Published 12 January 2026
Karnataka
Karnataka is India's largest coffee-growing state, covering Kodagu, Chikmagalur and Hassan. Both arabica and robusta are grown across a wide altitude range, almost always under shade.
Kerala and Tamil Nadu
Kerala's Wayanad belt is historically robusta country, and the Malabar coast is associated with monsooned coffee. Tamil Nadu's Nilgiris, Shevaroys and Pulneys produce arabica shaped by higher elevations.
Emerging regions
Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and parts of the North East are producing increasingly interesting lots as processing and drying practices improve.
What actually changes the cup
- Altitude and shade, which slow cherry development
- Variety, which sets the ceiling on aromatics and body
- Processing — washed, natural, honey or monsooned
- Drying discipline, which decides how stable the coffee is over time