As Christmas festivities set the mood, the scenic hill town of Ooty in Tamil Nadu has once again become a magnet for chocolate lovers with the start of its annual Chocolate Festival.

The event features an array of handcrafted chocolates created by local artisans, offering visitors a chance to savour a wide selection of unique confections.

This year’s festival is themed around the rich and diverse flavours of the Nilgiris, with several new chocolate varieties made using locally sourced ingredients gathered from the mountains by tribal communities. The initiative adds a strong regional identity to the festival.

Visitors say the chocolates stand out for their distinctive taste and local character, making the experience both memorable and authentic.

The Chocolate Festival began on Friday and will continue until January 4, adding a sweet flavour to Ooty’s holiday season.