Top 10 Coffee Producing States in India: A Complete Guide

If you thought India was just a “chai country,” think again. Somewhere between the Western Ghats’ cool shade and the tribal hills of the East, coffee plants sway quietly, holding within them the aroma of monsoons, red soil, and patient hands.

And here’s the fun part—India isn’t just brewing coffee for itself; we’re one of the world’s largest producers of coffee, and every cup has a story of altitude, rainfall, and good old human hustle. From the largest coffee-producing state in India that pretty much rules the coffee game, to little-known highland patches that surprise you with their flavour, our coffee geography is as diverse as our culture.

So, if you’ve ever wondered “Which is the largest coffee-producing state of India?” or wanted to explore the major coffee-producing states in India, this is your map, your travel ticket, and maybe… your next caffeine obsession.

Why Coffee in India is a Big Deal 

Coffee didn’t grow here naturally. It travelled. Around 400 years ago, a Sufi mystic named Baba Budan is said to have carried seven coffee beans from Yemen to the hills of Chikmagalur in Karnataka. Those beans were planted quietly, tended with care, and… well, the rest is caffeinated history.

Today, India is known for producing some of the most unique coffees in the world—shade-grown, hand-picked, and often intercropped with spices like cardamom and pepper. This isn’t your factory-style coffee. This is slow farming, deep-rooted in the soil and stories of generations.

And when we talk about coffee-producing states in India, we’re not just talking geography—we’re talking about flavour profiles shaped by rainfall, altitude, and local culture. Some regions give you that smooth chocolatey comfort, while others pack in fruity brightness or earthy depth.

Now, let’s take a trip—starting with the highest coffee-producing state in India and winding through plantations that smell like heaven on a rainy day.

1. Karnataka – The Coffee King of India

Let’s not keep the suspense—Karnataka is the largest coffee-producing state in India. In fact, it’s not just the leader; it’s the monarch. With roughly 70–71% of the country’s coffee coming from here, Karnataka is also the highest coffee-producing state in India by a long shot.

If you’ve sipped a cup of Indian Arabica or Robusta, chances are it started its journey in Karnataka’s misty hills—places like Chikmagalur, Coorg (Kodagu), and Hassan. These regions are part of the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and they offer the perfect conditions: high altitudes, plenty of rain, and rich, shaded soil.

Here’s the magic—Karnataka coffee is shade-grown under silver oaks and intercropped with spices. That means the beans soak up not just the monsoon air, but also whispers of pepper, cardamom, and cinnamon from the plants growing around them. The result? Arabica beans with mild acidity and floral aroma, Robusta beans that are earthy and bold—perfect for your morning espresso or filter coffee.

And it’s not just big estates—many smallholder farmers keep this tradition alive. In short, when you’re thinking of the largest producer of coffee beans in India, you’re thinking of Karnataka.

• Region: Western Ghats – Chikmagalur, Coorg, Hassan
• Production Share: 71% (yes, three-fourths of India’s coffee!)
• Varieties: Arabica & Robusta
• Famous Brands: Coorg Coffee, Chikmagalur Coffee

2. Kerala – The Robusta Heartland

Second on the list of major coffee-producing states in India, Kerala contributes about 21% of the country’s coffee. The star here is Robusta, grown mostly in Wayanad, Idukki, and Palakkad.

Kerala’s beans are full-bodied, low in acidity, and often end up in strong espresso blends. Much like the state itself, the coffee is bold, rich, and unforgettable.

• Region: Wayanad, Idukki, Palakkad
• Production Share: 21%
• Varieties: Robusta & Arabica
• Famous Styles/Brands: Monsooned Malabar, Wayanad Robusta.

3. Tamil Nadu – The High-Altitude Charmer

Holding around 5% of India’s coffee production, Tamil Nadu might not be the largest producer of coffee in India, but it sure knows how to stand out. Coffee here thrives in the Nilgiri Hills, Shevaroy Hills (Yercaud), and Kodaikanal.

The Arabica from these high altitudes is bright, floral, and aromatic—perfect for those who like a smooth, elegant cup.

