Chikmagalur coffee: India's arabica heartland
5 min read
Chikmagalur, in Karnataka's Western Ghats, is where coffee first took root in India and remains the country's best-known arabica region. Estates grow arabica on higher slopes and robusta lower down, under dense shade. Expect chocolate, caramel and fruit, with many estates also making experimental lots. Chikmagalur Arabica received a GI tag in 2019.
Chikmagalur is a district of steep hills, deep valleys and thick forest, including the Baba Budan range and Mullayanagiri, Karnataka's highest peak. Coffee grows here at a wide range of heights, from lower robusta land to high arabica estates. India's Central Coffee Research Institute sits at Balehonnur in the district.
The region is known for classic Indian arabica: chocolate, caramel, a little spice and gentle fruit in washed lots, with jammy berry in naturals. Many estates here have led India's move into anaerobic and other experimental processing. Well-known names include Ratnagiri Estate and Baarbara Estate.
Most-listed estates in our catalog
| Estate | Roasters | Who roasts it | Price per 100 g |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ratnagiri Estate | 22 | Bean By Nation, Bitter Waters Coffee, Blue Tokai Coffee, Boojee Cafe, BrewClan Coffee Roasters, Broot Coffee +16 | ₹225–₹840 |
| Baarbara Estate | 16 | Baarbara Coffee, Bean By Nation, Blue Tokai Coffee, Boojee Cafe, BrewClan Coffee Roasters, Caarabi Coffee +10 | ₹181–₹675 |
| Salawara Estate | 10 | Bloom Coffee Roasters, Blue Tokai Coffee, Coffee Ideas (Formerly Marc's Coffee), Corridor Seven Coffee Roasters, El Bueno Coffee, Half Light Coffee Roasters +4 | ₹170–₹500 |
| Attikan Estate | 8 | Beachville Coffee Roasters, Bean By Nation, Blue Tokai Coffee, BrewClan Coffee Roasters, Coffee Plus, El Bueno Coffee +2 | ₹100–₹490 |
| Melkodige Estate | 8 | Bloom Coffee Roasters, Broot Coffee, Corridor Seven Coffee Roasters, El Bueno Coffee, G-Shot Coffee Roastery, Korebi Coffee +2 | ₹255–₹490 |
| Ammikulavi Estate | 6 | Bare Bean Roastery, Broot Coffee, Caffinary, Hill Groove Coffee, Roastudio, The Aroma Fusion Coffee Roasters | ₹310–₹550 |
| Kerehaklu Estate | 6 | Beachville Coffee Roasters, Bloom Coffee Roasters, Broot Coffee, El Bueno Coffee, G-Shot Coffee Roastery, Subko Specialty Coffee Roasters | ₹308–₹540 |
| Harley Estate | 6 | Classic Coffees, El Bueno Coffee, Hill Groove Coffee, Karma Kaapi, Naivo Coffee, Rossette Coffee | ₹212–₹625 |
| Gungegiri Estate | 5 | Bloom Coffee Roasters, Coffee Plus, KaffaCerrado, Rossette Coffee, Siolim Coffee | ₹340–₹490 |
| Moganad Estate | 4 | Beachville Coffee Roasters, Bloom Coffee Roasters, Hill Groove Coffee, Korebi Coffee | ₹360–₹400 |
In-stock coffees from the same named estate, sold by different roasters. Click an estate to compare them.
Tip: Chikmagalur coffees suit almost any brewer. Start with a washed medium roast on a pour-over, then try a natural from the same estate.
From Chikmagalur
See all →
Double Fermentation Green Coffee Beans
Balanoor Plantations - Hybrid - Washed - Chikmagalur - Light Roast
Unakki Estate
Chikmagalur on the origins map →
Questions
Is Chikmagalur arabica or robusta?
Both, but it is best known for arabica.
When is harvest in Chikmagalur?
Arabica is broadly picked from around November to January, with robusta following.
Is Baba Budangiri part of Chikmagalur?
Yes. Baba Budangiri is a hill range in Chikmagalur district, often listed separately.
Read next
Baba Budangiri: where Indian coffee began
The hills where, legend says, the first coffee seeds in India were planted. What grows there now.
Coorg vs Chikmagalur vs Araku: which to buy?
India's three best-known coffee names compared: where they are, what they grow and how they taste.
Same estate, different roaster: why they taste different
Two bags from the same farm can taste miles apart. Roast style, freshness and resting explain most of it.
Which coffee varieties are grown in India?
Kent, S795, Sln 9, Chandragiri and more. The plants behind Indian coffee and what each brings to the cup.