Attikan was founded by Randolph Morris, a Scotsman who is believed to have ridden on horseback from Coonoor in the Nilgiris to the Biligiri Rangan Hills. Currently, it is nurtured and managed by Mr. and Mrs. Appadurai of Sangameshwar Coffee Estates. The name Attikan originates from the vast range of wild Fig trees which exist on the estate and influence the coffees with their unique flavors. The farm is situated at the highest altitude where coffee is cultivated in South India. Being flanked by a reserve forest home to tigers, leopards, elephants, Indian gaur, black bear, spotted deer, and wild native fauna, along with natural wind belts, helps Attikan maintain its pristine nature.
Bisal Munti Farm, a cherished family-owned coffee estate in Malavalli, Karnataka, India, is nestled at an altitude of 650 meters above sea level. The farm employs a unique agroforestry system where coffee thrives under the shade of Areca nut and pepper vines, creating a harmonious canopy that enhances the coffee's quality. Central to their sustainable farming ethos, Bisal Munti Farm utilizes Jeevamrutha, a potent bio-fertilizer crafted from cow dung, urine, and organic materials. This natural blend nourishes the coffee plants, fostering healthy growth without relying on synthetic chemicals. Additionally, the farm employs weed mats to manage weed growth, maintaining the soil's health and optimizing crop growth.
Craigmore Estate, managed by the third generation, was originally named by British planters and locally known as "Kattimuttu," translating to Bison, reflecting occasional visits by Bison. Cultivation includes Arabica, Robusta, Pepper, Avocados, and Arecanut, with plans to add Moringa, Pomelo, and Grapefruit since 2017. Farokh focuses on soil health with 700 native tree species and maintains Malnad Gidda cattle for Vermicompost and Organic compost. The estate employs 23 full-time staff, led by a Supervisor, with regular consultant visits, aiming to steward the land for future generations.
Located at 906 meters above sea level in Chikmagalur District, India, Ghattadahally Estate spans 170 acres of hilly and flat terrain within the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot. Nurtured by the Uday family for over 200 years, currently in its 7th generation under Swaroop Balakrishna Uday, the estate specializes in high-quality, single-origin Arabica and Robusta coffee grown sustainably. Emphasizing eco-friendly practices, Ghattadahally Estate uses shade-grown methods, handpicking, and sun-drying of coffee beans, avoiding pesticides and herbicides to preserve the ecosystem. The estate's forest-like canopy of ancient native trees supports diverse flora and fauna, promoting biodiversity conservation.
Gungegiri Estate is located in the captivating Chandra-Drona(Baba Budangiri) hills region of Chikmagalur district. The place is blessed with abundant rainfall and gets its name from the various streams that originate from the hill. The coffee grown here is primarily arabica and all of it is grown under the shade of native trees like Ficus altissima, Terminalia Bellerica and supports a lot of wildlife which the estate management is committed to coexisting with and protecting.
Located in Chikmagalur, Indravathi estate cultivates a diverse range of coffee varieties including Arabica SLN 795, SLN 9, Cauvery, Chandragiri, and Robusta Old Peridenia and C x R. Situated at 1200 meters above sea level on 240 acres, the estate is adorned with over 50 species of jungle trees and supports abundant wildlife. Ongoing wildlife and forest research projects underscore their commitment to environmental stewardship. Coffee processing at Indravathi estate includes Washed, Naturals, and Honey Sundried methods, ensuring a variety of distinct flavors. The estate has embraced sustainability with organic practices, water harvesting ponds, and initiatives to enhance biodiversity by coexisting with local wildlife. They promote soil health through increased vermi-compost production.
Komala estate, owned by Shyam Ponnappa, stands at 937 meters elevation in a prime northern zone, ideal for Arabica and Robusta coffee. With slopes of 5 – 10 degrees, it preserves soil and moisture naturally. Part of the Luckery since the 1930s, it hosts Arabica coffee and Pepper under shade trees, fostering biodiversity. Shyam, leveraging generations of expertise, transitioned to high-yield Robusta since 2017 amid rising costs. A skilled team handpicks and processes ripe berries with new equipment installed in 2014, enhancing efficiency and quality. Emphasizing sustainability, the estate ensures a lasting coffee legacy through environmental, social, and economic practices.
