Category Archives: Business & Economy

Coffee, mountain views, estate walks: The best plantation stays in Coorg

Business & Economy, Records, All, Travel, Tourism & Homestays (wef. Oct 03rd, 2021), , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Across Coorg, estate owners are opening up their beautiful homes to guests. A local shares her favourite stays.

Early mornings  are the busiest hours on the plantations across Coorg. Through the year plantation activities like coffee, pepper and cardamom picking carry on, followed by drying, pulping and roasting that mark the end of the crop harvest. As I walk through the estate, the pulped coffee bean emits a peculiar fermented smell. It eventually grows on you. Soon, with the season of sprinkling and irrigation will deliver a beautiful coffee blossom, and scents of mogra and jasmine will fill the air. It is at times like this when I feel prosperous and grateful for this abundance as a farmer on my estate.

Indian robusta coffee in Coorg /  Pixeled moments/Adobe Stock

There is nothing more fulfilling than enjoying the fruits and crops of your own land. My grandmother would make marmalade from the kaipuli (bitter oranges) on our estate, butterfruit (avocado) with sugar was dessert in the monsoon, rice from our paddy fields made for putts and for tea time she made the best baalé nurk (banana fritters).

By sunset, we’d have to return home from a long day’s work; the fear of wild animals kept us and continues to keep us indoors after dark. The fire is lit to bathe in the traditional bath areas called gudda (with firewood heated water) and cooking for the night commences. Sights of fireflies in the summer and the sounds of crickets in the monsoon are the alarms to finally call it a night on the plantation.

Amni / The Avocado Cows

Most plantation homes are secretly tucked away in the middle of coffee estates and wild foliage. Over here, our nearest neighbour is kilometres away, and roads can be inaccessible. Jeeps and heavy vehicles are our means of transport, gumboots and leeches are our friends, and dogs on the estate are our protectors from wildlife attacking our crops. Over time, plantation owners in Coorg have gone from entertaining friends, relatives and neighbours to extending their hospitality to guests. Homes have expanded, there’s often an annexe, and guests are invited to stay and experience the traditional ‘Coorg life’. Those who used to cook up a storm and have a heaving table for friends and family are now creating food and immersive experiences for guests. Most of these homes, built in Kodava-colonial or traditional styles, have recently become my benchmark for the old ways of Coorg hospitality, and are among my favourite plantation stays in Coorg.

Amni

Amni  / The Avocado Cows

When I first drove towards Amni, Abraham Jose picked me up in his jeep half way. I soon realized the road was not fit for my vehicle. The drive was rocky, and along the way we spoke about all the dishes his mother was preparing for me. Enroute, I was also asked to keep the location of his stay discreet, probably the real reason why he insisted on picking me up, so I would forget the route more easily. The Amni estate is stunning: a charming view of stone cottages across pearl grass, built across multiple levels that look like small grass mounds, where chimneys peep out between the foliage against the backdrop of the Balyaatra range, like something straight out of a Jane Austen novel. Abraham, his parents Rosy and Jose, his two brothers Joseph and Mathew, his wife, Ria, and their grandmother whom they fondly call Ammini, live here. Twenty five years of collecting stone and cast iron antiques like a fountain-mouthed gargoyle, Victorian lamp posts and railway sleepers for a table base add to Amni’s personality. This is a two bedroom stay, equipped with extra beds for a total of five to six members. Overlooking a stone amphitheatre and the Thatacherry estate hills cladded with Arabica and Robusta plantations, the homestay is 30 meters away from the family’s own cottage. A tiled porch with a picket fence offers independent entrances to both rooms. Rooms unfold in a palette of jade frost, pastels, and floral prints. A fireplace in the common room is the cosiest nook for you to curl up in the monsoon and winter months.

Room details / Sitara Cariappa

Stone pool at Amni / Sitara Cariappa

The Paati Polé river flows through the check dam in front of their home, with bridges across it leading up to a stone pool at a lower level of the estate. When Rosie Aunty called us back up for lunch, Zeiss, their dog, accompanied us as we walked up the stone pathway. Under the shade of a pine tree is an antique white stone washbasin with floral tiles and brass fittings. Next to it, a heavy wooden table and iron-carved chairs under the dancing branches of a mango tree is the setting for our meal. The spread includes Surmai fry, Prawn gassi, Kaaké Thopp paliya (black nightshade), Rasam and Rice–a typical Syrian Christian spread, inspired from their roots near Kottayam. I ate three servings. As we ate fresh strawberries from their farm behind the house, served with cream, the Jose family told me of their journey from Kannur to Coorg, their love for fishing and cooking; and fulfilment in life with four generations living together in this beautiful estate.
Doubles from Rs 12,000 per night for two (includes all meals, BBQ, immersive experiences like treks, birdwatching, stargazing and jam making, all led by the Jose family)
Location On request; Contact: Abraham Jose, +91 85475 86562; IG: @amni.coorg

School Thota

The homestay and host Saraswathi / Sitara Cariappa

My friend Kelapanda Kushalappa, whom I fondly call Sajan, and his mother Saraswathi Aiyappa, have been custodians of the homestay culture in Coorg for the past 15 years. Generations of this family have lived in the Robusta plantation’s home for almost 150 years. This plantation was initially run by the East India Company, who organized coffee cultivation in Coorg and sent the proceeds from these estates or thota to British-run schools in Coorg, hence the name School Thota. Originally the home of Rev. Georg Richter in 1855, the property was bought by Kushalappa’s great grandfather in 1908. Today a portion of the estate is where mother and son reside and continue to manage the plantation operations and run this homestay.

