Coffee Estates and Trails in Coorg | A Lohono Guide

Are you someone who wakes up and goes, “Where’s my coffee?” If you need a caffeine boost to start your day, you must visit Coorg, India’s coffee paradise. Sprawling estates with lush plantations and the aroma of fresh brews, private guided walks that take you from bean to brew, you will have a gala time exploring and might just find a new local favourite! Not sure, how to go on coffee trails in Coorg? We bring you all the details right here! 

Top Coffee Estates in Coorg Every Coffee Lover Must Visit

Coffee and Coorg are a pair that goes back to the 17th century. Coffee beans arrived via a smuggling route from Yemen by Baba Budan. These beans were planted in the Chandragiri hills of Chikmagalur and since then the favourable climate helped the plantation. The Britishers decided to capitalise on this and thus coffee plantations expanded in Coorg, now contributing to the country’s exports. 

Here are some of the must-visit Coffee Estates in Coorg:

Hematala Estate

A pleasant mix of coffee and spice plantations, you can enjoy a long private guided coffee tour with the owners themselves. Showing off their beautiful location in a lush forest, it is one of the most enchanting experiences that every coffee lover would enjoy. 

For a wholesome experience with a stay, homecooked local meals and other activities, you should plan a getaway in Coorg at Whispering Waters. This home is nestled within 25 acres of the coffee estate and private coffee trails are just one of the many activities you can enjoy here. On this coffee trail, you can also pack a picnic to enjoy snacks by the riverside stream of Harangi River. 

Tata Coffee Plantation

Located in Pollibetta, it is one of the most renowned coffee estates in Coorg. It is a picturesque landscape spread over acres of land. Offering regular tours for visitors, you can learn the entire process of how a good brew is made. 

Karagunda Coffee Plantation

Perched 3,400 ft above the ground, you will be welcomed with a pleasant aroma of coffee. Established by a British planter who brought plants from Africa, it is now owned by a local family. Producing some of the finest coffee from the region, you will find a variety of beans on the estate. Enjoy the lush green fields with a sweet melody of birds on your trail. 

Mercara Gold Estate

This is one of the oldest coffee estates in Coorg and offers a comprehensive experience of coffee growing. It has a museum detailing the history of coffee in the world and a cafe where you can taste the locally produced fresh brews.  The estate produces high-quality Arabica, Robusta, and Liberica beans, using a wet-processing facility introduced in 2008. It also houses an integrated roasting complex, ensuring freshly roasted, boutique-style coffee.

When is the best time to visit Coorg for coffee plantation trails?

The best time to visit Coorg for coffee plantation trails is between October to April. The weather is pleasant so you can go on longer walks, understand coffee harvesting and learn about the processing. Between November to January is when the processing takes place. 

Which is the best coffee plantation to visit in Coorg?

There are several private coffee estates in and around Coorg. For a wholesome experience, you should plan a getaway at Whispering Waters. You can mingle along with the planters and learn more details about the coffee varieties grown here. Other than that, you can also enjoy short treks, golfing, birdwatching, riverside picnics and more.