Bean to Mug: The Journey of Chikmagalur’s Coffee from the Plantation to Your Cup

Mar 22, 2025

Last Updated on: Aug 25, 2025

Travel Blog

Are you aware of Chikmagalur’s Coffee? The taste is counted among the richest coffees in the world. You may have tasted the coffee from here. But did you care to visit the most prestigious coffee estate in the country yet? 

You’ll be amazed by the hills covered by mist. As you graze past, you will see the lush green plantations. 

The contrasts of the green top against the grey rocks will surely amaze you. But the best part is something else. You will come across the rich coffee aroma. It’s always present in the air. 

The bottom line is that this characteristic coffee station is a must-visit. There’s a reason why it is called the Distinct Coffee Land of Karnataka. 

The Rich Heritage You Can’t-Miss

The coffee culture started under the British Raj. Now it has flourished beyond leaps. But things were different from the start. The coffee culture was prevalent among the Britishers and a small section of the Indian elites only. 

But that has spread now. Subsequently, Chikmagalur’s Coffee is now reputed as one of the finest Indian coffee. Meanwhile, the estate has also risen to the helm of fame. When you visit her, you will encounter one of the biggest and finest coffee estates in the country. 

Planning a Chikmagalur Tour

Plan your Chikmagalur tour today. Begin with a coffee plantation tour. When you come here,, you will meet a plethora of global and domestic tourists who flock here every year. Firstly, you will enjoy the breathtaking scenery around. Next, you will soak yourself in the rich coffee aroma in the surroundings. 

From coffee beans to the brewery, you will witness every step with your eyes. At the same time, you will get insights that you make you a coffee pro. So, make your visit to Chikmagalur’s coffee plantations more memorable and insightful!

The History of Chikmagalur Coffee

Chikmagalur's Coffee

Coffee dates back to the 17th century India. Baba Budan, who also goes by the name of  Hazarat Shah Janab Allah Magatabi, paid a Haj visit. He was mesmerized by the strong beverage he had in Yemen. And the stark aroma with a rich taste took a toll on his tastebuds. 

Then he decided to take coffee back to his land. That’s how coffee occurred in India. 

undertook a pilgrimage to the holy land of Mecca. During his travels, he encountered the rich, aromatic coffee of Yemen and was so impressed by its refreshing qualities that he decided to bring it back to India.

The Challenge 

Back then, exporting coffee from the Arabian estates was not allowed. But the legend says that he smuggled around 7 beans. He just hid them in his robes. 

When he returned in 1670, he paid a visit to the Chikmagalur’s Coffee Hills. At first, he didn’t know it would be a coffee plantation paradise. But the rich soil and the soothing weather worked like magic. 

Later the surrounding Sufi hills were named Baba Budan Giri, honoring him. 

How Did It Spread?

Initial coffee’s acceptance was slow. Hence the cultivation was limited too. But coffees started to spread like wildfire when the English came here. 

The Europeans were mesmerized. At first, The Dutch made spreading coffee plantations a personal agenda in India. But the real reign of coffee started under the British. Around 1850, coffee plantations became normal in India. 

What’s The Status Now?

The Chikmagalur’s Coffee is now popular across India and abroad too. However there is a sheer economic importance of this beverage as well. At first, the story began with just 7 coffee beans. But it has now grown into a fully fledged industry. 

Today, the coffee plantation is a separate tourist attraction. If you ever go by the scenic Chikmagalur’s Coffee estate, check out the coffee plantations with awe! 

The Art of Coffee-Making

Chikmagalur’s coffee plantations are home to two distinct varieties of coffee: Arabica and Robusta. Arabica is known for its delicate flavor and sweet undertones and is in high demand in international markets. 

Arabica plants are smaller and thrive at higher altitudes. They require more manual attention and meticulous care. On the other hand, Robusta is more resilient, growing at lower elevations and having a bold, strong taste. Robusta plants are also easier to maintain.