I entered School Thota through the small town of Guyya, crossing multiple TATA-consolidated plantations and arrive at a large bungalow overlooking a garden with a bird bath, an elevated gazebo surrounded by hydrangea, fern and hedge roses, and beyond, the Kelapanda family’s prosperous estate. On a clear day the hills of Mercara are visible too.

The upstairs bedroom space / Sitara Cariappa

Bedroom School Thota

School Thota is a charming home with three guestrooms (excluding the owner’s space), five bathrooms, an attic and two kitchens. A sun room with square windows is a standout section in this home, at its entrance the bougainvillea trees is where Saraswathi Aunty welcomed me, wearing a Kodava podiya (a Coorg-style draped saree).

This home is studded with antiques, art work by the family, crochet and lace on tables made by Saraswathi Aunty, vintage hat racks and tapestry on the walls. There’s a large fireplace in the drawing room with a mantlepiece lined with family photos, and each room thereafter has height-adjustable chandeliers and pulley lamps. Each guestroom has a four poster bed, dressing table, pull out vintage writing desk, and ceramic animal figurines in the bathrooms.

Kooléputt with Ghee / Sitara Cariappa

Kadambutt with Pandhi Curry / Sitara Cariappa

At 4.30pm, with murukus and tea, I was served Kadambutt (steamed rice balls) with Pandhi curry (Kodava style pork curry), a very common high tea meal in Coorg. While I moved on to Kooléputt (steamed bananas or jackfruit cakes in banana leaves) Saraswathi aunty started lowering the dining table lamps with a stick before the sun set. The rear of the house has a sunken open courtyard–a green corner that leads to the owner’s living space. This is a homestay for those who want to listen to stories of the old days, the plantation life in Coorg, to admire the architectural transitions between European and Kodava styles, and to cook authentic Kodava cuisine with a legendary grandmother.
Rooms from Rs 9,000 per night per room (includes breakfast & dinner) (extra charges for lunch picnics by the river and cooking session with Saraswathi Aunty)
Location: Ammathi Post, Guyya, South Coorg; Contact: Sajan Kushalappa, +91 9841023770, +91 9481723770 (landline: +91 8274298115); IG: @st571211

Captain K’s Getaway

Bedroom / Sitara Cariappa

Outdoors bar / Sitara Cariappa

Leila Alvares’s homestay Captain K’s Getaway was named after her late father, Captain Kieren Alvares. He and his wife Lavinia Alvares built a cottage on this 75-acre property and named it Glendale. A few kilometers from the town of Mercara, this is where Lavinia planted a lychee tree 40 years ago that today provides shade to the fine courtyard at the front of their now renovated bungalow that’s cut into the hill.

Food at Captain K’s Getaway / Sitara Cariappa

Some years ago, when I met Leila at Captain K, she hosted some of my friends for a grand BBQ evening – pork spare ribs, barbeque chicken legs, creamy corn, potato salad with bacon, fresh salad sourced from the organic garden and chocolate fudge cake with home-made ice cream. After 10 years, nothing has changed. Leila and her children Kieren and Keira continue to cook one of the most lavish spreads from scratch. This time I ate Mangalorean pork baffat, chorizo pork on pav made by Keira and a chocolate mousse by Kieren. Given their Goan-Mangalorean roots and Anglo-Indian exposure, Leila is an exceptional cook specialised in those respective cuisines in addition to Kodava and Mediterranean. Her beautiful kitchen space is always the warmest and always in full swing, especially with her fondest sleeping in this space – Cookie, Sox, Charlie, Julie and Fuzzy.

Her home is grand with fine teak woodwork, beside which is a two-bedroom homestay in an annexe. In this space, each room has a fireplace and overlooks the courtyard in the front, and a majestic coffee estate beyond the vast swimming pool and BBQ deck. Leila’s home and Kieren’s outhouse is wood-paneled on the inside and flooded with books. Her home reminds me of a large country barn, luxurious and well lit, with hidden entrances and exits, sky roofs, marine and beach inspired fixtures and knotted bouquets of paddy around the roof rim to keep bats away. An organic garden stands below the elevated home, next to it a coffee pulper and dryer. Kieren roasts the processed coffee from the estate in his unit next to his living space. Here, I got to try a hot cup of pure Arabica from Glendale estate’s first harvest batch (aero pressed) while he continued to tell me about the coffee tasting experience he provides to guests.
Rooms at Rs 7,500 and Rs 10,000 per night per room (includes breakfast, jeep ride around the estate, a home theatre experience, swimming pool access, coffee tasting) (extra charges for dinner and massages at the deck)

Location: C/o of Glendale Estate, Kadagadal Village & Post, Sidapur Road via Chettalli, Madikeri 571248, Coorg; Contact: Leila Alvares, +91 98860 55868; Website

Jade Hills

Drawing Room /  Ajay Devasia

When I worked at the Taj Hotels in Gaalibeedu, I would look at the distant hills across the lobby and wonder who lived in the beautiful cottages there. I finally met their occupants this month. Kavya Thimmaiah and Prasanna live on a hillock in the most picturesque part of Coorg. Kavya’s mother Jaji named their estate Jade Hills as an ode to the evergreen ranges all around, and that is what their home and homestay is called today.