• Region: Nilgiri Hills, Yercaud, Kodaikanal, Shevaroy Hills
• Production Share: ~5%
• Varieties: Arabica & Robusta

4. Andhra Pradesh – Araku’s Organic Treasure

In the tribal hills of Araku Valley, coffee isn’t just a crop—it’s a community effort. Andhra Pradesh may contribute less than 2% to India’s coffee output, but it’s making waves in the specialty market.

Here, organic Arabica grows under natural shade, producing a chocolatey, fruity flavour profile that has won awards worldwide. Small in numbers, big in quality.

• Region: Araku Valley, Visakhapatnam
• Production Share: <2% (but growing fast)
• Varieties: Arabica
• Famous Brand: Araku Coffee

5. Odisha – Koraput’s Smooth Surprise

Tucked away in the Eastern Ghats, Koraput is Odisha’s coffee pride. It produces roughly 2% of India’s coffee, almost entirely Arabica.

High altitude and cool climate give Koraput coffee a mild, smooth taste with subtle fruity and nutty notes—a hidden gem in the list of coffee producing states in India.

• Region: Koraput
• Production Share: ~2%
• Varieties: Arabica
• Famous Brand: Koraput Coffee

6. Assam – Tea Land’s Coffee Experiment

Known worldwide for tea, Assam is slowly carving space in the major coffee-producing states in India. Production is still under 1%, mostly in Dibrugarh and Cachar.

Its Arabica and Robusta carry earthy, spicy notes—like Assam’s tea, but in coffee form. A small start, but with big potential.

• Region: Dibrugarh, Cachar
• Production Share: <1%
• Varieties: Robusta & Arabica
• Famous Brand: Cachar Coffee

7. Tripura – The Sweet-Bitter Hills

Tripura’s coffee farms are still small-scale, but they’re growing steadily. Both Arabica and Robusta are cultivated in hilly regions like North Tripura and Gomati.

The flavour? A mix of gentle sweetness and a hint of bitterness—perfect for those who like balance in their brew.

• Region: North Tripura, Gomati
• Varieties: Arabica & Robusta

8. Nagaland – The Smooth Newcomer

Nagaland is a fresh name in the list of coffee-producing states in India. Grown mainly in Mon and Mokokchung, its Arabica beans have moderate acidity and a smooth, clean taste.

Still small in output, but already catching the eye of specialty coffee lovers.

• Region: Mon, Mokokchung
• Varieties: Arabica

9 & 10. The Northeastern Coffee Cluster – Meghalaya, Manipur & Beyond

Apart from Nagaland, states like Meghalaya, Manipur, and Mizoram are quietly stepping into India’s coffee story. Their small farms produce mostly Arabica, grown under natural shade in pristine hill regions.

Production is minimal, but the beans carry unique, delicate flavours—making them favourites among niche roasters. The future? Very promising.

• Region: Ukhrul, Senapati, Khasi Hills, Jaintia Hills
• Varieties: Arabica & Robusta

India’s Coffee Journey – From the King to the Newcomers

From the misty slopes of Karnataka, the largest coffee-producing state in India, to the untouched hills of Meghalaya, our coffee map is a mix of tradition and fresh beginnings. While Karnataka remains the highest coffee-producing state in India and the undisputed leader, other major coffee-producing states in India—like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh—add their own signature to the cup.

The beauty of Indian coffee lies in its diversity. The largest producer of coffee in India gives us bold, earthy Robusta and fragrant Arabica. The smaller players—Odisha, Tripura, Nagaland—remind us that flavour isn’t always about quantity. And if you’re wondering “Which is the largest coffee-producing state of India?”—you already know the answer. But now, you also know the stories brewing in the rest of the country.

Next time you sip your coffee, remember—it’s more than caffeine. It’s soil, rain, altitude, patience, and the heart of a farmer who’s been doing this for generations. And somewhere in that cup, you’re tasting India itself.

At Swasya Living, we believe every grain, bean, and seed has a story. Just like coffee thrives best in harmony with its environment, so do we. Here, sustainability isn’t a trend—it’s a way of life, rooted as deeply as those coffee plants. Let’s raise a cuppa to that.