From tree to treat: This World Chocolate Day, indulge in local cocoa across India and experience the sweet journey of a chocolate
It's that time of the year when chocoholics get ready to immerse in a truly guilt-free indulgence. World Chocolate Day, which is observed on July 7th, is all about celebrating a delicious, versatile and irreplaceable treat - chocolate!. To celebrate the sweetest day of the year, Booking.com has curated a list of destinations across India that produce local cocoa. Chocolate starts out as a nib, which is found in a cocoa bean that grows in pods on cocoa trees. The cocoa bean at the core is hard, tasteless and inedible. It becomes the basis for chocolate only after fermenting and roasting. This is how the journey of all chocolate begins.
Cocoa thrives in South India and is grown across Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Chocolate lovers can visit these South Indian destinations, home to vast cocoa farms, and experience the sweet journey of a chocolate right at its root, as it becomes safe to travel again.
Idukki, Kerala
If you ever wanted to have pure cocoa with a view, then Idukki in Kerala is the place for you. Situated in the heart of Kerala, Idukki is known as the land of forests, spices and cocoa. Surrounded by mountainous hills and dense forests, travellers can savour the sweetness of cocoa in the vast fields of Idukki and carry some home. For chocolate lovers, Idukki is a great starting point to trace the journey of chocolate from a bean to the finished bar. While in Idukki, travellers can enjoy the rich flora and fauna in the popular Eravikulam National Park or head further to Munnar, another beautiful hill station in Idukki district, known for the largest tea plantations in the world.
West Godavari, Andhra Pradesh
Known to be one of the largest harvester of cocoa in the country, West Godavari district in Andhra Pradesh is slowly becoming a cocoa growing hub with more and more farmers showing interest in cultivating the exotic crop. A seven hour drive from the main city of Hyderabad, one won’t be disappointed after having a bite of pure cocoa grown here by the local farmers. Travellers can also indulge in local cocoa by visiting cocoa fields in the villages of East Godavari, Krishna, Srikakulam and Visakhapatnam.
Anamalai, Tamil Nadu
Surrounded by a higher canopy of coconut palms which shade the lower level of cocoa trees, Anamalai farm in Tamil Nadu is known to be one of the most picturesque cocoa farms one would have ever seen. Travellers can have delicious fresh cocoa straight from a freshly cracked pod. The flavours differ from apple to lychee to mango and beyond, depending on several other factors. And if your taste buds are in for a drive, you can also head to India’s first chocolate museum located in Ooty. The museum is run by a local family who aim to create awareness about the benefits of chocolates, its production processes and pay tribute to this delightful sweet.
Madikeri, Karnataka
Situated at an altitude of 950 meters, travellers will find themselves surrounded by cocoa plants in Hakathur village of Madikeri. Travellers can plan their stay in the breathtaking hill town of Madikeri and then head to the village during the day to taste fresh cocoa off the tree at the 20 acre Kumaran estate. The estate is known to be a certified organic farm and also grows coffee, pepper, avocados, and other fruits and spices on a smaller scale. After relishing the various flavors of cocoa, travellers can spend the rest of their time exploring the lush green town and enjoy the majestical scenery, misty mountains, dense forests, tea, coffee and spice plantation. Other popular spots waiting to be explored near Madikeri are Abbey Falls, Harangi Dam and Madikeri Fort.