Designed by father-daughter duo HC Thimmaiah and Kavya, both architects, this five-bedroom cottage in Gaalibeedu is accessed by a steep winding climb, followed by a clear landing and a dramatic view of the southern Western Ghats and deep valleys. Red clay tiles run through the verandah and the plantation chairs in the sit out overlooks a stone-pillared gazebo at the front and a lawn with a bonfire pit to the left. Porous red brick walls, repurposed and salvaged furniture, and laterite pillars add a raw and earthy feel to the space.

Room at Jade Hills / Ajay Devasia

The owners live in the main cottage in one of the bedrooms and the other four rooms (two at the main house level and another two are built 15ft below the main cottage). Prasanna and Kavya shuttle between Bengaluru and Coorg, but Prasanna is always here to welcome guests. At this altitude, the weather always remains cooler and during the summer months, witnessing the swarm of fireflies is a gift. Rich with Shola forest, this property has been developed with eucalyptus, jackfruit and silver oak trees, a traditional home with a local family who cook up the most delicious Kodava meals. Along with local guides, Prasanna organizes treks, chasing fireflies and picnics. Jade Hills is probably the one place I would go to take refuge in the monsoon months in Coorg. Here the bonfires, pink skies and silhouettes of fig and fern trees sway to the ‘gaali’ (wind) of Gaalibeedu.
Rooms at Rs 10,500 per night per room (includes breakfast) (extra charges for dinner, treks and seasonal firefly chasing)
Location: Kaloor Road Galibeedu, village, District, Madikeri, Karnataka 571202; Contact: Prasanna, +91 98450 04668; IG: @jadehillsmercara

Chengappa Estate Homestead

Exterior view /  Sudeep Gurtu

Spending time with Vinoo (KC Aiyappa) involves listening to LPs of Frank Zappa as he narrates stories of the forgotten ways of our Kodava ancestors in the fields of food and hospitality. His 10-acre plantation home and homestay, Chengappa Estate, is a Robusta plantation interspersed with pepper vines and arecanut groves. The house overlooks paddy fields, a water body, and the Kunda betta (hill) beyond. A picket fence and a stone porch lend a storybook feel. A tall Yecchi tree stretches over the house, built in 2014 but peppered with antiques, tools and utensils that are 80 years old. Three guest bedrooms are within the main house and the fourth bedroom is the host’s. So as not to disturb the undulating land, the home is built across three levels, without using cement or plaster, only interlocking laterite blocks. Interiors are warm and cosy, with a wood varnish finish and the three colours of Athangudi tiles–green, ochre and red.

Exterior view /  K.C.Aiyappa

Meenakshi, his oldest staff and cook, prepared the tastiest Kodava meal, a khaima (kheema) curry, mutton chops and nei kul (ghee rice). I am told that for breakfast, akki otti (rice flatbread) is served with euhl pajji (sesame seed chutney)–my grandmother’s favourite. Rice comes from the paddy fields in the front of the homestay.

The dogs, Frank Zappa, Muddy Waters and Willy Wanka / K.C.Aiyappa

The three main characters here are his dogs, Frank Zappa, Muddy Waters and Willy Wanka; they accompany you on estate visits and fishing by the pond, where you can use Vinoo’s fishing rods to catch baraemeen, rohu, katla or grass carp. Days on the estate are for foraging, especially when the seasonal pannpuli produce is used to make kachampuli (a black vinegar liquid extract from the pannpuli fruit). Vinoo uses the work shed at the entrance to make bottles to sell. And nights at Chengappa Estate are for the sound of cicadas and the crackle of the bonfire, and an endless expanse of paddy fields above which lie starry skies against silhouettes of the Kunda range.
Rooms at Rs 6000 per night per room (includes breakfast) (extra charges for lunch and dinner)
Location: 5 kms from Ponnampet Town and 1 Km from Kundha School (B Shettigeri Rd.), Kundha, Coorg; Contact: KC Aiyappa, +91 98454 93688; IG: @coorgvillager

source: http://www.cntraveller.in / Conde Nast Traveller / Home> Hotels & Homestays / by Sitara Cariappa / April 20th, 2026

Kodagu farmers protest against underweight fertiliser bags

Agriculture, Business & Economy, , , , , , , , ,

The members of Hathur PACS arrived at the Office of the JD of Agriculture in Madikeri with bags of fertilizers and a weighing scale.  Photo | Expre

In a dramatic display, the farmers and cooperative representatives weighed the bags on the premises of the Joint Director’s office, highlighting what they termed as “fraudulent practices” by fertiliser suppliers.

Madikeri :

Allegations of large-scale discrepancies in fertiliser bag weights surfaced in Kodagu on Thursday, as members of the Hathur Primary Agricultural Cooperative Society (PACS) staged a protest demonstration infront of the office of Joint Director of Agriculture in Madikeri.