Founded by British brothers WL Crawford and CS Crawford in 1890, Kondadkan at Sangameshwar Coffee Estates embodies the essence of 'Vana,' a name synonymous with a paradise of lush jungle trees, vibrant birdlife, bees, and insects. The landscape at Kondakan is an expansive, visually striking natural forest that overlooks the serene backwaters of the Lakholi dam. The estate's abundant shade trees play a pivotal role in moderating sunlight intensity, combating drought effects, and regulating moisture levels crucial for coffee cultivation. These trees also contribute significantly to soil regeneration, creating an ideal environment for growing coffee.
Madhu Agro Plantation is a family-owned and operated coffee farm in the Koraput region of Odisha, India. It was founded in 1998 by T. Nirmala Reddy and her late husband, T. Govinda Reddy. Their daughter Raji now helps Nirmala run the farm. The plantation is spread over 45 acres and grows Arabica coffee varietals, including Cauvery, Selection 9, Selection 795, Selection 5B, Chandragiri, Kent, and Robusta. The plantation has faced many challenges over the years, including a cyclone that destroyed many of the trees in 2014. However, the family has persevered and the plantation is now thriving. The team is committed to sustainable practices and employs local tribal communities, providing them with a source of income.
Situated in Chikmagalur, Sai Ashirwad estate is renowned for cultivating a diverse array of coffees, including Arabica SLN 795, SLN 9, Cauvery, Chandragiri, and Robusta Old Peridenia and CxR. The farm proudly holds organic certification, reflecting its commitment to sustainable agricultural practices. Beyond coffee, Sai Ashirwad estate is a sanctuary of flora, fauna, and wildlife. It is home to Indian Gaur, spotted deer, barking deer, wild boar, Malabar Giant squirrel, crested serpent eagle, and more, thriving within its natural habitat. The estate boasts its own processing unit and dry yards, ensuring meticulous handling of coffee beans from harvest to final preparation. Furthermore, established water harvesting ponds underscore their dedication to environmental stewardship and resource conservation.
With a heritage spanning six generations and 150 years, this estate's deep commitment to coffee and the environment is evident. They pioneered coffee tourism 13 years ago, offering interactive tours, workshops, and sustainability initiatives like eco-friendly farming and biodiversity conservation. Beyond education, they focus on conserving water and supporting local communities. The estate serves as a sanctuary for coffee enthusiasts, preserving natural habitats while driving innovation in coffee tourism and environmental stewardship.
Two years ago, we identified 5 farms in the Pushpagiri Range producing Arabica and Robusta, along with native peppercorn, citrus fruits, and cardamom varieties. By 2024, we expanded our collaboration to over 8 farms in this region. Pushpagiri, also known as Subramanya Hills or Kumaraparvatha, is Kodagu's second-highest peak and Karnataka's fourth highest. The coffee is sourced from Sirangalli, where farms range from 1 to 8 acres. Most farmers work with their families in a shade-grown, agroforestry environment featuring a first-tier canopy of jungle trees, native species, and fruit trees.
In South Coorg, Karnataka, the K.C. Achaiah family cultivates Arabica and Robusta coffee using a shade-grown agroforestry approach. This method not only enhances coffee quality but also preserves local biodiversity. Each ripe coffee berry is handpicked, processed through a traditional wet mill, and meticulously washed to refine its unique flavors. Committed to sustainability, they maintain natural tree growth, striking a balance between productivity and environmental stewardship. Their efforts not only yield exceptional coffee but also foster a thriving local environment and community, embodying a legacy of excellence in coffee cultivation.
Upper Udaya Estate in Coorg, India, at 1,100 meters elevation, cultivates Arabica BBTC Selection, Peridenia, CxR, and 274 varieties across 50 coffee-covered acres. It features a washing station, mechanical dryer, and a lush landscape with diverse trees like silver oak, mahogany, nandi, and red cedar, enhancing biodiversity. The estate hosts wildlife such as bison, porcupines, wild boars, squirrels, and various bird species including parrots, woodpeckers, mynas, and drongos. Bats also inhabit the area, adding to its natural diversity and ecosystem richness.