While a casual coffee drinker may be unable to distinguish between the two easily, estate owners carefully select their preferred variety based on climate conditions, maintenance needs, and market demand. Both coffee varieties play a crucial role in Chikmagalur’s coffee industry.

The journey from coffee cherry to mug is an intricate, labor-intensive process. The steps of coffee-making are as follows:

  • Step 1: Harvesting

Skilled coffee pickers handpick only the ripest coffee cherries, ensuring quality and consistency.

  • Step 2: Processing

The harvested cherries undergo various processing methods to remove the outer layers and prepare the beans.

  • Step 3: Drying

In this stage, the main aim is to dry the coffee. You can use the sun drying method. Most roasteries use it too. 

Once there is no moisture in the beans, you can go to the next stage. 

  • Step 4: Roasting

Once done, the coffee beans go through the penultimate stage. Each bean goes through careful roasting. But you need to maintain a precise temperature during the process. It helps to infuse the rich gourmet smell and characteristic taste. 

This careful process, perfected over generations, is what makes Chikmagalur’s coffee so exceptional.

Explore the Coffee Museum

For those eager to explore the world of coffee, a visit to the Coffee Museum, also known as the Coffee Yatra Museum in Chikmagalur, is a must. The Coffee Board of India started this museum as a solo initiative. Now this is the main Indian coffee museum that educates visitors about coffee. You can learn about coffee’s journey from scratch here. 

Located in Dasarahalli, just a short drive from Chikmagalur’s city center, the museum offers an enriching experience that is ideal for both casual coffee lovers and connoisseurs.

Pay A Visit Today!

For a truly immersive coffee experience, a stay amid Chikmagalur’s Coffee plantations is ideal. Gateway Chikmagalur provides the perfect luxury stay, offering modern comforts while keeping visitors close to the town’s coffee heritage. 

With its proximity to key attractions like the Coffee Museum, it serves as a great base to explore the region’s rich coffee culture, while indulging in a luxurious, nature-infused getaway.

Share on Social Media

Meet Sibashree Bhattacharya, a travel enthusiast who has a decade-long experience in transcending virtual barriers with her words! Her deep love for travel is apparent from her travel escapades to the mountain, often taking her readers on a journey, her words acting as Portkey! Fun fact: Sibashree loves to dive deep into the history of the places she is about to visit, making her travels even more wholesome. If you were wondering how her articles are not short of time travel, this answers it!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

