The Western Ghats—stretching majestically along India’s western coastline—are more than just a biodiversity hotspot. They are also home to one of the world’s oldest and most fascinating traditions of fruit cultivation: the mango. Long before the mango became a global favourite, its story was already unfolding in these misty mountains, in quiet villages surrounded by ancient forests, red laterite soil, and monsoon-fed rivers.

The history of mango cultivation in the Western Ghats is woven with myths, trade, royal influence, and the deep connection between nature and local communities. Many believe the mango first grew wild in these forests thousands of years ago, flourishing in the region’s warm, humid climate. Early inhabitants didn’t just enjoy the fruit—they revered the tree. The mango became an integral part of rituals, medicine, and cultural symbolism. Leaves were hung at entrances during festivals, seeds were used for various therapies, and the fruit was considered a symbol of prosperity and love.

As dynasties rose along the Konkan and Malabar coasts, mango cultivation evolved from forest gathering to systematic farming. The Chera, Chalukya, and later the Maratha rulers recognized the value of the mango and encouraged planting across their territories. With royal patronage came experimentation: new varieties, grafting techniques, and orchard management. This is the era when some of the region’s most beloved cultivars took shape.

Trade played a surprisingly powerful role in the spread of mangoes across the Western Ghats. Ports such as Mangaluru, Goa, and Ratnagiri attracted Arab traders, Portuguese explorers, and merchants from Southeast Asia. Mango seeds and saplings travelled with them—sometimes deliberately, sometimes by accident—enriching the genetic diversity of the region. In return, travellers carried stories of mangoes from the Western ghats back to their lands, contributing to the fruit’s global reputation.

Over time, the Western Ghats became a cradle of mango diversity. From the globally celebrated Alphonso of Ratnagiri to lesser-known but equally delightful varieties like Payari, Mankurad, and Malgova, the region nurtured a wide spectrum of flavours and aromas. Each valley, each village, and even each orchard developed its own unique microclimate, resulting in subtle variations that mango lovers still enjoy debating today.

What makes this history even more fascinating is how traditional wisdom shaped cultivation long before scientific agriculture existed. Farmers relied on lunar cycles, natural mulching, intercropping, and centuries-old pruning techniques. Their intimate understanding of monsoon patterns and soil health ensured that the trees not only survived but thrived. Many of these heritage practices continue today, blended with modern horticulture to protect the crop from pests, unpredictable rains, and climate change.

The story of mangoes in the Western Ghats is far from over. In fact, it is still evolving. As conservationists work to protect the region’s fragile ecosystems and farmers revive heirloom varieties, new chapters are being written. Every mango you taste from this region carries within it centuries of history, culture, and quiet dedication.

And perhaps the most intriguing part? Much of this history is still hidden—waiting in old groves, ancient trade routes, and forgotten folklore for someone curious enough to discover it.