‘Kaapi’ is all you need. And coffee lovers just adhere to it, no matter what. India was introduced to coffee in 1670, on the hills of Chikmagalur, Karnataka. Today, India’s filter coffee is world famous. Also, the fact that it is the finest grown coffee in shade, rather than direct sunlight. But have you ever visited the famous coffee plantations in India which is from where you get the most authentic taste to your coffee? The places that brew the taste from soil itself, nurturing the world’s favorite coffee beans.
Coffee is mostly grown in the hills of Southern India, dominated by Karnataka. Nearly 80% of the coffee grown in India is exported. Getting over with the facts, let us move on to your travel guide for the places you can visit now in the ideal season to explore the coffee plantations in India. The places offer some unique accommodation facilities along with luxury resorts coming up in the areas. Come, check it:
Chikmagalur, Karnataka
Starting out with the place of coffee’s origin in India, Chikmagalur in Karnataka which is a breathtaking hill station in the Western Ghats. It is known by the name of ‘The land of coffee’. You can indulge yourself on a coffee plantation tour with a walk around the coffee estates, trek over the hills or even drive an ATV around the hills and waterfalls. In the area of the coffee plantations, you have the Hebbe falls.
To know more about the nuances of coffee cultivation, Chikmagalur is also home to the Coffee museum where you can gather all information about grinding, picking, all demonstrated by expert. You will absolutely love the place in the peak season right now, sightseeing and visiting the coffee plantations.
Coorg, Karnataka
One of the most beautiful hill stations in India, Coorg is famous for coffee production. The beautiful green hills with a foggy landscape, and streams running through is the serenity that people watch out for. Not only coffee, the place is also known for its spice plantations. Here, you can brew your own cup of coffee, pluck the berries and even prepare the beans to take back home. Plus, get along on a tour to tea, coffee, pepper and cardamom estates in town. You will also find rainforest retreat with its own version of coffee.
It is officially the season of vacays at Coorg till March, you will find the coffee variety of Robusta. So, just pack your bags and head for a perfect stay at the hills.
Araku valley, Vishakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
Do you know that in Araku, 60 varieties of coffee and 600 varieties of coffee chocolates are offered at the Coffee museum here? Yes, it is true. The one of a kind museum has an upmarket house that offers coffee, chocolates, brownies and more. The valley is located in the heart of Andhra Pradesh with lush green Eastern ghats to its side. It is an ideal destination to visit for the view of waterfalls and of course, the coffee plantations. It has got the finest artisanal coffee nourished by the hands of the tribals.
Ananthgiri, between Araku and Vizag is also home to extensive coffee plantations. Hurry now to the Araku Valley to experience the most pleasant weather until February.
Palani hills, Tamil Nadu
The mountain range of Southern India falls in the states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Palani hills has a long history that dates back to almost 1500 years now. It is a home to mansions on the coffee estates. There is even a hotel in the Rajakkad Estate that was built in 18th century. It serves freshly ground coffee, the ultimate experience of a kind. Guided tours are also available by the coffee estates. Not only the coffee plantations, Palani hills also have avocado, pepper and lime plantations.
So, with a doze of history, a cup of kaapi take a tour to the coffee and spice estates or a trek down the ridges. If not, simply relax in a hammock.
Yercaud, Tamil Nadu
This beautiful town is a hill station located in Salem, Tamil Nadu. Yercaud is located in the Shevaroy hills which are known for coffee and spice plantations, along with the orange groves, with the economy majorly dependent on agriculture. The cool weather is favorable for travelers, but a hot destination for coffee.
Apart from the coffee, Yercaud is famous for the viewpoints, gardens and falls. So, make sure you go for a trip until February.
Munnar, Kerala
Well, Munnar is known basically for tea plantations, it still has a flourishing coffee industry. The scenic beauty of Munnar is a delight for visitors offering the best view and flavor at the tea and coffee plantations. The town is surrounded by hills and waterfalls, a sight to behold. While you drive, you enter through narrow roads gushed by green terrace farms in the valley.
For having an immersive experience at the coffee plantations, you can book yourself for the guided tours. Knowing more about coffee, the growth and harvest.
Wayanad, Kerala
Coffee, tea, spice…Wayanad has got it all. Coffee cultivation is practiced in Wayanad since 250 years now, first initiated by East India company. The place is known for its Robusta coffee, with a unique aroma and authentic flavor. You can enjoy your cup of coffee at the restored 140-year old colonial bungalow or a treehouse up above. Also, try driving to the rainforest or walk up the hilltop. As of history, you can visit the 300-year old plantation home in Wayanad, where Mahatma Gandhi stopped by.
Along with coffee, the farmers also grow intercrops like spices, especially pepper. During your trail at the coffee plantations, you can keep an eye for the Malabar hornbill!
Chikhaldara, Maharashtra
The hill station is home to one of the only coffee plantations in Maharashtra. It is about 600 km away from Pune, with beautiful lakes, waterfalls and hills in Amravati. Chikhaldara means mud stream or falls in Marathi. The best months to visit continue from October to June.
Chikhaldara can be your escape from all the city chaos, where you can have the best coffee along with some bird watching.
With this, you are ready for a coffee trail in India, a journey like no other. Not only about coffee alone, there are other experiences of the places; a blend of scenic beauty, culture and a lot more. Simply, embark on a journey of brews, with views!