In 1670, An Indian Sufi saint named Baba Budan introduced coffee to Chikmagalur in Karnataka. He brought coffee beans with him from Yemen. Since then, the region has been home to coffee plantations, which extend up to Coorg. Southern India has the ideal climate and soil for the growth of coffee beans and Indian coffee is slowly gaining prominence, with the surge in cafes and artisanal coffee brands serving local brews. Here are five coffee plantations in India that you must visit:
Coorg in Karnataka
The town of Coorg is one of India’s most prominent coffee plantations. The lush green environs are inviting and have resorts and homestays with spectacular views. Some of these resorts and homestays organise tours of nearby coffee estates, during which guests may pluck berries, make their own coffee blends and brew a fresh cup of coffee to enjoy on the spot. Both Arabica and Robusta coffees are grown here.
Chikmagalur in Karnataka
One of them flanked by the beautiful Hebbe Waterfalls, Chikmagalur’s coffee estates are a sight to behold. Merging with the foothills of the Mullayanagiri range, they are the largest producers of coffee in India. The Serai, a luxury resort, is owned by Cafe Coffee Day and offers tours of the plantation. The spa at The Serai offers a coffee scrub, too. Primrose Villas is a boutique hotel that also offers walks along coffee estates.
Wayanad in Kerala
Known for cultivating Robusta coffee, Wayanad is a fertile region with both sun and rain in abundance. Pepper Trail is a coffee, tea and spice plantation spread over 200-acres. It allows you to stay in a colonial bungalow that’s 140-years-old or a treehouse where you’ll be woken up with an aromatic cup of coffee in the morning. The plantation may be explored via bicycle, jeep or a canoe.
Araku Valley in Andhra Pradesh
Araku Valley is known mainly for the cultivation of rubber and pepper, but the area’s coffee plantations are an integral aspect of visiting the region, too. Tribals from the area cultivate coffee and have even created an organic coffee brand. Araku Valley also has a museum dedicated to coffee, which is run by tribals. It is focused on the history and origin of coffee, and allows visitors to sample some coffees as well.
Palani Hills in Tamil Nadu
An extension of the Western Ghats, the Palani Hills are home to grand coffee estate bungalows. Besides coffee, the region is also known for the cultivation of avocado, pepper and lime. The Rajakkad Estate has a hotel that dates back to the 18th century, which takes pride in serving freshly ground coffee. Guided tours of the coffee estate are also available.