Led by Kodagu District Cooperative Central Bank president Bonda Ganapathi, the PACS members arrived with truckloads of fertiliser bags supplied by Indian Potash Limited (IPL), claiming significant shortages in weight. The members alleged that several 50-kg bags were found to be underweight by as much as 4 kg.

In a dramatic display, the farmers and cooperative representatives weighed the bags on the premises of the Joint Director’s office, highlighting what they termed as “fraudulent practices” by fertiliser suppliers. They urged the Agriculture Department to initiate an immediate and thorough investigation.

“This is not an isolated issue. We suspect such discrepancies could be happening across the district and even elsewhere in the country,” members alleged, warning that such practices directly harm farmers financially.

Expressing strong displeasure, Ganapathi claimed that nearly 51 tonnes of fertiliser supplied to the society between February 18 and March 3 showed consistent weight variation.

He termed the issue a “serious injustice” to farmers and demanded that the losses be compensated by the supplier. He also called for reimbursement of loading costs and a district-wide inspection of fertiliser stocks in all cooperative societies.

Joint Director Chandrashekar assured the delegation that the matter would be escalated to higher authorities for further action.

Ganapathi said a formal complaint would be submitted to the Deputy Commissioner and warned of intensified protests, including a possible lockdown of the Agriculture Department office, if swift action is not taken.

A follow-up meeting involving cooperative representatives and department officials is scheduled at the KDCC Bank building on April 27 to discuss the issue further.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express/ Home> Karnataka / by Prajna GR / April 23rd, 2026

Radisson enters Coorg with dual resort signing

Business & Economy, Travel, Tourism & Homestays (wef. Oct 03rd, 2021), , , ,

Dual signing introduces two resort properties under Radisson Individuals Premier, marking the Group’s entry into Coorg.

Radisson Hotel Group continues to expand its footprint in India’s high-potential leisure destinations with the signing of Purple Mist Resort & Spa Coorg, A Member of Radisson Individuals Premier, along with Purple Palms Resort & Spa, which will be converted under the same brand.

This dual-deal marks the Group’s entry into Coorg, one of India’s most sought-after leisure destinations, establishing a strong and scalable presence in a market defined by nature-led travel and destination-driven demand.

A nature-led retreat designed for experiential stays

Purple Mist Resort & Spa Coorg, under Radisson Individuals Premier, is a 102-room property with 98 standard rooms and four suites. It will include an all-day dining restaurant, a lobby lounge/deli, two banquet halls with pre-function areas, a fitness centre, and a spa.

Purple Palms Resort & Spa Coorg, under Radisson Individuals Premier, is a 78-room property that will be converted and repositioned under the brand. It includes 74 standard rooms and four suites, along with two restaurants, a banquet hall, a boardroom, and wellness facilities such as a gym and spa.

Together, the two resorts create a strong combined offering in Coorg, addressing demand across leisure stays, destination weddings, corporate retreats, and social events, while allowing flexibility across guest segments.

Expanding in high-potential leisure markets

“With this signing, we are entering Coorg with a differentiated approach that allows us to build meaningful scale in a high-demand leisure market. The dual-resort model enables us to create a strong combined offering, catering to both individual travellers and large-format events. As demand continues to evolve towards experiential and destination-led travel, developments like these allow us to strengthen our presence in emerging leisure markets while leveraging the flexibility of our Radisson Individuals Premier brand,” said Nikhil Sharma, Managing Director & COO, South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group.

Unlocking growth through strategic development

“RHG’s advent to Coorg marks successful implementation of our strategy to spread across key business & leisure destinations of South India. A ready to open resort at a premium leisure destination accelerates our expansion plans by catering to all segments of market by furthering our outreach. The dual signing is also a strong value proposition for the ownership to capitalise on RHG’s brand repute & robust distribution system,” said Davashish Srivastava, Senior Director, Development, South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group.

A shared vision to elevate the destination

“We are delighted to partner with Radisson Hotel Group for this landmark development in Coorg. Our vision is to create a hospitality offering that reflects the destination’s natural beauty while introducing world-class standards and infrastructure. With two complementary resorts in close proximity, we believe this project will redefine the hospitality landscape in Coorg and position it as a preferred destination for both leisure travellers and large-scale celebrations,” said N Viswanathan, Managing Partner, SLN Hotels & Resorts.

source: http://www.hotelierindia.com / Hotelier India / Home> Development / April 24th,2026

Tamara Leisure Experiences puts responsible hospitality and community at its core

Business & Economy, Green Initiatives / Environment, Records, All, Travel, Tourism & Homestays (wef. Oct 03rd, 2021)

Tamara Leisure Experiences has, since inception, embedded Responsible Hospitality into its core, guided by a clear vision of people, planet, and profit thriving in tandem. Across its portfolio of nine properties, from luxury resorts in Coorg and Kodaikanal to upscale O by Tamara hotels in Coimbatore and Trivandrum, mid-scale Lilac hotels, and its flagship wellness offering Amal Tamara, a NABH-accredited Ayurveda hospital, this philosophy translates into an elevated form of eco-conscious hospitality where design, service, and setting come together to deliver immersive, low-impact luxury. The flagship property, The Tamara Coorg, holds the Global Sustainable Tourism Council certification, underscoring its alignment with global sustainability standards, with a clear roadmap to extend this benchmark across all Tamara properties.

