Chapter 2: Into the Mist – Thusharagiri to Wayanad

Journey Through the Heart of Malabar

Our journey began in the quiet pre-dawn hours, with three of us—the web developer, the coffee master, and the mechanical engineer—gathered at a hospital canteen. It was around 5 a.m., and the canteen was one of the few places open where we could wait for our doctor partner to join. The black instant coffee we sipped was simple but served its purpose of waking us up as we prepared for the adventure ahead.

When the doctor arrived, we followed him to his house to leave our car and continue the trip together in his. Just as we were about to set off, we were warmly invited inside for tea and a spread of local Malabar snacks that had been thoughtfully prepared and set out on the table. Despite our polite attempts to decline, we soon found ourselves savoring the tea and snacks. It was a comforting, unhurried start to our journey—a reminder of the hospitality that would carry us through our trip.

With our doctor partner, who knew the terrain and spoke Kannada, as the "captain" of this journey, we set off from his village near Thusharagiri. Coming from an area renowned for its beautiful waterfalls, he was familiar with the roads that led deep into coffee country, and we felt fortunate to have him lead the way.

Taking the Scenic Route Through Thusharagiri

Instead of following the main highway, our doctor suggested a detour through the backroads of Thusharagiri. Though it wasn’t the quickest path, he assured us that the views would be worth it. This route took us closer to the mountains, giving us sweeping, panoramic views of the hills we were about to climb. Morning mist lingered over the landscape, casting a soft glow over the lush green.

We stopped briefly on a bridge for a small glimpse of the famed Thusharagiri waterfall. The cascading water was visible in the distance, but getting a close view would have meant a climb on foot—a detour we couldn’t afford on such a long journey. Still, that quick view was enough to remind us of the natural beauty surrounding us and the allure of the mountains we were exploring.

Onward to the Thamarassery Hairpin Bends

After Thusharagiri, we made our way to the base of the Thamarassery Ghat, famous for its series of hairpin bends. Each twist and turn brought us higher, with the landscape shifting around every corner. As we wound our way up into the hills, the air grew cooler, and a sense of anticipation settled in. We were getting closer to Wayanad, where we planned our first stop to explore what this region had to offer.

Ahead lay Coorg, Chikmagalur, and Mangalore, each with its own story and contribution to Indian coffee scene. This wasn’t just a road trip; it was a quest to uncover the flavors, stories, and landscapes that shape the coffee we cherish. With the doctor at the wheel and the spirit of adventure in the air, we felt ready for whatever lay ahead.

In our next chapter, we’ll share more about our time in Wayanad and the coffee explorations that awaited us there.