It won’t be wrong to say that for most of us, starting the day with a freshly brewed cup of coffee is what we look forward to! This beverage has the power to kick-start our day and instantly switch our work-mode on. It’s a beverage over which we socialise, something that is a go-to for an instant mood uplifting.

Coffee production in India is big in the South Indian states; with Karnataka accounting for 71%, followed by Kerala with 21% and Tamil Nadu producing 5%. Indian coffee is said to be the finest coffee grown in the world, with a large part of our production (80%) exported through the Suez Canal to Russia, Spain, Netherlands and France.

Let’s look at where the magic beans are cultivated down South:

Araku Valley, Andhra Pradesh

Araku Valley is a hill station in the Visakhapatnam district of Andhra Pradesh. Spread along the Eastern Ghats, the place is inhabited by different types of tribes that contribute in growing coffee in the region. In fact, the tribals have their own brand of brilliant organic coffee called Araku Emerald. Apparently, the first by a tribe in India. Other regions in Andhra Pradesh where some great coffee is produced are Chintapalli, Paderu and Maredumilli.

Coorg, Karnataka

Coorg is home to many coffee plantations that produce a good amount of the country’s Arabica and Robusta varieties. If you’d like to stay in close proximity of the plantations, then staying in one of the properties or home-stays within these plantations would be a great idea. Some options are Rainforest Retreat at Mojo Plantation, Tata Coffee’s Plantation Trails, Silver Brook Estate, and Comfort Homestay. November is a great time to visit because that’s when berry picking is in full swing.

Chikmagalur, Karnataka

Apparently, Chikmagalur is first place where coffee was introduced in India. Located in the foothills of Mullayanagiri range, it is touted as the coffee land of Karnataka. Its geography and climate makes it one of the largest coffee estates in Karnataka followed by Kodagu, Coorg and Hassan. Kerehaklu Eco Retreat is a great place to stay at because it houses 275 acres of lush green coffee plantation.

Wayanad, Kerala

One of the green, beautiful hills of Malabar region, Wayanad is located in the mountains of the majestic Western Ghats. The pleasant climate here is responsible for the ever-green forests, flowing lakes, some amazing flora and fauna and of course a variety of coffee plantations. The main varieties in the region include Rubusta and Arabica.

Yercaud, Tamil Nadu

The small, young hill station is located in the Shevaroys range of hills in Tamil Nadu. Yercaud is known for its orange groves, and fruit, spice and major coffee plantations. A perfect place to stay is the Glenrock Tea Estates because it’s a property with a fully-functioning coffee estate, which means you can witness the entire coffee-making process with a tour of their plantation. The Nilgiris District, Coonoor and Kodaikanal are other places in Tamil Nadu known for their coffee plantations.

source: http://www.india.com / India / Home> News Travel / by Charu Chowdhary / September 26th, 2018