Estate Diaries
1. Thogarihunkal Estate, Chikmagalur
Altitude: 3500-4000ft ASL
"The love affair began in 1857."
In the slopes of outer Giris in the Western Ghat region of Karnataka at a place called Chikmagalur, which didn't exist on the important trading map till coffee sprouted on its terrain.
A place blessed with an average 75-inch rainfall, a young TB Malle Gowda with the help of the British discovered that he can grow the finest Arabica beans. The love for coffee further brewed in his son TB Nagesh. Today, 150 Years later, coffee is infused in the bloodline of The Thogarihunkal Estate Group.
2. Rasulpur Estate, Coorg
Altitude : 2580ft ASL
“5th generation coffee planters showcasing the best of shade grown, hand picked, certified, traceable, single origin, specialty coffees of India."
Coffee here is shade grown under very high organic carbon, the estate maintains natural forest species of trees along with plenty of fruit and other shade trees providing 60% shade, some areas have even more shade and a very high biodiversity. They use both organic and inorganic fertilisers the average yield at rasulpur estate is about 30-40 bags of cherry/acre.
Wildlife thrives in the estates where the elephants, peacocks, deer & civet cats are regular visitors, whereas panthers and tigers visit occasionally.
3. Harley Estate, Hassan
Altitude : 3400ft ASL
Golden Wood, is part of one of India's best coffee plantations, the famous 800 acre Harley Estate. Built as a nod to the ecology and diversity that comes with the Male-Nadu region (land of rain and hills) or Malnad that rests in the maiestic Western Ghats of Karnataka India.
“A land of glorious heritage, exquisite culture, and great hospitality."
Situated in Sakleshpur in the historic Maniarabad region Harley Estate dates back to the early 1860's and it is within one of the world's most eco-sensitive hotspots.
Golden Wood takes advantage of the beautiful flora and fauna of the estate and gives you an opportunity to be part of a magical setting. The estate receives an annual rainfall of 125 inches, making it ideal for crops such as coffee, cocoa, banana, areca, coconut, cardamom and pepper.
Carefully planted between native and jungle shade trees, this natural spread not only provides an ecological and sustainable growth to crops but also helps in preserving both the environment and wildlife, including endemic species. This landscape is home to over 250 types of resident birds identified in the region so far), and various other wild life including Elephants!
At Golden Wood, We recognise and respect this diversity and take pride in being sustainable and ecologically friendly as well. Our power is generated hydraulically at one of the gushing waterfalls on the estate, or by solar energy. We take it a notch higher by ensuring that the delicious meals you are served are made from produce grown organically on the plantation.