title-img Related

READ MORE Hyderabad

10 Most Famous Restaurants In Hyderabad For A Wholesome Experience

BY  Abdul Aziz Nov 29, 2022

Hyderabad is a city in the south-central Indian state of Telangana. The largest and most populated city, it serves as the main urban hub and famous restaurants for the whole of the south-central heartland of India. Hyderabad has developed into a major worldwide center for business and trade as well as information technology (IT).  The city is renowned for its monuments, which include the fort of Golconda and the masterpiece Charminar. It is famous for its rich cultural diversity, historical legacy, and, of course, its delectable cuisine, including biryani. Moreover, TasteAtlas has ranked Hyderabad 50th for its diverse food options. Also, the inclusive culture of the city is reflected in its food. So, when Biryani and Nihari are pure joy for non-vegetarians, the city never fails to offer the best options for vegetarians.   Exploring the street food of the city is an experience in itself. However, if you are looking for fine dining and elaborate lunch options for you and your family, these are the best restaurants in Hyderabad.  10 Famous Restaurants In Hyderabad For Your Family  You can explore the wide variety of the taste of Hyderabad in the following top 10 famous restaurants in Hyderabad.  The rich food culture of the city gets a modern twist and some contemporary flavors at these highly-cherished places.  1. Exotica Banjara Hills Address:  5th Floor, 12th Square, Building, Hyderabad Contact Number: 095505 15500 Pocket Pinch: INR 2500 for Two People One of Hyderabad's best famous restaurants is popular with the name of Exotica. Exotica, a well-known eatery that serves Mughlai, North Indian, Chinese food, and others offering outside seating, lives up to its name.  A complete bar counter with live sports screenings, supporting valet parking, a buffet, and many other luxury amenities available at the location. Known for its Kulfi, and delicious flavourful chicken malai tikka, Kheer, and Chicken Manchow Soup. The jucy Mutton Biryani, with  Pina Coladas, is without a doubt one of the top restaurants in Hyderabad. Its staff is amicable, and the setting on the rooftop provides it with an added benefit. Anybody with a distinct cuisine philosophy can come here and have a fantastic feast. Exotica should therefore be on your list while you are visiting Hyderabad.  Location: Banjara Hills 2. Jalpaan https://www.instagram.com/p/C-IGvHOpxwM/?hl=en Address: Jalpaan Oyster complex, Malabar Gold Show Room, Begumpet Contact Number: 083741 11102 Pocket Pinch: INR 600-800 Jalpaan, a popular vegetarian restaurant in Hyderabad, is elegantly decorated and has a cheerful staff. Butter Naan, Chaat, Potli Biryani, Gulab Jamun, and Paneer Tikka are some of its appetizing dishes that are well-known and never fail to tempt diners.  It is without a doubt one of Hyderabad's best famous restaurants and is renowned for giving its vegetarian menu a royal twist. You can also book some pocket-friendly hotels in Hyderabad located in the area.  Location: Begumpet  3. Flechazo https://www.instagram.com/p/Cyht4U5r75y/?hl=en Address: Floor, D. No.8, 5th, 2-120/86/9/3, Road No. 2, opp. Park Hyatt, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad Contact No: 073375 53270 Pocket Pinch: INR 800-1000 A very famous multicuisine restaurant that brings to you flavors from all across the globe. Flechazo, one of the city's newest eateries, specializes in Mediterranean, Asian, and North Indian cuisine.  