Years after a memorable childhood visit, I found myself yearning to explore Chikmagalur again. The mist-covered mornings, bustling town square, and the aroma of hot kaapi had stayed with me, reminiscent of the scenes from 'Malgudi Days'. This time, the trip was sparked by my young son's newfound curiosity about coffee. Our Christmas holiday road trip from Kannur to Chikmagalur was meticulously planned, with six of us—my wife, two kids, and my parents—embarking on this nostalgic adventure in our newly bought SUV.

We set out the day after Christmas, eager to test the SUV on this scenic six-hour drive. Our lunch stop at Gonikoppal in South Kodagu was a delightful break. The unique flavors of chicken, slightly different from what we were used to, were a hit with the kids. The pleasant weather and picturesque route made the drive enjoyable, with beautiful sightseeing attractions along the way.

As we ascended the ghats, the clouds and sun played hide and seek, creating stretches of shade and sunlight along the road. The SUV handled the terrain wonderfully, ensuring a comfortable journey. We passed by numerous farms growing ginger, cardamom, pepper, and, of course, coffee. The lush greenery was breathtaking, and as the sun began to set, we arrived at the estate where we would be staying.

After freshening up, we stepped out to witness the golden glow of the setting sun. Our host had arranged deck chairs for us to soak in the splendor. Soon, the invigorating aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air, and we were served our first cups of Chikmagalur's famous brew. My dad, in particular, couldn't get enough of it. The taste was simply superb, a perfect introduction to the region's coffee culture.

The next morning, we were treated to more cups of coffee along with steaming idlis before setting out to trek the hills. Our guide, Appaji, an old timer with a wealth of knowledge, made the trek fascinating with his stories about the place, coffee cultivation, traditions, and local beliefs. He took us to a plantation where the morning pickers were just returning to the processing center. My son was thrilled to touch the coffee beans and learn about the entire process. Appaji explained how the beans are washed, dried, and graded meticulously, first by machines and then by hand, to ensure perfection. He shared that the beans are then sold at auction houses where blenders and roasters create unique blends, tested and valued by master tasters.

During our plantation visit, we discovered FFOX coffee, a brand known for its exceptional quality and unique blends. The plantation owner explained how FFOX coffee is carefully sourced and processed to bring out the best flavours. We were offered freshly brewed FFOX coffee, and the rich, smooth taste was an instant hit with all of us. The kids were particularly fascinated by the effort and craftsmanship that went into making each cup of FFOX coffee.

Lunch at the plantation canteen was simple yet delicious, accompanied by more of that wonderful FFOX coffee. The kids, now full of newfound knowledge about coffee production, were excited and appreciative of the intricate process. By late afternoon, Appaji arranged a jeep to take us back to our estate.

Back at the estate, we relaxed with another round of FFOX coffee, savouring the day's experiences. This trip to Chikmagalur was not just a journey back in time but also a discovery of the exquisite FFOX coffee, adding a new layer to our coffee appreciation. It was a perfect blend of nostalgia, learning, and the joy of sharing these moments with family