trip, Ecuador is a must-visit for every keen birder. Not only is it home to the Galapagos Islands, where brilliant blue-footed boobys pose shyly for photographs, but there’s also mile upon mile of remote cloud forest, where hundreds of species of hummingbirds flit and flutter throughout the jungle. And that’s not all; the biodiversity hotspot is home to over 400 species of birds, many of which you can see as you walk. Golden-naped tanager, cinnamon becards, rose-faced parrots, and toucan barbets are among some of the most impressive to spot.Where to stay:For a well-run eco-lodge in the heart of the forest: Mashpi LodgeFor a mix of nature and amenities: Hacienda RumilomaFor a trusted farm Airbnb in the mountains: Mountain house in the Andean ChocóA version of this article was originally published on Condé Nast Traveller Middle East.