The famous restaurants' interiors, decor, and hospitality are frequently praised by customers.   One of Hyderabad's greatest restaurants for families, it has free valet parking and wifi and is kid-friendly. Hyderabad is also a superb venue for New Year's celebrations.  Location: Jubilee Hills 4. Amogham- The Lake View Restaurant https://www.instagram.com/p/C5DyUSbB3Ur/?hl=en Address: NTR Marg Adjacent to Lumbini Park, NTR Marg, opposite Tankbund, Khairtabad, Hyderabad Contact Number: 093552 34567 Pocket Pinch: INR 1600 for Two People Amogham Restaurant is renowned for its rich scent and indulgent use of spices. The service, atmosphere, and ambiance are all worth experiencing because they never fail to make a lasting impression. Given that you are in the southern region of the country, the Biryanis and Mughlai cuisine is known to be fairly authentic. The menus have been carefully crafted to ensure that each dish embodies the flavor and charm of traditional Indian cuisine.  Location: Khairatabad, Central Hyderabad  5. Daily Treats Address: Raheja IT Park, Mindspace, HUDA Techno Enclave, HITEC City, Hyderabad Contact Number: 040 6767 6767 Pocket Pinch: INR 2500 for Two Daily Treats is one of the finest famous restaurants in the city for a fine-dining experience thanks to its magnificent décor, comfortable seating, and kind and helpful staff. It never fails to impress the foodie in you with its variety of delicacies from North Indian to European cuisines and vegan as well as gluten-free options.  The out-of-this-world flavor of its meals and the elegance with which they are served on a platter make it one of the best vegetarian restaurants in Hyderabad. Location: The Westin Hyderabad, Madhapur, Hyderabad  6. Altitude Lounge Bar Hyderabad Marriott Hotel & Convention Centre https://www.instagram.com/p/CeOBi5aMdrG/?hl=en&img_index=1 Address: 8th Floor, Hyderabad Marriott Hotel & Convention Centre, Tank Bund Road, Bhagyalaxmi Nagar, Central, Hyderabad Contact Number:  096664 12009 Pocket Pinch: INR 3000 for Two People This eatery draws in both families and couples with its soft lighting and cozy atmosphere. Apart from the divine food, one of the main factors contributing to its appeal is the affordable prices. The vibe is welcoming and relaxing.  It is one of the greatest famous restaurants in Hyderabad, offering rooftop and, lake & skyline views along with exceptional service, scrumptious dishes, cocktails, and a pleasant environment.  Location: Hyderabad Marriott Hotel & Convention Centre  7. The Fisherman’s Wharf https://www.instagram.com/p/C-piLwaoFDr/?hl=en Address: 304, Nehru Outer Ring Road, Financial District, Gachibowli, Hyderabad, Nanakramguda Contact Number: 091003 32244 Pocket Pinch: INR 1800 for Two Due to its Goan theme, Hyderabad's The Fisherman's Wharf restaurant and pub are wildly famous. The lavish furnishings, colorful walls, and open rooftop almost make you believe that you are on a beach, far from the bustling streets.  The seafood platter they serve is remarkable. Fisherman's Wharf is an excellent dine-out option for a group outing or corporate meal.  Location: 304, Puppalaguda, Gachibowli, Hyderabad  8. Mist-The Poolside Kitchen Address: Golkonda Resorts & Spa, The Golconda Resort, Gandipet, Hyderabad Contact Number: 099514 97555 Pocket Pinch: INR 4000 for Two People A casual restaurant offering beverages and Mediterranean and Pan-Asian food next to a swimming pool. Your ideal romantic candle night dinner place.  