Spain is actively promoting nature and birdwatching tourism, encouraging sustainable travel practices and highlighting the benefits of off-season travel. As part of this initiative, and as a follow-up activity to the participation of Indian travel agents in the International Birdwatching Tourism Fair (FIO) earlier this year, the Spanish Tourism Office in Mumbai organized a trip for two Indian travel agents from 22 to 26 April 2025. The aim was showcasing Extremadura — a region still largely unknown in India, even among the well-travelled tourism professionals. During the trip, participants learned about some of the nature tourism offerings, especially the ornithological values ​​of Extremadura. Besides birding, this five day self-drive trip was aimed for participants to discover Extremadura's cultural splendors that shine in its World Heritage cities of Mérida and Cáceres.

ABHIK DUTTA from THE WANDERERS, MUMBAI (INDIA)

An Army brat, Abhik´s love for travel and nature started early and culminated in the birth of an adventure and nature focused travel company, The Wanderers. It is the passionate bird watcher in Abhik that lured him to accept our invitation to join the recently concluded educational trip to Extremadura.   Abhik´s review: Just returned from an eye-opening journey through Extremadura, a lesser-known yet extraordinary region in western Spain—and I can’t recommend it enough for those seeking an offbeat travel idea or a rich birding experience in Europe. This wasn’t your typical European itinerary. Tourism Spain and Extremadura Turismo curated this 6 day self-drive programme for us, mainly to explore the region for it’s stunning bio diversity and bird life. We wandered through the medieval old town of Cáceres, with its cobbled streets and timeless architecture. We hiked through Monfragüe National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve teeming with birdlife and dramatic landscapes. In Mérida, we stood in awe of some of the best-preserved Roman ruins outside of Italy—including an ancient theatre still in use today. Spent a day near Hornachos, Alange and identified 83 bird species in a single day including the Sky Force (Imperial Spanish eagle, Bonellis eagle, Golden eagle, Booted eagle, cinereous vulture etc). The fantastic guides José Luis Bautista Morán and Marcos Torres brought the skies and the forests to life for us! What made this trip so memorable wasn’t just the places—it was the pace. Without crowds or rush, we had time to connect with local guides, enjoy slow meals in hidden spots, and really soak in the culture and stories that define this unique region. Extremadura is ideal for travelers who’ve done the big cities and are ready for something deeper, quieter, and far more authentic. It’s also a great model for sustainable and meaningful tourism. Europe still has places that surprise you—and this is one of them.

UTTEJ RAO from JNR GLOBETROTTERS, AHMEDABAD (INDIA)

Uttej´s enthusiasm for travel brought him to the travel and tourism industry in 1985 and has worked with various prestigious airlines like Panam, United Airlines, Air Canada and Jetair Ltd. He is today the Director of JNR Globetrotters, the forte of his travel agency is bird watching and wildlife tours, globally and in India. Uttej´s review: Extremadura, in central-west Spain, offers some great birding!! Excellent birding in a well-established network of nature reserves and national parks spread beyond Cáceres, Merida and Badajoz with wonderful steppes, woodlands, and mountains. And what an amazing mix of bird species!! Egyptian, Black & Griffon Vultures, Spanish Imperial & Golden Eagles, Lesser Kestrel, Eurasian Kestrel, Sandgrouse, Rollers, Hoopoes, Eurasian Golden Orioles & Iberian Magpies, Thekla's Lark, Crested Lark, Woodchat Shrike, Alpine Swift, Pallid Swift, Common Swift, Western House Martin, Eurasian Craig Martin, Spotless Starling, European Goldfinch, European Greenfinch, Blue Rock thrush, European Stonechat, Egyptian Goose, Mallards, Red-crested Pochard, Eurasian Moorhen, Red-legged Partridge, White Stork, Black stork - it's a never ending list. At the end of it all, I realised I must have seen more birds than people 😁😀 A MUST-visit for all bird-watchers and photo-enthusiasts !! Cáceres !! One of the best medieval towns in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site !! A well-preserved quaint town with medieval architecture, charming narrow streets, and an easy paced life. Making it the perfect, relaxed getaway!! The cobblestone lanes, and plazas, create an authentic and medieval atmosphere.  The surrounding countryside adds to its charm!! This lesser known but amazing region of Spain blends history and culture. And what better way to experience this than on a Self-drive!! Merida, home to the most impressive Roman ruins in all of Spain, is a beautiful historical town with fascinating and well-preserved Roman architectural remains and recognised as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Even after 2000 years it's Roman Theatre still hosts Concerts, plays and ballets. You can actually watch a show sitting on the same stone benches and visualise what it would have been like back in those days. An amphitheatre, Roman Circus, Temples, Roman mansions, and all these embedded in the modern city of Merida is what makes it so fascinating!! Imagine shopping on the main Street and round the corner you walk into the Temple of Diana, one of the oldest buildings of the Roman colony!! Truly an amazing city that brings the Roman Empire back to life, and so compact and well-designed that it can easily be explored on foot.