About:

The birth place of coffee! That's Chikmagalur for you. This is the ideal breeding ground for these plantations provided by the huge silver oaks. The place is nestled in the Batra Budan hills – amongst valleys and streams. It’s a remarkable experience to get in the midst of these plantations, watching people at work – plucking the coffee berries with grace and speed - and inhale the strong pungent smell of the bean. You would be surprised to know that a Prophet was responsible to have got Chikmagalur a place in the international market. The story goes that a Muslim Saint Baba Budan, brought coffee to India (16th Century) by smuggling a few coffee beans (tucked in his belt) from West Asia and planted them in the hills which is named after him (Baba Budan Hills). Chikmagalur, is now the largest Coffee producer and supplier in the International market.

Fact File:

• Location: Chikmagalur

• District: Karnataka

• Distance: 251 kms from Bangalore

• Altitude (in m): 1,858

• STD code: 08262

• Language: Kannada