Both locals and tourists frequent the restaurant, and its reasonable rates significantly increase business. The well-known delicacies offered here never fail to win hearts and please the tastebuds.  Location: The Golkonda Resort, Sagar Mahal Complex, Hyderabad  9. Jewel Of Nizam https://www.instagram.com/p/CsTSFBwr7b6/?hl=en Address: D No. 10/1/124, The Golkonda Hotel, Saifabad Rd, Masab Tank, Hyderabad Contact Number: 040 6611 0101 Pocket Pinch: INR 5000 for Two People A restaurant that sounds (and appears to be) straight out of a dream is a premium dining establishment called Jewel of Nizam, The Minar. The cobalt blue crystal glasses and seats lend a splash of color, while the exquisite ivory decor and delicate chandeliers give the space a pleasant, sophisticated appearance and feel.  The tower's spectacular views are the icing on the cake as you feast and raise a toast to Hyderabadi life.  Location: Golkonda Resort, Gandipet.  10. Mazzo https://www.instagram.com/p/DCVylVzuVSY/ Address: SLN terminus, Gachibowli, Marriott Executive Apartments, Level ST (Super Terrace, Survey No. 133, SLN Terminus Rd, Gachibowli, Kondapur Contact Number: 091000 80131 Pocket Pinch: INR 3000 for Two People A fantastic location to enjoy the nightlife, taking in the mesmerizing view along with mouthwatering food. It is a popular foodie hotspot, so making reservations in advance is always a smart decision.  It makes for a special supper with family and friends because of the relaxed atmosphere and excellent service, located near some of the best Hyderabad famous restaurants to stay in. Location: SLN Terminus, 10th floor, Jayabheri Enclave, Gachibowli, Hyderabad Conclusion: You must acknowledge that there is a lot to explore in the city after reading the blog. Where would you go first in a city with such a wide variety of mouthwatering food among these famous restaurants list and share your experiences through the comment section? Frequently Asked Questions On Best Restaurants In Hyderabad (FAQs:) 1. What are the most popular restaurants in Hyderabad that one can’t afford to miss? Ans: Flechazo, Conçu, Olive Bistro, and AB's Absolute Barbecue are the leading eateries in Jubilee Hills that serve quality food. These are a few of the well-liked eateries where visitors enjoy dining. You can also visit Mist, Mazzo, and Jewel of Nizam to have a sumptuous experience that will leave you craving for more.  2. What kind of cuisines do the top restaurants in Hyderabad offer? Ans: Hyderabad is a food lover's paradise, especially for those who enjoy spicy food! While Biryani is Hyderabad's most well-known dish, one can also discover a wide range of other cuisines in Hyderabad's restaurants, including North Indian, Mediterranean, Italian, Continental, and a lot more.  3. What are some good hotels to stay in for a while on your trip to Hyderabad? Ans: There are numerous hotels in Hyderabad that are budget friendly and centrally located. Trident Hyderabad, Taj Falaknuma Palace, Hyatt Place, Marriott Executive Apartments, and Courtyard by Marriott, to name a few. Additional: Which Is The Largest Freshwater Lake In India? India’s New Airline, Akasa Airs, Is Set To Pets In Cabin And Cargo Best Places For Highest Bungee Jumping In India – Adventure Guide 40 Killed In Floods And Landslides In North India – More Heavy Rain Is To Come

