Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 28 July 2025
In a move to promote niche tourism and boost visitor engagement during the off-season, the Department of Tourism, Andaman & Nicobar Administration, in collaboration with the Andaman Avians Club, organized a special lecture on bird watching on 26th July 2025.
The session, held under the theme “Bird Watching in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands,” was led by Mr. Arun Singh, President of the Avians Club. He shed light on the remarkable avian biodiversity of the islands, which are home to over 300 bird species, including several rare and endemic ones such as the Andaman Woodpecker, Nicobar Megapode, and Andaman Crake.
Mr. Singh emphasized bird watching as a sustainable, experience-driven tourism activity that aligns with ecotourism principles. He pointed out that encouraging bird watching during the monsoon and shoulder seasons can help balance tourist inflow, engage nature enthusiasts, and create livelihood opportunities through guided birding tours and home stays.
The Department of Tourism is aiming to integrate such nature-based activities into its broader tourism strategy to promote responsible travel while showcasing the islands’ rich natural heritage.
The event drew enthusiastic participation from nature lovers, tour operators, students, and eco-guides, signaling a growing interest in ecotourism across the islands.
