Permanent Pictorial Cancellation inaugural day covers

Description: Chikmagalur, once known as Kiria-Muguli, is the main city and district headquarters located in Karnataka. Nestled at the base of the Mullayanagiri peak in the Western Ghats, this area is famous for its pleasant, hill station-like weather, lush tropical rain, and beautiful coffee plantations. It holds a special place in the story of coffee in India, often referred to as the birthplace of Indian coffee. This intriguing tale begins with Baba Budan, a Sufi saint who played a vital role in bringing coffee to India. In 1670, during a pilgrimage to Mecca, he bringed seven raw coffee beans from Yemen, where coffee was originally grown. At that time, the beans were typically exported as roasted coffee, making it impossible for others to cultivate their own. Baba Budan, enchanted by the taste of coffee, decided to bring it back home. To do this, he hid the beans in his beard, as the number seven is considered sacred in Islam. 

He planted these beans on the slopes of the Chandra Drona hills in what is now Chikmagalur, which later became known as Baba Budangiri in his honour. Baba Budan's actions greatly transformed the farming landscape of India, introducing the world of coffee cultivation. The Maharaja of Mysore at the time, Krishnaraja Wodeyar, even donated land for planting coffee. This marked the beginning of a rich coffee history cherished by both the state and the country. Arabica coffee, known for its smooth taste and delightful aroma, is primarily grown. Each year, over 55,000 hectares are dedicated to these plantations. The region's high altitude, ranging from 2,800 to 6,000 feet, coupled with its cool climate, creates perfect conditions for coffee growth. The cooler temperatures and higher elevation mean that coffee beans take longer to develop, resulting in a richer and more flavorful drink. This delightful coffee grown in Chikmagalur is a symbol of Karnataka's agricultural heritage and a point of pride for coffee lovers everywhere.