España está promoviendo activamente el turismo de naturaleza y observación de aves, fomentando prácticas sostenibles entre los viajeros y destacando las ventajas de viajar fuera de temporada. Como parte de esta iniciativa, y como actividad complementaria a la participación de agentes de viaje en la Feria Internacional de Turismo Ornitológico (FIO) a principios de año, la Oficina Española de Turismo en Bombay organizó un viaje para dos agentes de viaje indios, del 22 al 26 de abril de 2025. Este tuvo el propósito de dar a conocer Extremadura, una región todavía poco conocida en India, incluso entre los profesionales del sector con más experiencia.

Durante el viaje, los participantes descubrieron parte de la oferta de turismo de naturaleza, especialmente los destacados valores ornitológicos de Extremadura. Además de la observación de aves, este viaje de cinco días en coche permitió a los agentes explorar el esplendor cultural de la región, reflejado en sus ciudades Patrimonio de la Humanidad: Mérida y Cáceres.

ABHIK DUTTA de THE WANDERERS, MUMBAI (INDIA)

La pasión de Abhik por los viajes y la naturaleza comenzó desde muy joven y lo llevó a fundar The Wanderers, una agencia especializada en viajes de aventura y naturaleza.
Fue su entusiasmo como observador de aves lo que lo motivó a aceptar nuestra invitación para participar en el reciente viaje a Extremadura. Comentarios de Abhik: 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 Tourismo 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 de JNR GLOBETROTTERS, AHMEDABAD (INDIA)

La pasión de Uttej por los viajes lo llevó a incorporarse a la industria del turismo en 1985. Desde entonces, ha trabajado con diversas aerolíneas de prestigio como Pan Am, United Airlines, Air Canada y Jetair Ltd.
Actualmente, es Director de JNR Globetrotters, una agencia especializada en viajes de observación de aves y safaris de vida silvestre, tanto en India como a nivel internacional.

Comentarios de Uttej: 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 & 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.