Sip, savour and wander: Discovering India through its coffee trails

A journey through India's coffee heartlands

Just like diversity in everything else, India is also a land of many flavours and while tea often takes the spotlight, the country’s coffee culture is just as rich and fascinating. Grown mainly in the southern states, Indian coffee is known for its smooth taste and unique aroma and coffee plantations are increasingly offering accommodation options for visitors. For travellers looking for a peaceful escape, coffee tourism offers a perfect mix of relaxation, natural beauty and cultural experiences.

Imagine sipping a hot cup of freshly brewed coffee while sitting in a cottage in the very plantation where the coffee bean was harvested, in the midst of green hills and misty forests.

While tea-tourism has been popular in India for a long while, increasingly coffee estates, too, are creating options for visitors to stay in the plantation and take in the entire experience of coffee cultivation.

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Coffee-growing regions in India are now not just about the drink, they are also about the experience.

With homestays on estates, guided plantation walks and a slower pace of life, these places offer a break from the rush of city living.

Whether you are a coffee lover or someone who enjoys scenic travel, India’s coffee trails are hidden gems waiting to be explored.

Chikkamagaluru, Karnataka

Chikkamagaluru is where coffee was first introduced in India in the 1600s. It is a small hill station, located about 241 km from Bengaluru, and which has become a favourite spot for coffee lovers.

The region is filled with old coffee estates, some of which have been run by the same families for generations. Many estates offer tours that show how coffee is grown, harvested and roasted. With cool weather, waterfalls and green valleys, Chikkamagaluru is an ideal place to unwind with a cup of freshly brewed coffee.

Coorg, Karnataka

Situated about 250 km from Bengaluru, Coorg is a lush green district in the Western Ghats in Karnataka. With mist-covered hills, thick forests and endless coffee plantations, Coorg offers a peaceful escape from busy city life.

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Visitors can stay in cosy homestays on coffee estates, take guided plantation walks and enjoy fresh filter coffee while watching the sunrise over the hills.

The local Kodava culture and delicious home-cooked food add to the charm of this tiny but stunning hill station.

Wayanad, Kerala

Also nestled in the Western Ghats, Wayanad is known for its rich forests and wildlife. Alongside its natural beauty, Wayanad has many coffee and spice plantations.

Travellers can explore these estates, stay in eco-friendly cottages and experience the calm pace of rural life. The fresh mountain air and sounds of nature make coffee breaks here truly special.

It is also a haven for adventure and nature enthusiasts as it boasts hiking trails, birdwatching spots and ancient caves.

Araku Valley, Andhra Pradesh

Araku Valley is a hidden gem in the Eastern Ghats, not far from Visakhapatnam, the state’s capital. It is known for its tribal culture, scenic beauty and organic coffee.

The coffee grown here is cultivated by local tribal farmers and has received international attention for its quality.

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The valley is filled with waterfalls, caves and viewpoints, making it a perfect destination for a quiet and refreshing holiday.

Yercaud, Tamil Nadu

Located in the Shevaroy Hills of Tamil Nadu, about 363 km from Chennai, Yercaud is a peaceful hill station with a pleasant climate all year. Though smaller than other coffee regions, it has a unique charm.

The roads are lined with coffee bushes and many estate owners welcome guests for tours and tastings. Yercaud also has botanical gardens, lakes and viewpoints that offer a relaxing and peaceful break from city life.