History
Like Munnar is to tea in Kerala, that’s how Chikmagalur is to coffee in Karnataka. Chikmagalur is known as “coffee land” of Karnataka although Chikmagalur has tea plantation as well, it is widely known for the coffee plantations. Chikmagalur is a hill station located in Baba Budan Hills and Hassan is the closest town located at a distance of 55 km. Bangalore is at a distance of 251 kms.
The coffee is grown at an altitude between 2,000 and 3,500 ft, with the production of Arabica and Robusta coffee beans. The famous Mysore coffee, which has different looking bluish grey colored long wide beans, and the coffee has a very mild and subtle flavor, is also produced in coffee plantation of Chikmagalur. The exclusivity of Mysore coffee is that it could be blended and used in many forms, as a topping, as a flavor, or topped on a drink or it could be blended with coffee from another region.
Known for its coffee plantation, the view from the hills is splendid, with views of the valleys and white blossoms of coffee plantation and streams. The tourists and visitors can take walk and stroll through the private coffee estates. The aroma and the whiff of coffee in the air is a treat for the senses and it’s a must visit for all the coffee lovers.
The privately owned coffee estates in Chikmagalur allow visitors to take guided tours through the plantations and you can witness the many stages of the production of coffee. There are various home-stays available within the coffee estates, where guests can live and breathe coffee. It’s an experience that is most recommended for coffee fanatics, and you can buy plenty of fresh coffee beans to take home with you.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Chikmagalur is between September and March, as the weather is pleasant.
Trivia
Coffee was first introduced in India through Chikmagalur, where the first coffee blossom was grown in Baba Budan Hills in 1670 A.D by a saint Baba Budan.
The coffee plantation in Chikmagalur is also famous for the subtle, aromatic Mysore Coffee Beans.
Timing
There is no timing to visit the plantation, but if you want to enjoy the scenery and the view, and have a look at the production process of coffee, its best to visit it during the day, when the work is going on.