Our estates are mostly spread across hundreds and thousands of acres in and around the Ghats. Situated at high altitudes, and on the fringes of deep forests, they all have stories and secrets to tell – be it a hermit and his heritage, the exquisite flora and fauna, the call of the wild or the water bodies that surround the estates, or the planters (both Indian and British) who have painstakingly nurtured and protected the coffees and the wildlife around. Interestingly, though many of the estates have moved several ownerships, the ethereal essence prevails. We have continued this tradition of preserving this beauty, by ensuring that the people who tend to the estates are those from the region itself.

Another unique feature of these estates, focus around their ownership. Several of them fringe around deep forests, and abound in wildlife. Along with coffee, spices and fruits are also produced. Call it the magic of the land, all these forms of life co-exist in perfect harmony.

The Coffee Day Group salutes the enduring spirit of this harmonious existence. Read about our estates and their unique stories.

Kathlekhan Estate

History is replete with folklore at Kathlekhan (a word that means dark forests in Kannada, the local language of the region) Estates, the origin of which is traced back to 1832. Owned by Coffee Day, we make every effort to preserve its pristine beauty amidst the wilderness. Situated in the Baba Budan range, at an altitude of 3000- 3500 feet on the periphery of one of the remotest forests, and surrounded by shola forests, Bhadra wildlife sanctuary and the reservoir, the land is ripe for coffee cultivation. The forests surrounding the estates are home to wild animals - tigers, bisons, panthers and elephants. The estate is rich in bamboo bushes, pepper vines, arecanut trees, rich deciduous trees and beehives lending a bounce to the life in the wilderness. The coffee berries are handpicked by a tribe that specializes in the profession. As we are dependent on the expertise of our berry pickers, their welfare is high on our agenda. The estate runs a school for the children, a hospital and provides free electricity to all the houses. Amidst all this, the charm of a bygone era can still be felt in the form of the preservation of antiquity - an age old natural huge pond, a British bungalow and Columbian pulping machine, still treasured.

The Kathlekhan Estate is also known for growing single origin coffee (coffee procured from beans grown in a single location) which goes by the name of ‘Dark Forest’. Single origin coffees have a uniformity of flavor and richness, one of the parameters of quality. Kathlekhan is also bereft of chicory, which only goes on to enrich its purity. The specialty coffee beans are grown in high altitudes and harvested with precision. No surprises as to why the Estate received the award of specialty coffee producer from Coffee Board of India.

Devadarshini Estate

Situated at an altitude of 2600-3000 feet, Devadarshini Estate produces Robusta coffee along with an abundant produce of vanilla. Robusta (harvested mostly in India and Africa) beans used mostly in instant coffee are harvested here.

The association of the concept of ‘divinity’ with Devadarshini Estate is profound. Situated near the Bhadra wildlife sanctuary and the river, Devadarshini as the Kannada word suggests is ‘a place where one meets the divine’. The estate draws its name from the temple of Lord Shiva (Hindu God), built in the 12 century AD by Basavanna the spiritual guru of Lingayats (a small community in Karnataka, who are followers of Lord Shiva). Wild life is vibrant – tigers, panthers and bison roam around the forest area, adding life to the land, steeped in age. A quaint statue of Nandi (the bull of Lord Shiva) and a shrine for Goddess Chowdi (the reigning deity of estate workers) contribute to its timelessness. Pepper, oranges, paddy and areca nuts are grown, adding richness to the output of crop.

Kudregundi Estate

Situated at an elevation of 2500-3600 feet, both Arabica and Robusta beans are grown here, including products like areca nut, vanilla, pepper, and oranges. The Kudregundi estate has an interesting and picturesque association, steeped in myth and history. The estate takes its name from Kudre the Kannada word for horse and Gundi for pit. The legendary warrior Tipu Sultan was supposed to have triumphantly marched through the deep forest corridors during the second Mysore War (1782 A.D), and built a temporary resting fort for his men and horses. The horses that fell in the battle were buried here. According to folklore, once can hear hoof beats in the quiet stillness of the night.

The estate itself comprises four blocks. The Basava temple (dedicated to the Bull, the vehicle of the Hindu Lord Shiva) is located at Kanive Block. Prayers are held every year for showers around Ugadi, the new year’s day for people in South India. Home to wild boars, deer and different species of birds, especially the mynah (known for its talking abilities) and the peacocks, the estate and forests bustle with life. The Hulige Halla waterfalls are attractions to visitors.

Halasoor Estate

Situated at an elevation of 2400 – 3100 feet, the fertility in Halasoor Estate is most suited to grow Robusta beans, along with vanilla, pepper and oranges. Known to be one of the oldest British properties near the Bhadra Forest, this is now part of the Coffee Day Estates. As this a deciduous forest area, it has trees which are more than a hundred years old. Wild animals like wild boar and bison roam around freely, around the Bhadra river and forests.

Girikhan Estate

One of the oldest estates, Girikhan is situated near Attigundi, a pilgrim place around hills. Situated at an altitude of 2600-3000 feet, the estate is home to Arabica and Robusta beans, including an abundance of pepper and arecanut. The estate is rich in water resources, including many picturesque water falls dotting the region. Wild boars and panthers roam around, and even bison visit the estate for a night’s rest.

Kurkunmutty Estate

Rajagiri and Sannkhan Estates are situated at an elevation of 3000-4500 feet near Kemmanna Gundi hills, around the Baba Budan region. At such a high altitude, the scenic surroundings are really amazing. The region is best suited for growing Arabica coffee beans and pepper. The estate is steeped in shola forests and exquisite flora. As it is close to the Bhadra wildlife sanctuary, wild animals like the boar, panthers, elephants and a special variety of deer can be spotted. Waterfalls and streams enliven the scenic beauty. An Enfield bullet and the Kemmannagundi Hills are other attractions.