READ MORE Screen-Printed T-Shirts

Why Screen-Printed T-Shirts For Travel Are Style Souvenirs?

BY  Sibashree Jul 31, 2025

I truly believe that there's something holy about travel. Something beyond sightseeing and geotags.  Have you wondered what it can be? Well, it's the stories. Additionally, it's also the sensations, the little moments that sear themselves into memory.  Each trip leaves footprints on dusty roads or sandy beaches. However, travelers are ever more seeking ways to take these moments with them beyond postcards and selfies. Therefore, the screen-printed t-shirts for travel are one such way. Moreover, it's a very fun way to remind ourselves what a particular trip resembled.  Travel Is Temporary, But Screen-Printed T-shirts For Travel Is A Souvenir As we think about souvenirs, we tend to think about magnets, key rings, or wooden dolls bought at jam-packed street stalls.  They're meaningful, maybe—but they don't do anything. On the other hand, a well-screen-printed t-shirt, designed with the thought of a trip in mind, lasts.  It's a conversation piece, a garment worn with the memory of where you've been, and sometimes even where you're going. Think about it: your Pacific Coast Highway road trip. The winding cliffs, sun-baked vistas, the salt on your lips.  Now imagine that etched onto cloth—splashed waves crashing beneath harsh lettering of "PCH '24 – Road Born & Shore Bound." It's no longer just a shirt. It's an heirloom. The Transition From Branded To Belonging In the past, travel shirts were all about commerce—"I ❤️ NY" or "Been There, Done That" in Comic Sans. Nowadays, traveler craves more reflective design.  They're seeking shirts that convey personal experience over mass production. Screen-printed t-shirts give them that perfect balance, where creativity and originality meet. Small tour groups, travel writers, and even lone backpackers are now collaborating with neighborhood screen printers or bespoke online websites to create limited edition travel tees.  A team that summited Kilimanjaro as a team might get shirts printed, along with basic drawings of the summit route.  A pair that asked each other to marry under the Northern Lights might capture that moment—auroras swirling above silhouettes—on cloth. These shirts don't merely remember. They bond. They proclaim: "I was there, with these folks, experiencing something unforgettable." Why Are Screen-printed T-shirts For Travel  Gaining Hype? Well, travelling is fun. But you know what’s more fun? Something that reminds you of the good times.  The Screen-printed t-shirts for travel are gaining hype for this one, and many more reasons. Let’s look at what makes them so special: 1. Group Travel's Secret Weapon: Custom Tees Structured vacations—student trips, yoga retreats, or volunteer expeditions—are discovering that custom Screen-printed t-shirts for travel foster instant esprit de corps. Before one suitcase is opened or a plane touches down, distributing coordinating tees with a common logo or joke creates a tribe vibe.  Moreover, it's team-building in cotton form. And while traveling, they behave like cushy, visual beacons—you see your people readily at airports, festivals, and busy bazaars. After the trip's done, you don’t banish those shirts to the back of a drawer. They're worn on lazy Sunday afternoons, gym days, and coffee stops—initiating spontaneous conversations and wistfulness wherever they appear. 2. Printing Stories, Not Just Graphics It is what makes screen printing magical: intentionality. The manufacturers don't produce these t-shirts in large quantities.  Rather, they make them with care, each color layer a piece of the journey.  You choose the shade that reflected the desert at sunset. The font that embodies the gritty, strong spirit of Berlin. The words of a local guide who said something wise that stuck with you. And there's the fun of community collaboration. The majority of travelers today seek out screen print shops in destinations they visit. Therefore, this is creating wearable memorabilia there, on location. Imagine visiting a co-op in Guatemala or an art district in Lisbon, and creating your shirt with local artists. It's sustainable, it's creative, and it's for the local economy—a far cry from plastic Eiffel Tower souvenir shops. 3. The Conscious Travel Movement & Ethical Fashion Another reason screen-printed tees are picking up with seasoned travelers? They neatly slot into the rules of conscious travel. Light packing, capsule wardrobe, ethical fashion design—all the way to purposeful shirts that do the jpb.  The screen-printed t-shirts for travel, made from the spirit of a journey, are not only a fashion—it's function, story, identity, and even activism. Want to raise the issue of deforestation after visiting the Amazon? Design a tee that ties that story together.  Want to celebrate the kindness of strangers in Hanoi? Depict it. The t-shirt is a means to reflection and storytelling well beyond the moment when you toss the boarding pass away.  From Solo Wanderers To Travel Brands: Everyone's Printing Meaning Even larger travel businesses and celebrities are jumping on the bandwagon. They're releasing merch based on places—capsule collections that visually reflect a city's vibe.  Hand-drawn ramen bowls on a Tokyo tee, or split color gradations of Iceland's fire and ice duality. For solo travelers, Screen-printed tees can be an expression and social connection. Wearing a tee that hints at your most recent trek or unorthodox destination invites questions and conversation.  It's a way of saying hello to fellow travelers en route, so to speak, without saying: "I travel deeply. I collect moments." With Screen-printed T-shirts For Travel, Travel Isn't Just Seen—It's Worn I think all the travellers will agree with me, travelling changes us as people. At the heart of travel is the desire to have an experience intensely and remember it vividly.  In a time of digital photographs and ephemeral Instagram posts, Screen-printed t-shirts for travel offer something solid, lasting, and emotionally resonant. They're not what you wear on your holiday—they are the holiday. Each stain, each wrinkle, each worn-out print tells a story.  And the best part? You don't have to hang it on the wall or store it in the cloud. You wear it on your back, across borders, across generations.So the next time you travel, leave space for something unexpected: an experience you've not yet had. You are still waiting to read it, wear it, and remember it.