Samir MC, CEO, Tamara Leisure Experiences, said, “Our nine property portfolio is aligned to GSTC principles. And I want to be honest about what that distinction means, because the certification is the outcome, but the real value is in the discipline the journey instills across your entire organisation. This is not a badge. It is a framework to make your circular systems auditable, measurable, and accountable. Our goal is to make that the portfolio standard, not a novelty at one property.”

“Earth Day serves as a timely reminder of shared responsibility towards the planet, and at TamaraLeisureExperiences, this is reflected through on-ground actions across its properties, from farm to table experiences and community clean-up drives to sustainability-led engagements. These efforts extend into Earth Week (22–28 April) through nature-led activities, conscious dining, and community participation, where sustainability is not an add-on but the experience itself. At Tamara, responsiblehospitality is foundational, shaping every stage from design and conceptualization to operations and guest experience. For us, sustainability is not a seasonal campaign, but a part of our daily operating philosophy.”

Here’s how this philosophy comes to life across key pillars:

Sustainability in Design

Each Tamara property is planned with the local environment in mind, designed to retain and work with its natural surroundings, allowing the ecosystem to shape how the space is built and experienced. For example, At The Tamara Coorg, sustainability is a design decision guided by a clear ethos, build less to preserve more. Set across 28 acres of largely untouched landscape, the resort was developed with minimal ecological disruption, felling just 17 trees and consciously scaling down from 60 to 56 cottages to protect even more. Elevated on stilts, each structure sits lightly on the land, allowing the forest to remain undisturbed, where trees are not cleared but seamlessly woven into the architecture and experience.

Rooted in Community care, designed for continuity

At Tamara, sustainability extends to the people who shape the experience, expressed through local immersion, farm to table practices, and menus rooted in regional flavours and wellness, from Kodava cuisine in Coorg to place-led dining across properties. This continues at Verandah, the in-house boutique, where locally inspired crafts, natural wellness products, and plantation-grown spices offer a tangible extension of the region’s heritage.

Guided by community and circular thinking, nearly half the workforce is locally hired and close to 40% of procurement is regional, strengthening livelihoods while keeping operations rooted. This comes through most tangibly in the organic minibar, where every product is local, organic, and traceable, and in the kitchen, where menus are shaped by what is locally and seasonally available, ensuring procurement drives the plate. Ongoing support for education and local institutions reinforces a long-term commitment to community development.

Zero Waste Living

Across Tamara properties, 15-40 tonnes of waste is reimagined as a resource through a closed loop system where nothing is discarded and everything is repurposed. 100% food waste is recycled in house through low impact processes like Bio Manthan, plastic is replaced with glass bottles, stainless steel dispensers and refillable amenities, while circular practices extend to repurposed linen, reused bottles, kitchen gardens, greenhouses and seed saving, with food waste reduced to 0.54 kg per head. With zero significant chemical spills in FY 2024-25, this carries into the guest experience, with leaf coasters, bamboo alternatives, towel reuse, alternate linen changes, and sapling takeaways ensuring the philosophy is both visible and lived.

Mindful use of every resource

Resource conservation is deliberate and deeply local. Natural waterfalls and stream water are left untouched to preserve community sources. While rainwater harvesting systems and tap aerators reduce consumption, LED lighting, heat pumps, lithium battery buggies, key tag controls, EV infrastructure, solar panels and emission management ensure energy optimisation. Behind the scenes, efficiency is engineered into every system, smart laundry and advanced STP and ETP plants enable reuse, while continuous monitoring of water, energy, and carbon, along with thoughtful material reuse, keeps operations tightly optimised and low impact.

Quiet design and conscious tech

Throughout properties, impact is reduced through thoughtful restraint. The absence of DJ music and harsh lighting limits noise and light pollution, while low lux pathways, timers, and sensors minimize ecological disturbance. A seamless tech enabled journey with digital check ins, e-bills, and paperless feedback reduces waste, supported by in-house water systems over plastic. From horn free EV buggies to reusable linen elements and locally rooted touches, every detail is intentional and quietly conscious

At Tamara, responsiblehospitality shapes how we think, design, and operate across the portfolio. It brings sourcing, consumption, and recovery into careful alignment, ensuring that sustainability is quietly built into everyday operations  

source: http://www.businessnewsthisweek.com/ Business News This Week / Home> Business / by Neel Achary / April 22nd, 2026

Minor Hotels Signs Agreements for Anantara Zanti Coorg Resort and Anantara Kolkata Hotel in India

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Records, All, Travel, Tourism & Homestays (wef. Oct 03rd, 2021)

In Brief: Minor Hotels has signed agreements for the Anantara Zanti Coorg Resort and Anantara Kolkata Hotel, marking the first Anantara-branded resort and urban hotel in India.

Rendering of the Anantara Kolkata Hotel – Image Credit Minor Hotels 

Minor Hotels has signed agreements for two new properties in India under its luxury Anantara Hotels & Resorts brand: Anantara Zanti Coorg Resort and Anantara Kolkata Hotel. These will be the brand’s first resort and first urban hotel in the country.

