Do the names Drona, Arjuna, and Gajendra ring a bell? You are probably thinking of them as the elephants that are part of the annual Mysore Dasara celebrations. While you are partly right, these are also the names of the coffee blends that are part of all the new Berunda Coffee.
The name 'Berunda' is inspired by the mythical Gandaberunda, the legendary two-headed bird, and the emblem of the royal family of Mysore. As with the products named after the family’s beloved elephants, every element of the brand tells a story. “Our branding incorporates our family crest and design inspirations drawn from the palace, making each detail a tribute to our royal Indian heritage,” says Rajkumari JayaPalashri Anil, CEO & Founder, Berunda Coffee. Being the daughter of Her Highness Maharajkumari Meenakshi Devi Wadiyar and granddaughter of His Highness Jayachamarajendra Wadiyar, the last ruling Maharaja of Mysore, it was an idea they had been toying with for quite some time. “While we first spoke about it and dreamed it up in London, it was during our time in Taiwan that those conversations began to take shape. What started as a shared vision soon evolved into a clear plan, laying the foundation for the journey that followed,” she says.
It all began with a disappointing cup of coffee during a mother-son holiday in Taiwan. Like many true coffee lovers, Rajkumar Dhushyant Anil believes that every day should begin with a good cup of coffee. What followed was a determined search for that perfect brew—one that unexpectedly sparked a much bigger conversation. The name 'Berunda' was suggested by Dhushyant, while the vision, concept, and creative direction for the brand were conceived by Rajkumari JayaPalashri Anil, bringing together a passion for exceptional coffee with the timeless elegance of India’s royal heritage.
With consumers today increasingly curious about origin, processing methods, and traceability. House of Berunda is committed to going beyond simply offering exceptional coffee, as they want to share the story behind every cup. “From the origins of our beans and the meticulous roasting process to the art of brewing, we are taking great care to ensure our customers experience every detail of the journey. To bring this vision to life, we will also be creating a Berunda Experience Centre—a space where coffee lovers can immerse themselves in the world of coffee,” says JayaPalashri. Here, guests will be able to explore the journey from bean to brew, discover the nuances of flavour and aroma, learn different brewing techniques, and develop a deeper appreciation for the craft behind every cup.
“Our aim is to create not just customers, but a community of informed coffee enthusiasts who savour every sip with understanding and appreciation. We have chosen to begin modestly, with a strong focus on building our foundation at home. Before looking outward, we believe it is important to be deeply rooted in the land that inspires us. Our immediate goal is to establish Berunda as a proudly Indian brand, celebrating the richness of our heritage while supporting the spirit of Make in India,” she adds.
Through Berunda, the team aspires to transform their legacy into meaningful experiences—where every cup of coffee tells a story, every product reflects a tradition, and every interaction leaves guests with a lasting connection to their history, culture, and the timeless art of Indian hospitality. “For us, it is essential to source our coffee through the right platforms, with complete transparency and clear traceability at every stage of the journey. Equally important is building meaningful relationships with the coffee growers themselves. By visiting the estates and being part of the community, especially with those who cultivate the beans, we gain a deeper understanding of their craft, honour their dedication, and ensure that every cup of Berunda reflects authenticity, quality, and respect for the people behind it,” she explains.
Sustainability lies at the heart of their journey. They are continually exploring responsible and innovative models that support both the environment and the communities behind their coffee. “Our vision is to strengthen the connection between farm and cup by working as closely as possible with coffee growers, creating a more transparent and equitable journey from the estate to our customers. We are equally committed to supporting and empowering women farmers and workers, recognising the invaluable role they play in the coffee industry. Through workshops, knowledge-sharing initiatives, and collaborations with growers, we hope to encourage better cultivation practices, improve quality, and contribute to the long-term sustainability of coffee farming. As Berunda grows, we want our success to be shared by every hand that nurtures our coffee—from the plantations to the people who enjoy it,” adds Anil.
Looking ahead, they certainly envision Berunda on the global stage. While the immediate focus is on building a strong foundation in India, the long-term aspiration is to introduce Berunda to international markets and share the richness of Indian coffee and the royal heritage with the world. “We also remain open to embracing new and innovative brewing experiences that enhance the way people enjoy coffee while staying true to our philosophy of quality and authenticity,” she adds. Collaboration will be central to their journey.
“We look forward to partnering with cafés, distributors, coffee professionals, influencers, hospitality partners, and like-minded brands that share our passion for craftsmanship, storytelling, and creating meaningful experiences. We believe that the strongest brands are built not only through exceptional products but also through enduring relationships and shared values,” she concludes.
At Berunda, luxury is not defined by exclusivity alone; it is defined by meaning. It is about creating an experience where every cup carries a story, every sip reflects exceptional craftsmanship, and every moment leaves behind a cherished memory. Time to raise a royal toast.