READ MORE things to see on Phuket Island

Three Of The Best Must-See Attractions During Your Time On The Thai Island Of Phuket

BY  Sibashree Jul 17, 2025

Alright, so—Phuket, the Thai Island. Man, where do I even start? I went in with zero expectations. Like, I thought it’d just be a beach-and-smoothie kind of trip.  You know, chill, maybe burn a little under the sun, hit up a night market or two, then call it a win. But wow, did this place surprise me! Seriously, you could spend a whole week there and still feel like you missed stuff. And I don’t mean just tourist traps—I mean real gems, the kind of places that make you stop and go, “Wait... how is this even real?”  But if I had to pick just three, the ones that still pop into my head while I’m spacing out on the subway or standing in line somewhere? It’s these. Trust me, you don’t wanna skip ‘em. Here’s the shortlist of the best things to see on Phuket Island, broken down with the same chaotic energy I had while stumbling across them. What Are The Best Things To See On Phuket Island?  From the natural beauty of Phang Nga Bay to the Big Buddha statue and the unique charm of the Old Phuket Town, the best things to see on Phuket Island are many.  Here goes my journal of what I saw and what I experienced.  Also, you can plan a stay in the best hotel in Patong Beach to make your holiday more enjoyable.  1. Phang Nga Bay Okay, so this one?  Total accident. I wasn’t even planning on going. I was half-asleep at breakfast, eavesdropping on some German backpackers at the hostel talking about this boat tour, and I kinda just nodded along and joined last-minute. Best decision I didn’t even really make. Next thing I know, I’m on this longtail boat, wind blasting my face, trying not to drop my phone overboard. And then—bam—these giant limestone cliffs just rise up out of the water like something straight out of a dream.  It’s wild. Like, you see photos online and assume they’ve been touched up or filtered or something. But nope. That emerald-green water? Totally real. And almost too perfect. Ended up in a kayak somehow. Not sure how that happened—someone handed me a paddle and I just went with it. And let me tell you, drifting through caves and into these hidden lagoons where it suddenly goes dead silent?  Genuinely eerie. In the best way. It was just me, water, and birds doing their thing. No Wi-Fi, no distractions. I didn’t even take a photo in that moment, which says a lot ‘cause I take photos of everything. I just kind of sat there, floating, trying to process how this was real life. Also, I overheard someone mention that those rock formations are millions of years old. Which, I guess, makes sense... but also doesn’t, because that kind of time is hard to wrap your brain around when you’re wearing flip-flops and sunscreen that’s already stopped working. Moral of the story: if someone mentions Phang Nga Bay, just go. Don’t overthink it. 2. Big Buddha Statue: One Of The Iconic Things To See On Phuket Island Alright, so this one is on every “Top 10 Phuket” list, and at first I kinda rolled my eyes like, “Okay yeah, giant Buddha, got it.”  But listen—it’s worth it. Especially if you like places that mess with your sense of scale and give you a weird kind of peace you weren’t expecting. You can spot the statue from, like, miles away. It’s perched way up on this hill and looks kinda unreal when the sun hits it just right.  Getting there involves a bit of a drive (note to self: don’t trust Google Maps when it says 15 minutes), and the road?  Twisty and wild. At one point, I had to dodge a monkey that was just hanging out in the middle of the road like it paid rent there. Once you're at the top though—wow. The breeze, the views, the statue itself... it all just sort of hits you at once.  There were people praying, people meditating, some guy just playing with his shoelaces like he was in his own little world.  I ended up sitting on this shaded bench, not really thinking, just existing. It’s hard to explain, but everything felt... still like time slowed down a little. Even if you’re not spiritual or religious or whatever, there’s something about that spot that feels special. It’s quiet, but not in a lonely way. Just peaceful. Solid recommendation. 3. Phuket Town So, confession time: I almost skipped this entirely. “The Old Town of Phuket”? Sounded kinda boring, honestly. But someone at dinner said the food there was fire, and I was like, “Alright, I’ll go for the noodles.” Ended up staying all day. This part of the island has its own vibe. Totally different from the beachy postcard stuff. It’s loud, colorful, and full of character.  Buildings in faded yellows, pinks, blues—all with peeling paint and crooked shutters that somehow make it even better. It’s got this lived-in charm. Like nothing’s trying too hard, and that makes it cool. I wandered aimlessly for hours. Got lost, found a little bookstore with more cats than books, and accidentally bought a t-shirt I’ll probably never wear.  I ate noodles that made me do the involuntary “eyes wide, nod slowly” thing because they were just that good. Oh—and there was this old guy selling postcards with weird hand-drawn cartoons. I bought five. It’s not glamorous. It’s not curated. But it’s real. And for me, that’s what made it so good. Things To See In Phuket Island: Where Nature And Grandeur Meet So yeah, those three places? Absolute standouts. Not secret spots by any means—plenty of people go. But they’re memorable in that “I can’t believe this is real” kind of way. Nature that humbles you. A statue that quiets your brain. A town that feels like someone’s messy scrapbook of life. And hey, pack light but bring snacks. I got way too hungry way too fast and regretted not having anything on hand but gum. Anyway, that’s it. If you end up in Phuket, don’t miss these. Or do. But you’d be missing out.