Anantara Zanti Coorg Resort is scheduled to open in 2028 near Madikeri in Coorg, Karnataka, within the UNESCO-recognized Western Ghats. The 69-key resort is being designed by Sri Lankan architect Channa Daswatte and will draw on the region’s natural landscapes, coffee heritage, and Kodava culture. Planned facilities include four dining venues, a swimming pool, a lobby lounge and library, Anantara Spa and wellness center, a fitness studio, meeting and event spaces, and a kids’ club. Zanti Hospitality owns the property.

Anantara Kolkata Hotel is slated to open in 2032 as part of the World Trade Center Salt Lake Kolkata, a mixed-use development. The 170-key hotel is designed to serve the city’s business, meeting, and event needs, with facilities including two restaurants, a lobby lounge, flexible meeting and event spaces, an Anantara Spa and wellness center, a gym, and a swimming pool. The World Trade Center Salt Lake is a joint venture between Aryan Realty and Merlin Group.

These signings expand Minor Hotels’ portfolio in India, following the introduction of the Anantara brand with Anantara Jewel Bagh Jaipur in 2025 and the signing of the first Avani-branded property, Avani+ Sunray Beach Visakhapatnam Resort. The company is progressing toward a target of 50 properties in India within the next decade.

Minor Hotels’ strategy in India includes developing both leisure destinations and key cities, with a focus on its luxury and premium brands such as Anantara, Avani, and NH Collection, as well as select-service brands including NH, Oaks, and iStay. The company has also launched the Minor Reserve Collection and Colbert Collection to provide opportunities for independent hoteliers. Expansion in India is primarily through hotel management agreements and franchise opportunities.

source: http://www.hotelnewsresource.com / HNR Hotel News / Home> All News> Asia Pacific> Development News> Previous Article / by News-Hotel Development India / April 08th, 2026

Karnataka: Mobile Passport Seva van to operate in Kodagu from Apr 8 to 10

Business & Economy, Records, All

Bengaluru (PTI):

A Mobile Passport Seva van will operate in Madikeri town of Kodagu district from April 8 to 10, offering on-the-spot passport services to applicants.

The van will operate at Gandhi Bhavana in Madikeri town under an initiative launched by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to take passport services to people in underserved areas by facilitating document verification and biometric data collection closer to their homes, the Regional Passport Office, Bengaluru, said in a statement.

Applicants may book appointments online at the Passport Seva portal under the normal scheme. After payment, they should select the ‘mobile van’ option while scheduling the appointment, it said. PTI AMP KH

This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.

source: http://www.theprint.in / The Print / Home> India / by PTI / March 24th, 2026

Why Araku’s coffee farmers are bearing the brunt of the Iran-US-Israel war

Business & Economy, Coffee Board, India (wef. Nov 17, 2021), Coffee News, World Opinion

As the war disrupts global shipping routes, demand collapses, prices fall, and tribal growers in Andhra Pradesh are left with unsold stock and mounting debt.

Araku is a significant coffee-producing region, with this year’s crop standing at 18,000 tonnes, according to the Coffee Board of India.

The Iran-US war has found an unlikely casualty in the coffee plantations of Araku, in Andhra Pradesh’s Alluri Sitarama Raju district. Demand for the region’s famed Arabica beans has fallen sharply, leading to stocks piling up and farmers’ distress.

Araku is a significant coffee-producing region, with this year’s crop standing at 18,000 tonnes, according to the Coffee Board of India. Around 90 per cent of the production, nearly 15,000 metric tonnes, is exported to Europe, the UAE, and other markets.

Shipping routes disrupted

The war has made the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea (Suez Canal) route too dangerous to use. Ships are now being rerouted around the Cape of Good Hope, adding three to four weeks to delivery times for European buyers. Freight costs have jumped fivefold, insurance premiums have surged, and crude oil prices have risen 28 per cent — with a barrel now touching USD 107. Foreign buyers, uncertain about delivery timelines, are holding back new orders.

Exporter Ravi Kiran put it plainly, “It’s not just the cost — containers have become impossible to find. A shipment to Europe that used to cost USD 2,000 now costs over USD 10,000. And because ships are going around Africa, it takes twice as long for containers to return.”

Prices in freefall

Arabica prices have fallen 2.31 per cent in recent trading, while Robusta dropped 4.69 per cent. Global supply pressures are adding to the pain – Brazil is projected to produce a record 75.3 million bags, with world output potentially reaching 180 million bags.

Locally, farmer K Gopal said parchment coffee was fetching Rs 540 per kg in January-February, but by first week of March, that had fallen to Rs 446.

“Now no one is buying even at Rs 400,” he said. “They just say — war.”

Tribal farmer Simhachalam from Pachipenta, near the Araku valley, was blunt about what it means on the ground, “We sweated all year for a good harvest. When we finally brought it to market, they said ‘war’. I can’t see how I’ll repay my debts.”

Govt agencies halt purchases

Traders and middlemen who bought early are now sitting on unsold stock, waiting for prices to recover before buying more from farmers. Government agencies — the Girijan Cooperative Corporation (GCC) and the Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA) — have also suspended purchases, leaving farmers with nowhere to turn. Farmers are now demanding that the GCC intervene immediately to buy up the surplus.

Traders and middlemen who bought early are now sitting on unsold stock, waiting for prices to recover before buying more from farmers.

Quality of beans at risk

Experts warn that prolonged storage could reduce moisture levels in the beans, diminishing their aroma, threatening the hard-won brand image of Araku coffee in international markets.

