‘Kaapi’ is all you need. And coffee lovers just adhere to it, no matter what. 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, from where you get the most authentic taste of your coffee? The places that brew the taste from the soil itself, nurture 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 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 out:
Starting 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’[3].
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[1].
To learn more about the nuances of coffee cultivation, Chikmagalur is also home to the Coffee Museum where you can gather all the information about grinding and picking, all demonstrated by experts[1].
You will absolutely love the place in the peak season, sightseeing and visiting the coffee plantations. And if planning to visit Chikmagalur for at least two days, you can enjoy your time at places like Mullayanagiri, Z point, Baba Budangiri, Kemmangundi, Ayyanakere Lake among others[2].
Not only coffee, Coorg is also known for spice cultivation (Image source: Holidify)
One of the most beautiful hill stations in India, Coorg, referred to as “Scotland of India” is famous for coffee production. The beautiful green hills with a foggy landscape and streams running through are the serenity that people look for. Apart from being a natural wonder, Coorg is also a renowned cultural hub, being home to India’s second-largest Tibetan settlement, Bylakuppe [4].
Not only coffee, but the place is also known for its spice plantations. The stunning Abbey Falls amidst these plantations is a must-visit [4].
Here, you can brew your cup of coffee, pluck the berries, and even prepare the beans to take back home.
Plus, go on a tour of tea, coffee, pepper, and cardamom estates in town. You will also find a rainforest retreat with its unique 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 in the hills.
There are as many as 36 places that you can visit in Coorg, including the coffee destinations [5].
When in Araku Valley, do not forget to visit the Coffee Museum’s upmarket section to delve into as many as 60 varieties of coffee!
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 Sampoorna Coffee Gallery introduces visitors to the history of the bean, with the tableaus featuring dolls depicting the history of the bean [6].
The valley is located in the heart of Andhra Pradesh, 120 km from Vizag amidst 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 [8].
It has got the finest artisanal coffee nourished by the hands of the tribals. Moreover, the Araku Valley is now the largest certified organic and biodynamic farming coffee plantation in the world [7].
Ananthagiri, between Araku and Vizag, is also home to extensive coffee plantations. You can experience the most pleasant weather in Araku Valley until February. Get yourself some Coffee, know the tribal culture, and the best tourist spots in Araku Valley, including the breathtaking waterfalls [9].
Head to the historical coffee site, Palani Hills, which has a history of 1500 years
The mountain range of Southern India falls in the states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Palani Hills has a long history that dates back almost 1500 years [10]. It is home to mansions on the coffee estates. There is even a hotel in the Rajakkad Estate that was built in the 18th century. It serves freshly ground coffee, the ultimate experience of a kind. Guided tours are also available from the coffee estates [11]. Not only the coffee plantations, but Palani Hills also have avocado, pepper, and lime plantations [12].
So, with a dose of history and a cup of kaapi, take a tour of the coffee and spice estates or a trek down the ridges. If not, simply relax in a hammock.
A hot destination for coffee lovers, Yercaud is also famous for its orange groves.
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 [13]. The cool weather is favorable for travelers, but a hot destination for coffee.
Apart from the coffee, Yercaud is famous for its viewpoints, gardens, and falls. So, make sure you go on a trip by February. In 2025, you can visit at least 30 places while travelling to Yercaud [14].
How can we forget Munnar, which has got you blending cultivation of both tea and coffee?
Well, Munnar is known basically for tea plantations, but it still has a flourishing coffee industry. Located 1600 m above sea level, where three mountain streams merge, 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 [15].
One can also visit Eravikulam National Park, Anamudi Peak, Mattupetty, Pallivasal, Chinnakanal and Ayyanirangal. Make sure to visit Munnar’s legacy: The Tea Museum in Nallathanni Estate [15].
To have an immersive experience at the coffee plantations, you can book yourself for the guided tours. Knowing more about coffee, its growth, and its harvest.
The 250-year-old tradition of coffee cultivation is still practiced in Wayanad.
Coffee, tea, spice…Wayanad has got it all. Coffee cultivation has been practiced in Wayanad for 250 years now, first initiated by the 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 walking up the hilltop [17]. As for 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 [16]. During your trail at the coffee plantations, you can keep an eye on the Malabar hornbill!
When in the ‘Land of paddy fields’, you can experience breathtaking landscapes, rich biodiversity and cultural heritage. Wayanad also has immersive adventure and outdoor experiences [16].
Chikhaldara is the only place for coffee cultivation in Maharashtra.
The hill station is home to one of the only coffee plantations in Maharashtra. Also, the sole hill resort in the Vidarbha region. 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 are 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...
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