July 8, 2021
World Chocolate Day is observed on July 7th, is all about enjoying delicious, versatile, and exceptional indulgence called chocolate! 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.
In India Cocoa grows in South – 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 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, and 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. For chocolate lovers, Idukki is a great starting point to trace the journey of chocolate from a bean to the finished bar.
West Godavari, Andhra Pradesh Known to be one of the largest harvesters 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 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.
Surrounded by a higher canopy of coconut palms that 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 aims to create awareness about the benefits of chocolates, their production processes and pay tribute to this delightful sweet.
Madikeri, Karnataka is 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.