Know your coffee!!
A Legacy Rooted in History
Nestled in the scenic hills of Chikmagalur, Karnataka, Thogrihunkal Estatest ands as a testament to India’s coffee heritage. The story of this estate is deeply intertwined with the history, community and tradition of Thogrihunkal, the village it is named after. With its ideal climate and lush landscapes, the estate has cultivated coffee for over a century. Today, it produces premium-quality coffee, under the care of Mr Nandan and his family- eighth-generation coffee cultivators. Thogrihunkal in its essence represents the beauty in the art of growing coffee- it is a combination of innovation and time-honoured techniques. The result? A full-bodied, robust coffee that awakens the senses and transports you to the crisp air of Chikmagalur.
Thogrihunkal Estate- A History of Cultures Woven Into Coffee
The story of Thogrihunkal Estate began in 1857 when Mr Nandan’s great-great-grandfather settled on this land, located about 15-20 kilometres from his hometown. The estate initially had no formal boundaries and was deeply integrated with the local community. It hosted the village's post office, hospital, and school, making it the heart of daily life in Thogrihunkal. The estate and the village soon became synonymous with one another. Over time, these establishments moved out of the estate a few kilometres away, but the name "Thogrihunkal" has endured ever since.
From the Heart of the Estate
What started as a modest 50-60 acre farm grew steadily under the care and vision of successive generations. Mr Nandan’s great-grandfather, TB Male Gowda, played a key role in expanding the estate to over 200 acres, and it continues to expand today. Initially, paddy was the estate's main crop that was grown in the fertile fields below the hills. However, recognising that the soil and temperature were ideal for coffee, much of the paddy land was converted to coffee fields, marking the estate’s transition to an exclusively coffee-producing farm.
Crafting Excellence
The estate is located at an elevation of 3500 - 4200 feet above sea level, ideal for growing both Robusta and Arabica. Today around 80% of the coffee grown here is Arabica, and 20% is Robusta. The estate is managed by Mr. Nandan's family, including his father and his uncle who predominantly focus on the cultivation aspect. Mr Nandan himself takes on the marketing and innovation aspect of the business- he is deeply passionate about processing methods, roasting and most importantly creating a brand that embodies the Thogrihunkal identity.
Patiently Perfected
Currently their coffee is sold under the estate name, focusing on single-origin specialty coffee, as well as their independent brand known as ‘Hunkal Coffee’. From its humble beginnings in 1857 to the creation of a premium coffee brand in the 21st century, the estate has grown and evolved through the dedication of each generation. Mr Nandan Gowda continues to innovate, ensuring that Thogrihunkal remains a symbol of quality and legacy in India’s coffee industry.