A long, long time ago, sometime in 1600 CE, an Indian Sufisaint named Baba Budan went on a pilgrimage to Mecca. On the way back, he made a halt at Mocha, a port city on the Red Sea coast of Yemen—one of the major centres of the early coffee trade and which gave the world the famous Mocha beans. Apparently, while at Mocha, Baba Budan like all other guests to the city was served a dark liquid drink of coffee. He enjoyed the refreshing beverage so much that he wished to bring it back to his homeland and produce it here. The Arabs however, were very protective of their coffee, and quite understandably so! At the time, coffee was exported to other parts of the world only in roasted or baked form, so that nobody else could grow their own and everybody would be forced to buy this elixir from the Arabs alone. Baba Budan though, was resolute.
The accounts of what he did next vary. Some say he concealed them in his beard, others say he strapped them to his chest, still others recount how he hid them in his tunic. Whichever story you wish to believe, the fact remains that Baba Budan secretly brought seven seeds of coffee to India. He then made his way to his hermitage in the Western Ghats of Karnataka. He planted the seven coffee seeds in his backyard, and those grew into the first coffee plants of India. For a considerable time, the plants remained a mere garden curiosity, spreading slowly to the neighbouring areas. It wasn’t until two centuries later that the British set up the first commercial coffee plantations on the slopes and at the feet of the same hills where Baba Budan first introduced coffee—in and around the district of Chikmagalur.
Aroma In The Air
This story is from the May-June 2018 edition of Selling World Travel.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the May-June 2018 edition of Selling World Travel.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Desert Rose
Jaisalmer is full of surprises; while the city is teeming with havelis and markets, it is still possible to find some downtime in the middle of the Thar desert. Catch a cultural performance, chase sunsets, explore the dunes on a camel, and live like a king in the Golden City.
Deciphering Denmark
This Scandinavian country can be as touristy as you want it to be—with beautiful walks, cobbled streets, open-air museums and city canals. Or you can choose to take the ‘time machine’ and visit the smaller towns that are the hubs of its culture.
Adding Wow To Your Vows!
With over 10 million Indian weddings happening every year, the wedding industry has come far in the last decade. We examine the trend and the business behind theme and destination weddings.
The Heart Of India
Madhya Pradesh is poised to become one of the hottest destinations in India. Hari Ranjan Rao, Managing Director, Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board talks about their efforts to promote tourist inflow to the state.
A Grand Affair
The Grand Mercure, Mysuru is a hotel that manages to capture the essence of the city while giving its customers a luxurious stay
WTM London 2017 To Be Held On A Grand Scale
With over 80 engaging events, including sessions with travel experts, conferences, tech shows and more, the WTM London 2017 promises to be grander than ever before.
Don't Stop The Party
From the nightclubs of Seoul to the ruin bars of Budapest, here’s our ultimate guide to partying across the world, one pub at a time.
At The End Of The World
Surrounded by mountains, breathtaking Alpine lakes and filled with adventure, Ushuaia—at the edge of the world, is different from what you might imagine.
Sky High
Serving a total of 102 destinations in 46 countries, SWISS promises a better travel experience and is committed to deliver quality products and services.
Flying High
With its hub at Singapore’s Changi Airport, Singapore Airlines is regarded as a national symbol and icon.