Exploring 5 Best Coffee Plantations in India

International Coffee Day is celebrated on 1st October, every year. Coffee is one of the common and favorite drinks in many countries of the world. Prepared from roasted coffee beans, the brewed drink is an ultimate delicacy for those who prefer to soothe the soul in leisure. It is ultimate bliss to sip a cup of coffee and feel the flavor and essence of its taste. Well, I thought of celebrating this special day by sharing the 5 best coffee plantations in India. But before that, let's learn some interesting facts about coffee in India.

Interesting facts about coffee in India

India ranks sixth among the countries producing coffee in the world; ranking after Brazil, Columbia, Indonesia, and Ethiopia. Almost 318K tonnes of coffee are grown contributing to about a value of INR 47 billion. Coffee was introduced in India way back in 1670 by Baba Budan, an Indian Sufi saint. He carried the coffee beans from Yemen and brought them to plant in the hills of Chikmagalur in Karnataka. India is known to produce two varieties of coffee – Arabica and Robusta.

Coffee plantations in India are now spread across a wide area specifically in the southern parts of India. Among the total coffee production in India, Karnataka contributes 53%, Kerala 28%, and Tamil Nadu 11%. About 80% of the production is exported in various regions like Germany, Russian, Spain, Belgium, Slovenia, United States, Japan, Greece, Netherlands, France, and Italy.

Coorg in Karnataka

Coorg is one of the popular coffee plantations in India. Adorned by dense forests, lush greenery and curated gardens, it is a thrilling experience to stroll along the tea estates. The weather and the captivating flora and fauna, are ideal for the flourishing coffee growth in Coorg. There are several prominent and fascinating tea estates in the region where you can observe the production of coffee. Besides you can taste the aromatic flavors of coffee and relish your taste buds. Some of the renowned ones to name are Vivanta by Taj, Shri Nidhi Estate, RockHills Estate Homestay,  Kambalakaad Private Villa FarmStay, Rainforest Retreat at Mojo Plantation, Old Kent Estates, Tata Coffee's Plantation Trails and many more.

How to reach: The nearest airport is Mangalore and the nearest railway station is at Mysore Junction. If you are traveling by road, then you can either hire a cab or board one of the KSRTC (Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation) provided deluxe buses to Coorg; operating daily from Bangalore, Mysore and Mangalore.

Best time to visit: The months starting from October till April. November is the berry picking season, so you want to plan your vacation at that time.

Chikmagalur in Karnataka

Chikmagalur is known as “The Land of Coffee” since it was te first place where coffee was produced in India. Located the foothills of the Mullayanagiri range of mountains, it ownes huge tea estates. In fact, it owns one the best and huge coffee plantations in India. You can even camp at this place and observe the huge areas of coffee plants spread across the mountain terrains. The cool refreshing weather of Chikmagalur is an ideal for coffee growth. To honor Baba Budan, a town has been named after him and he is the pioneer for transforming the place into a haven for coffee lovers. The prominent tea estate in this region are The Serai, Kerehaklu Eco Retreat, Halli Berri, Flameback Lodges, Primrose Villas and many more.

How to reach: The nearest airport is Mangalore and the nearest railway station is at Kadur. If you are traveling by road, then you can either hire a cab or board a public or private bus from Bangalore, Mangalore, Hubli and Hassan to Coorg.

Best time to visit: The months starting from September till May. The weather is pleasant and comfortable.

Araku Valley in Andhra Pradesh

Araku Valley is quite famous for housing some of the best coffee plantations in India. Arabica is the main coffee variety produced in the country. Located at a height of 4000 feet from the sea level, you can feel the intoxication in the air with its scintillating natural beauty. The speciality of the coffee beans in the valley is its aroma. The organic growing method is followed for coffee farming. The plants are specifically places below the shades of mango, jackfruit and silver oak trees. The ownership pf the tea estates in Araki Valkey lies with the local tribal population. The tribals earn their living by cultivating and selling coffee, thus spending a livelihood with grace and honour. You must not miss visiting the coffee museum in the valley.

How to reach: The nearest airport is Vishakhapatnam and the nearest railway station is Araku Valley. If you are traveling by road, then you can either hire a cab or board a public or private bus from Vishakhapatnam .

Best time to visit: The months starting from September till February. The weather is pleasant and moderate.

Wayanad in Kerala

Wayanad is one of the best coffee plantations in India, growing over 50,000 to 60,000 tonnes of robusta coffee annually. It is the only place where robusta coffee is produced and that too in huge quantities. The location of the place is gorgeous, nestled within the majestic Western Ghats. It is a wonderful feeling to observe the widespread coffee plantations stretching across the mountain slopes. Accompanied by dense green forests and gleaming cyrstal clear lakes, the beauty of the place enhances significantly. Some of the key tea estates in Wayanad are Tranquil Resort, Grassroots, Pepper Trail and many more.

How to reach: The nearest airport is Calicut and the nearest railway station is Kozhikode. How to reach: The nearest airport is Mangalore and the nearest railway station is at Mysore Junction. If you are traveling by road, then you can either hire a cab or board one of the KSRTC (Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation) provided deluxe buses to Coorg; operating daily from Bangalore, Mysore, Kochi, Chennai and Trivandrum.

Best time to visit: The months starting from October till May. The weather is pleasant and cool.

Yercaud in Tamil Nadu

Yercaud is a small hill station, and is well-known for its coffee plantations. Nestled in the Shevaroys hill ranges, the place is circumference by enigmatic natural beauty. Glenrock Tea Estates, MSP Cauvery coffee plantation are some of the prominent places to stay at Yaraud. You can witness the coffee-producing process, take a tour and also sip one of its fresh brewed coffee.

How to reach: The nearest airport is Salem and the nearest railway station is Yercaud. If you are traveling by road, then you can either hire a cab or board a bus from Salem (36 km), Chennai (355 km) or Coimbatore (195 km).

Best time to visit: The months starting from October till February. The weather is pleasant and comfortable.

Have you visited any coffee plantation? I will be glad to know your experience.