Chikmagalur, in the Western Ghats of Karnataka, also known as the Land of Coffee, changes into a bright green paradise during the monsoon. The region experiences a unique charm during this season, with lush greenery, mist-covered hills, and a rejuvenated landscape. The weather during monsoons in Chikmagalur is moderate to heavy rainfall, typically from June to September.
The monsoon in Chikmagalur brings a refreshing change from the heat, with cool temperatures ranging from 18°C to 26°C. The rainfall rejuvenates the coffee plantations, making Chikmagalur famous for its coffee estates. The beauty of Chikmagalur during the monsoon is unexplainable. The hills and valleys are blanketed in shades of green, with mist covering the landscape in the mornings. The air is filled with the earthy aroma of wet soil and the fragrance of coffee blossoms. Waterfalls like Hebbe Falls and Abbey Falls are at their majestic best. The whole region becomes a photographer’s paradise, with vibrant flora and fauna coming alive.
Just sitting in a room and watching the rain from the window is an experience of pure bliss in Chikmagalur. The pitter-patter raindrops on the roof and the soothing sound of streams. It’s the perfect time to enjoy a cup of freshly brewed local coffee and gaze out at the misty hills, lost in the beauty of the moment.
Chikmagalur’s Culinary Delights: A Malnad Food Adventure
Chikmagalur is also known for its Malnad food, a local speciality that offers a unique experience. Malnad cuisine is known for its rich flavours, generous use of spices, and a variety of dishes that reflect the region’s abundant natural resources. The taste is a delightful blend of tangy, spicy, and savoury notes, often featuring ingredients like fresh coconut, tamarind, and local spices. Popular dishes include “Akki Rotti” (rice roti), “Koli Saaru” (chicken curry), and “Bisi Bele Bath” (spicy lentil rice). The food is typically hearty and flavorful, with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients that highlight the essence of Malnad’s rich cultural and culinary heritage.
Some of the famous foods of Chikmagalur & Ingredients:
1. Jackfruit Dishes:
Jackfruit is a versatile fruit widely used in Chikmagalur’s cuisine. It can be enjoyed both in its raw and ripe forms, offering a variety of dishes:
Raw Jackfruit Curry: Made from tender jackfruit, this dish is cooked with spices, coconut, and tamarind, resulting in a savoury and tangy flavour. It is often served with rice or roti.
Jackfruit Chips: Thinly sliced jackfruit pieces are deep-fried to crispy perfection and lightly salted, making a delicious snack.
Sweet Jackfruit Idli (Halasina Hannina Kadubu): This is a sweet dish made with ripe jackfruit, jaggery, rice flour, and coconut. The mixture is steamed in banana leaves, giving it a unique aroma and taste.
Aromatic Coffee:
Chikmagalur is famous for its coffee plantations. The coffee here is known for its rich aroma and robust flavour.
Filter Coffee: Made using freshly ground coffee beans, this traditional South Indian coffee is brewed in a metal filter and mixed with hot milk and sugar, creating a strong and aromatic beverage that is a perfect start to the day.
Estate Blend Coffee: These blends are created from beans grown in the local estates, offering a balanced flavour profile with hints of chocolate and spice, making them a favourite among other coffees.
Pathrode:
Pathrode is a traditional dish made from colocasia leaves (also known as taro leaves).
Ingredients: Colocasia leaves, rice, grated coconut, tamarind, jaggery, and a mix of spices like cumin, coriander, and red chilli powder.
Preparation and Taste: The leaves are smeared with a spicy rice paste, rolled up, and steamed. Once cooked, the rolls are sliced and sautéed with mustard seeds and curry leaves, giving them a spicy, tangy, and slightly sweet flavour. It can be eaten as a snack or as a side dish with rice.
Huli Avalakki:
Huli Avalakki is a spicy and tangy dish made from flattened rice (poha).
Ingredients: flattened rice, tamarind, jaggery, grated coconut, peanuts, and a mix of spices like mustard seeds, curry leaves, and red chilli powder.
Preparation and Taste: The poha is soaked and mixed with a paste made from tamarind, jaggery, and spices. The mixture is then tempered with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and peanuts. It has a unique combination of sweet, sour, and spicy flavours, making it a popular breakfast or snack option.
Cheenikayi Kadubu
Cheenikayi Kadubu is a traditional sweet dish made from pumpkin.
Ingredients: Pumpkin, rice flour, grated coconut, jaggery, cardamom, and ghee.
Preparation and Taste: The pumpkin is cooked and mashed, then mixed with rice flour, grated coconut, and jaggery. The mixture is shaped into dumplings and steamed. These soft, sweet dumplings are flavoured with cardamom and a drizzle of ghee, making them a delightful dessert or festive treat.
Java Rain Resorts provides the best monsoon cuisine:
Java Rain Resorts, in the lush green of Chikmagalur, offers an unparalleled monsoon dining experience that brings the best of nature to your plate. During the monsoon season, the resort takes full advantage of the region’s abundant natural produce to curate a menu that is as vibrant and refreshing as the surroundings.
At Java Rain Resorts, the focus is on sourcing the freshest ingredients directly from local farms. The monsoon season brings a bounty of vegetables, fruits, and herbs, which are incorporated into dishes to highlight their natural flavours. This farm-to-table approach ensures that every meal is delicious.
Java Rain Resorts believes that good food is essential to overall well-being. The resort’s menu includes a variety of healthy options that cater to different dietary preferences and needs. From nourishing soups and salads to hearty main courses, every dish is designed to provide a balance of nutrients, helping guests feel their best while enjoying the monsoon magic.
Conclusion:
Java Rain Resorts in Chikmagalur provides a delightful monsoon dining experience that showcases the best of Malnad cuisine. The fresh, locally sourced ingredients, vibrant dishes, and cozy atmosphere make it an ideal destination for food lovers. Guests can enjoy a variety of traditional dishes like Pathrode, Huli Avalakki, and Cheeni Kayi Kadubu, along with the region’s famous aromatic coffee. The resort’s commitment to health and well-being is reflected in its carefully curated menu. As the rain enhances the natural beauty of Chikmagalur, the offerings at Java Rain Resorts complement the serene surroundings. Whether you are savouring a spicy curry or sipping on estate blend coffee, every meal becomes a celebration of the season. Visit Java Rain Resorts the famous chikmagalur monsoon resort to immerse yourself in the flavours and charm of Chikmagalur’s monsoon cuisine.
