The story of coffee in Coorg dates back to the 17th Century when the first coffee plants were brought to the region by the legendary Baba Budan. He smuggled seven coffee beans from Yemen and planted them on the Baba Budan Giri range, which kick started India’s tryst with coffee. However, it was during British colonial rule in the 19th Century that coffee cultivation saw significant expansion in Coorg. The British recognized the region’s favourable climate and soil conditions, and soon, coffee plantations in Coorg became a prominent feature of the landscape.

Coorg’s coffee plantations flourished under the meticulous care of estate owners, who introduced modern cultivation techniques and processing methods. Today, Coorg stands as one of the largest coffee-producing regions in India, contributing significantly to the country’s coffee exports. The traditional methods of growing coffee are still practiced in some estates, preserving the authenticity and charm of this delightful beverage.

The Coorg Coffee Saga

From Smuggled Beans to Lush Plantations