Coffee Board official Ramesh acknowledged that the war had dampened purchases, though he maintained that market fluctuations were normal and that local prices would recover when national market rates improved.

For now, Araku farmers, once proud of growing one of the world’s most admired coffees, are trapped in a crisis that is entirely beyond their control, and one that may only resolve when the guns fall silent.

(This article was originally published in The Federal Andhra Pradesh)

source: http://www.thefederal.com / The Federal / Home> Business> Farm Matters / by Amaraiah Akula / March 21st, 2026

India International Coffee Festival plans larger and more global edition for 2027

Amazing Feats, Barista Championship (wef. July 28th, 2022), Business & Economy, Coffee Board, India (wef. Nov 17, 2021), Coffee News, Coffee, Kodagu (Coorg), Coffee, Retail-India (wef. Jan 25th, 2025), Leaders, Records, All, World Opinion, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

In this photo essay, we showcase more exhibitors at IICF 2026, along with expert insights.

Bengaluru recently hosted the 2026 edition of the India International Coffee Festival (IICF) at Chamara Vajra, Jayamahal Road. See our earlier coverage of the World Coffee Conference in 2023 here.

“We estimate that 20,000 visitors attended the three-day IICF event. The energy on the floor was indicative of strong commercial engagement,” Hamsini Appadurai, President of the Specialty Coffee Association of India (SCAI), tells YourStory.

The festival featured India’s geo-tagged coffee varieties such as Coorg Arabica Coffee, Wayanad Robusta Coffee, Chikmagalur Arabica Coffee, Araku Valley Arabica Coffee, and Bababudangiris Arabica Coffee. There were also international brands such as MilkLab (Australia), Astoria Coffee Machines (Italy), and Probat Coffee Roasters (Germany).

IICF had parallel workshops on Farm to Cup: Post-Harvest Processing 101; Robusta Tasting: Processing Methods; Roasting Fundamentals: Profile Building & Tasting; Coffee Species Showcase & Guided Tasting; Manual Brewing and Espresso Brewing; and Marketing Specialty Coffee: Storytelling & Tasting;

There were panel discussions on a range of provocative topics: Why Biodiversity Is the Foundation of Coffee’s Future; and The New Coffee Farmer: Balancing Yield, Quality, and Profit in a Changing Market.

Many visitors said they appreciated the opportunity to learn about coffee trends and network with coffee lovers and industry professionals. “Exhibitors were pleased with the promotion of the shared vision and passion of the industry,” Appadurai adds.

She explains that the Australia delegation places IICF right up there along with other global events such as World of Coffee Dubai, World of Coffee Indonesia, World of Coffee Bangkok, FHA Singapore, and Melbourne International Coffee Expo.

“The festival was a rich source of inspiration and strategic thinking. One initiative already taking shape for the next edition is a dedicated micro-lot auction for roasters, an exciting development that we believe will add significant value to the specialty coffee ecosystem,” Appadurai says.

Last year, Nestlé India strengthened its premium at-home offering by bringing Nespresso to the country. “With this, we cater to consumers seeking super premium coffee experiences at home,” says Sunayan Mitra, Director – Coffee and Beverages, Nestlé India.

It has expanded its NESCAFÉ Ready-to-Drink cold coffee portfolio, and developed NESCAFÉ Ice Roast. At IIFC, it showcased Duo Gusto, a pioneering solution that dispenses both hot and cold beverages from a single machine. “Innovation in cold beverages is equally central to Nestlé’s out-of-home strategy,” he adds.

Next year’s IICF will have more stalls. “We would like to secure a larger venue, and significantly increase our international visitor footprint. The vision is to position IICF as a truly world-class destination event for the global specialty coffee industry,” Appadurai describes.

“Coffee is an experience, not merely a beverage We are witnessing a meaningful shift from coffee as a functional caffeine fix to coffee as a lifestyle and cultural statement,” observes Komal Sable, Co-Founder, South India Coffee Company.

Gen Z is driving experimentation and discovery. “Younger consumers are far more open to exploring new formats and alternative milk pairings,” she adds.

Sustainability and ethical sourcing are now baseline expectations. “But they must coexist with convenience. Today’s consumer demands transparency and responsibility, delivered in formats that fit seamlessly into a fast-paced lifestyle,” Sable explains.

Coffee makers are responding to these trends and shifts. “They need to be agile, transparent, and have stronger storytelling. Responsibility must begin at the origin,” she affirms.

Producers also bear a responsibility to better educate roasters, buyers and end consumers about the expertise, risk and dedication involved in cultivating quality coffee. “When that story travels clearly through the value chain, it builds a deeper, more authentic respect for origin,” Sable suggests.

Coffee thus lends itself well to purpose-led enterprise. “It brings together agriculture, branding, community, and commerce in a deeply meaningful way. The growth of specialty coffee and direct-to-consumer models has also lowered the barriers to entry,” she says.

More women are stepping into roles that were historically male-dominated. “These include estate leadership, green buying, roasting, and supply chain management,” she observes, citing diverse examples from Kaveri Coffee, Coromandel Coast, Sangameshwar Coffee, and Coffee Mechanics.

“Creating intentional platforms that spotlight women in coffee is essential not only for representation but also for building lasting confidence, access and opportunity within the ecosystem,” Sable emphasises.

