From the comforting aroma of filter coffee in a steel tumbler to the stylish cappuccinos of Bengaluru’s trendy cafés, India’s coffee story is both traditional and modern at the same time. Bengaluru may be the commercial centre of the industry, housing the Coffee Board of India, major exporters, and a thriving café culture, but the true heart of Indian coffee beats in the hills of Coorg. Here, endless green plantations stretch across misty landscapes, and the scent of freshly roasted beans feels like a natural part of the air.
Coorg has earned its reputation as one of India’s finest coffee regions. Its fertile soil, cool climate, and long-standing plantation traditions come together to produce beans known for their rich aroma and deep flavours. Coffee first arrived here in the 19th century, when British planters introduced the crop to the region’s hills. Over time, Coorg grew into one of the country’s most important coffee-producing areas, playing a major role in India’s overall output.
The region’s geography is perfectly suited for coffee cultivation. High altitudes, heavy rainfall, and nutrient-rich soil create ideal conditions for the crop. Coffee plants are often grown under natural shade, sharing space with spices like pepper and cardamom, which add subtle character to the beans.
Coorg is known for producing a wide variety of coffee. Robusta beans from the region are strong, bold, and full-bodied, making them the backbone of South Indian filter coffee. Arabica beans, grown at higher elevations, are smoother, more aromatic, and slightly acidic, often used in specialty brews. The region also produces premium single-origin estate coffees, where each batch reflects the unique climate, soil, and surrounding spices of its plantation.
For visitors, Coorg offers far more than just a good cup of coffee. Plantation walks allow travellers to follow the journey of the bean, from harvesting to roasting. Many estates welcome guests with traditional home-brewed filter coffee served alongside local Kodava meals, creating a warm and authentic experience. There are also charming cafés tucked inside plantations, where freshly roasted single-origin brews can be enjoyed in peaceful, scenic surroundings. In Coorg, coffee is not just a drink—it is a way of life woven into the landscape and culture of the region.
