Coorg, located in Karnataka, India, is a captivating place known for its abundant green landscapes, hilly terrain, and the delightful aroma of coffee plantations. This region, which is situated in one of India’s leading coffee-producing states, is a perfect destination for both coffee enthusiasts and nature lovers. Coorg’s long-standing tradition of cultivating coffee, its breathtaking scenery, and the warm hospitality of its people have rightfully earned it the title of India’s Coffee Capital.
In fact, when it comes to coffee production in India, the majority of it happens in the hilly areas of South Indian states, with Karnataka being the leader, responsible for 71% of the country’s coffee production, and Coorg alone contributing a significant 40% to that total.
In simple terms, the history of coffee in Coorg goes back to the 17th Century when legendary Baba Budan brought the first coffee plants to the area. He got seven coffee beans from Yemen and planted them in the Baba Budan Giri range, which marked the beginning of coffee in India. But it was during the 19th Century when the British were in charge and coffee farming in Coorg really took off. The British realized that the climate and soil in Coorg were perfect for coffee, so they started a lot of coffee plantations, and they became a big part of Coorg’s landscape.
Coorg’s coffee farms thrived because the estate owners took great care of them. They used modern techniques to grow and process coffee. Nowadays, Coorg is one of India’s biggest coffee-producing areas, and it plays a big role in India’s coffee exports. Some estates still use traditional methods to grow coffee, which keeps the original and delightful taste of this beverage alive.
Coorg’s coffee plantations focus on sustainable and eco-friendly farming methods. This means the coffee you get from there is not only tasty but also safe from pesticides and chemicals.
In the coffee-rich region of Coorg, India, which is not far from Bengaluru, during February, you’ll discover many coffee trees covered in red and green berries. Each of these berries contains two green beans inside. These beans are carefully chosen, sorted, and roasted in small batches to preserve their unique flavours and aromas, resulting in an outstanding cup of coffee.
Many of the delicious and fragrant coffee beans come from coffee plantations in Karnataka. These beans are harvested, dried, roasted, and ground to create the perfect cup of coffee you hold in your hands.