Coffee today is not simply about selling a beverage. “It is about shaping culture. And women are trailblazing that shift in remarkable ways across every level of the industry,” she says with pride.

However, the coffee industry is facing challenges like unpredictable rainfall, rising temperatures, and shifting crop cycles that directly affect quality, yields and costs at origin. “Supporting producers and investing in long-term ecosystem partnerships is not a choice — it is essential to the future of coffee,” she cautions.

SCAI and the Coffee Board of India are committed to driving knowledge transfer within the industry. “We will have expanded workshops, masterclasses and curated learning experiences. The best is very much yet to come,” Appadurai signs off.

Now what have you done today to pause in your busy schedule and harness your creative side for a better world?

(All photographs taken by Madanmohan Rao on location at IICF 2026.)

source: http://www.yourstory.com / Your Story / Home> Food & Beverages / by Madanmohan Rao / March 08th, 2026

Kodagu road reconstruction, health sector receive boost in state budget

Business & Economy, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Leaders, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The state budget has sanctioned Rs 20 crore for the reconstruction of damaged roads and bridges following incessant rainfall in regions including Virajpet, Madikeri and Ponnampet.

Madikeri :

Road connectivity and the health sector in Kodagu have received a boost in the state budget presented by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. While Congress members termed it a progressive budget, BJP leaders criticised it as a “useless budget” with no special consideration for the district.

The state budget has sanctioned Rs 20 crore for the reconstruction of damaged roads and bridges following incessant rainfall in regions including Virajpet, Madikeri and Ponnampet.

Developmental projects for the Kodava Development Board, funds for the welfare of tribes who form a significant population in the district, and the health sector have also received support in the budget.

Virajpet Hospital will be upgraded from a 200 bed capacity to 400 beds, the budget assures funds for the upgradation of Kushalnagar Community Hospital. (File photo)

While Virajpet Hospital will be upgraded from a 200 bed capacity to 400 beds, the budget assures funds for the upgradation of Kushalnagar Community Hospital. Ponnampet will also get a new community hospital.

However, stakeholders in the tourism sector said the budget does not mention any special funds for tourism development.

Nagendra Prasad, president of the Kodagu District Chamber of Commerce and Industry Association, said that although Kodagu generates increased revenue for the state through tourism and liquor sales, no funds have been sanctioned for tourism infrastructure in the district.

“From property tax of hospitality facilities to GST, the tourism sector contributes immensely to the state revenue. But unfortunately, this revenue is not being invested back to further improve the sector,” he opined.

Meanwhile, former BJP MLA K. G. Bopaiah criticised the budget as a “useless” one and a “record budget of complete failure”. He said the budget is not people friendly and added that for the 17th time the Chief Minister has made “only promises, declarations and vague plans without any absolute focus”.

He recalled that the BJP government had sanctioned special funds to the district as per the Nanjundappa report due to heavy rainfall and said, “We used to sanction up to Rs 100 crore as a special package for the district. But for the past three years, the state has neglected Kodagu,” he alleged.

He further alleged that there is no plan or precision in the sanctioning of funds for mitigation projects to curb wildlife conflict.

Dharmaja Uthappa, district president of the Congress party, said the budget is progressive and that the Kodava Development Board, road connectivity and the health sector have received a boost.

“Even the issue of wildlife conflict is addressed and it is overall a pro development budget,” he opined.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Karnataka / by Express News Service / March 06th, 2026

Who Is Madan Mandanna? Meet the Supportive Father of Rashmika Mandanna

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Famous Personalities of Kodagu / Coorg, Records, All, Women/Girls (wef. Sept 03rd, 2022), , , , , , , , , , , ,

Madan Mandanna, father of Rashmika Mandanna, has stayed away from the spotlight but has always supported her. Here’s everything you need to know about her father and the role he played in her journey.

Image Credit : Instagram

A Pillar of Support

Madan Mandanna, father of actress Rashmika Mandanna, has mostly stayed away from the public eye, but he has been a strong support for his daughter throughout her journey. Born in a Kodava Hindu family in Virajpet, Kodagu, Karnataka, he played a key role in shaping Rashmika’s values and career.

Image Credit : Instagram

Entrepreneurial Roots

Madan is a successful businessman who runs a coffee estate and owns a function hall called Serenity in Virajpet. His work shows the family’s entrepreneurial spirit, long before Rashmika became a household name in films.

image credit : X

Family First

Though he avoids the limelight, Rashmika often credits her father for teaching her important life lessons like hard work, humility, and determination. These values have helped her navigate the challenges of the entertainment industry successfully.

image credit : Instagram

Close-Knit Family

Madan is married to Suman Mandanna, a homemaker. Together, they raised Rashmika and her much younger sister, Shiman Mandanna. Rashmika occasionally shares glimpses of her parents on social media, showing the love and close bond in their family.

From Humble Beginnings to Stardom

Despite her fame as a pan-India actress, Rashmika often reflects on her modest upbringing. Her family faced financial struggles, but Madan’s guidance and support were crucial in helping her rise from Virajpet to becoming one of India’s most popular and loved stars.

source: http://www.newsable.asianetnews.com / Asianet News / Home> English> Entertainment / by Nancy Tiwari / March 05th, 2026