Mercara Gold Estate Coffee Plantation Coorg
Immerse yourself in Coorg's coffee culture with guided tours, a fascinating museum, and aromatic spice gardens.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Freshest aromas and cooler temperatures.
Mercara Gold Estate Coffee Plantation Coorg
Best Time
Freshest aromas and cooler temperatures.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Immerse yourself in Coorg's coffee culture with guided tours, a fascinating museum, and aromatic spice gardens.
"A must-try for coffee lovers and anyone curious about the journey behind their morning brew."
☕ Plantation Tour Fee
Expect around Rs. 200 for the guided plantation tour.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Essential for walking through the plantation, especially if it's wet.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Guided Coffee Plantation Tour
Mercara Gold Estate
Explore the lush greenery, learn about coffee cultivation from bean to cup, and discover local spices.
Coffee Museum
Mercara Gold Estate
A well-made museum detailing the history and process of coffee in India and globally.
Spice Garden Exploration
Mercara Gold Estate
Wander through aromatic spice gardens alongside coffee plants, experiencing the rich biodiversity.
Freshly Brewed Coffee Tasting
Mercara Gold Estate Cafe
Savor the rich aroma and taste of freshly brewed coffee, a perfect end to your plantation visit.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Coffee Tour in Advance
Prepare for Nature's Embrace
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
☕ Plantation Tour Fee
Expect around Rs. 200 for the guided plantation tour.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Essential for walking through the plantation, especially if it's wet.
🦟 Be Mosquito-Ready
Carry repellent, especially if visiting during or after the monsoon.
🛍️ Buy Local Products
Reasonably priced coffee, spices, and wines are available for purchase.
Tips
from all over the internet
☕ Plantation Tour Fee
Expect around Rs. 200 for the guided plantation tour.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Essential for walking through the plantation, especially if it's wet.
🦟 Be Mosquito-Ready
Carry repellent, especially if visiting during or after the monsoon.
🛍️ Buy Local Products
Reasonably priced coffee, spices, and wines are available for purchase.
🐾 Pet-Friendly Option
This plantation welcomes pets, just ensure cleanliness.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Mercara Gold Estate for its informative coffee plantation tours and the opportunity to learn about coffee cultivation from bean to cup. The knowledgeable guides, the well-curated museum, and the chance to taste fresh coffee are frequently highlighted positives. Some guests noted that the restaurant's thali could be more varied and that the coffee processing unit infrastructure could be improved.
"An excellent experience. Breath fresh in the secluded coffee plantation alongwith an excellent guided tour about the history and cultivation of coffee. Upon reaching the estate we were treated to a sumptuous kodavu thali after which, Mr. Kareem took us on a detailed tour in the coffee estate and the museum describing the A to Z of coffee in India and around the world, followed by a steaming cup of filter coffee. Must try for people visiting Coorg. A different experience altogether. Highly recommended."
Kunal Mukherjee
"Took a tour and had lunch at their restaurant. The Thali at the restaurant was authentic but it felt like it needed a little more variety.
The coffee processing unit during the tour needs better infrastructure. The museum is very well made."
Sid
"A very good coffee tour with a knowledgeable and friendly guide who explained the entire process of coffee making — from the plantation to the final cup. It was fascinating to learn about how coffee is grown, harvested, processed, and roasted. The guide also shared interesting facts and answered all our questions patiently. The aroma of fresh coffee beans and the opportunity to taste freshly brewed coffee made the experience even more special. Highly recommended for coffee lovers and anyone curious about the journey behind their morning brew."
Soma Das
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Mercara Gold Estate is located about 8 km from Madikeri Fort. You can hire a taxi or use ride-sharing services to reach the plantation.
Yes, it's a well-known spot. Following GPS or asking locals will guide you easily to the estate.
Taxis and auto-rickshaws are readily available in Madikeri. For a more personalized experience, consider hiring a car for the day to explore multiple sites, including the plantation.
While direct public transport might be limited, you can take a bus to Madikeri and then hire a local taxi or auto-rickshaw to reach the plantation.
The plantation involves walking on uneven terrain. While the museum is accessible, the field visit might be challenging for those with significant mobility issues.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the estate grounds is generally free. However, there is a fee for the guided plantation tour, which is highly recommended.
The plantation tour typically costs around Rs. 200 per person.
The estate is usually open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. It's always a good idea to confirm timings before your visit.
While not always mandatory, booking in advance is advisable, especially during peak tourist seasons, to secure your spot.
Information on specific discounts is not widely available. It's best to inquire directly with the estate management for group bookings or family packages.
🎫 ☕ Onsite Experience
The tour includes a walk through the coffee and spice plantations, learning about cultivation, harvesting, processing, and a visit to the coffee museum. You'll also get to taste freshly brewed coffee.
The complete experience, including the tour and museum visit, typically takes about 1 to 1.5 hours.
Yes, there is a cafe and a retail shop where you can purchase coffee, spices, chocolates, and wines. Some visitors have enjoyed the Kodavu Thali served here.
Absolutely! The estate offers a variety of their own products, including coffee beans, ground coffee, spices, and wines, often at reasonable prices.
It's generally not advisable for infants due to the risk of leeches and mosquitoes. The terrain can also be challenging for very young children.
📸 📸 Photography
The lush green plantations, coffee beans, spices, and scenic views offer numerous picturesque spots for photography.
Look for areas with dense coffee plants, spice bushes, and scenic viewpoints within the estate. The museum also offers interesting visual elements.
Drone usage policies can vary. It's best to check with the estate management beforehand to ensure compliance with any regulations.
Nature photography, close-ups of coffee beans and spices, and landscape shots are very popular.
Photography rules inside the museum might vary. It's advisable to check for signage or ask staff before taking pictures.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider bringing child-friendly insect repellent and ensuring everyone wears sturdy shoes. The museum provides a good indoor activity if the weather turns. The opportunity to purchase local chocolates can also be a great incentive for younger visitors.
☕ Coffee Connoisseurs
Don't miss the opportunity to purchase premium coffee beans from the estate shop. Many visitors rave about the quality and freshness. The museum also offers a historical perspective that deepens appreciation for the beverage.
🚶♀️ Nature & Photography Enthusiasts
Beyond the visual appeal, the aroma of coffee and spices creates a rich sensory experience. The relatively uncrowded nature of the plantation, especially during off-peak hours, allows for a peaceful and immersive exploration of the natural beauty.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Journey of Coffee: From Bean to Cup
Beyond coffee, the estate is also a vibrant spice garden. As you walk through, you'll encounter the aromatic presence of various spices grown alongside the coffee plants. This biodiversity adds another layer to the sensory experience of the plantation. The coffee museum further enriches this understanding, providing historical context and detailed information about coffee's journey across India and the globe.
Many visitors find the tour to be incredibly informative and engaging, especially for coffee enthusiasts. The knowledgeable guides are adept at explaining complex processes in an accessible manner and are happy to answer questions. The opportunity to taste freshly brewed coffee at the end of the tour is a delightful conclusion, allowing you to savor the fruits of their labor.
Beyond the Brew: What Else to Experience
For those who enjoy local cuisine, the estate's restaurant has been noted for serving an authentic Kodavu Thali. While some reviews suggest it could benefit from more variety, it offers a taste of traditional Coorgi flavors. This culinary experience complements the overall immersion into the local culture and produce of the region.
Mercara Gold Estate is also recognized as a pet-friendly destination. This means you can bring your furry companions along for the visit, provided you maintain cleanliness. This aspect makes it an inclusive spot for travelers who don't want to leave their pets behind, allowing both humans and animals to enjoy the natural surroundings.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit