Chikmagalur
Chikmagalur is the birthplace of Indian coffee and a guided tour through its shade-grown Arabica and Robusta coffee estates is an absolute must-do experience. Walking between rows of coffee plants heavy with red cherries, learning the traditional pulping and sun-drying process, and sitting down to a freshly brewed cup of estate coffee at source is one of the most sensory and satisfying experiences in Karnataka tourism.
Book plantation tours directly with estate homestays for a more authentic experience than commercial tour operators. Many estates also offer coffee-making workshops.