Our Roots
Coffee & Chikmagalur
Nestled in the Western Ghats of Karnataka, Chikmagalur is the birthplace of coffee in India.
The region is characterized by high altitudes, rich loamy soil, and a unique micro-climate that provides the perfect environment for coffee cultivation. The rolling hills and misty valleys are home to some of the most vibrant and historically significant coffee plantations in the world, producing beans known for their distinct body and nuanced flavor profiles.
Tradition holds that in the 17th century, a sufi saint named Baba Budan brought the first coffee seeds to India.
As the widely told history goes, he discovered the energizing beverage while on a pilgrimage to Mecca. Fascinated by the brew, it is commonly attributed that he smuggled seven raw coffee beans strapped to his chest, bypassing rigorous trade restrictions of the time. He planted these seeds in the courtyard of his hermitage upon the hills of Chikmagalur — a range now respectfully known as the Baba Budangiri hills. This single act sparked centuries of coffee heritage and cultivation across the Indian subcontinent.
We believe in honoring this profound lineage through modern rituals.
ELĀRA is deeply inspired by Chikmagalur's legacy. Our origin-first philosophy ensures that every batch we craft—whether it is recovering the forgotten cascara fruit or meticulously roasting whole beans—pays homage to the land. Through clear, modern brewing guides and minimal design, we bridge the gap between ancient tradition and the contemporary coffee lover.