India is the world's largest mango producer, growing approximately 20 million tonnes annually — roughly 40% of global production. With over 1,000 named varieties across 25+ states, India's mango diversity is unmatched. Understanding when and where each variety peaks is essential for anyone who takes mangoes seriously.
India's Mango Season Overview
India's mango season spans from March to September, making it the longest commercial season of any mango-producing country. This extended window exists because India stretches from 8°N (Kanyakumari) to 37°N (Ladakh border), creating multiple climate zones where mangoes ripen at different times.
The season moves from south to north as temperatures rise:
- **March-April**: Southern India (Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Goa)
- **April-May**: Western India (Maharashtra, Gujarat)
- **May-June**: Central India (Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh)
- **June-August**: Northern India (Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Punjab, Haryana)
- **July-September**: Eastern India (West Bengal, Odisha, Jharkhand)
State-by-State Mango Calendar
Maharashtra — Home of the Alphonso
| Variety | Season | Region | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alphonso (Hapus) | March-June | Ratnagiri, Devgad, Konkan | Rich, creamy, saffron-colored flesh. India's most premium variety |
| Payri | February-March | Konkan | Small, early-season, tangy-sweet |
| Kesar | April-June | Aurangabad, Jalgaon | Saffron-hued flesh, honey-sweet |
Alphonso is India's most celebrated mango, commanding PKR 2,000-6,000 per dozen depending on grade and origin. Devgad Alphonsos are considered superior to Ratnagiri due to the specific microclimate of the Devgad coast. The Alphonso season peaks in mid-April to mid-May.
Gujarat — Kesar Country
| Variety | Season | Region | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kesar | April-June | Junagadh, Gir | Deep saffron pulp, intense aroma, fibreless |
| Rajapuri | May-July | Valsad, Navsari | Large fruit (500g+), mild sweetness |
| Langra | June-July | North Gujarat | Green-skinned, tangy-sweet, citrus notes |
Kesar from Junagadh's Gir region holds a GI (Geographical Indication) tag. The variety gets its name from the saffron (kesar) color of its flesh. It is the second-most expensive Indian mango after Alphonso.
Uttar Pradesh — Volume King
| Variety | Season | Region | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dasheri | June-July | Lucknow, Malihabad | Sweet, aromatic, medium-sized, India's most popular variety |
| Langra | June-August | Varanasi, Lucknow | Tangy-sweet, stays green when ripe |
| Chausa (Chaunsa) | July-August | Western UP | Rich, sweet, similar to Pakistan's Chaunsa |
| Rataul (Ratol) | July-August | Baghpat, Meerut | Small, intensely aromatic, related to Pakistan's Anwar Ratol |
UP produces more mangoes by weight than any other Indian state. Malihabad near Lucknow is India's mango capital, with over 30,000 hectares of orchards. The Dasheri variety originated here in the 18th century.
West Bengal — Himsagar & Langra Belt
| Variety | Season | Region | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Himsagar | May-June | Murshidabad, Malda | Fiberless, honey-sweet, green skin when ripe |
| Langra | June-July | Malda, North Bengal | Classic tangy-sweet profile |
| Fazli | July-August | Malda | Largest Indian mango (up to 1kg), mild flavor |
| Laxmanbhog | May-June | Malda | Small, extremely sweet, limited production |
Himsagar is Bengal's pride — a fiberless, supremely sweet mango that stays green even when fully ripe (similar to Pakistan's Langra in appearance). Malda district is the primary growing region.
Andhra Pradesh & Telangana
| Variety | Season | Region | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Banganapalli (Benishan) | April-June | Kurnool, Prakasam | Large, golden, mildly sweet, widely exported |
| Suvarnarekha | May-June | Chittoor | Small, golden, fiber-free |
| Imam Pasand | May-July | Hyderabad region | Rich, creamy, thick flesh |
Banganapalli is Andhra's commercial flagship, exported extensively to the Middle East. It is one of the earliest North Indian varieties to reach market.
Karnataka
| Variety | Season | Region | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alphonso | March-May | North Karnataka, Dharwad | Same variety as Maharashtra, slightly earlier |
| Malgova | May-July | Kolar, Bangalore Rural | Large, round, sweet-tart, thick flesh |
| Badami | April-June | North Karnataka | Called "Karnataka's Alphonso," similar flavor profile |
| Totapuri | March-June | South Karnataka | Parrot-beak shape, used for pulp/processing |
Bihar
| Variety | Season | Region | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jardalu | May-July | Bhagalpur | GI-tagged, aromatic, sweet, exported to global markets |
| Langra | June-July | Darbhanga, Muzaffarpur | Premium quality Langra belt |
| Gulab Khas | June-July | North Bihar | Rose-scented, unique flavor |
Jardalu from Bhagalpur received a GI tag and has been exported to international markets including Europe. It is one of Bihar's most prized agricultural products.
India vs Pakistan: Shared Mango Heritage
Before the 1947 partition, India and Pakistan were a single mango-growing region. Several varieties exist in both countries:
| Variety | Indian Name | Pakistani Name | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Langra | Langra/Langda | Langra | Virtually identical; grown in both UP and Punjab |
| Chaunsa/Chausa | Chausa | Chaunsa | Pakistan's version from Multan is generally considered sweeter |
| Ratol/Rataul | Rataul | Anwar Ratol | Pakistan's Anwar Ratol is smaller but more aromatic |
| Dusehri | Dasheri | Dusehri | Similar variety, slight regional flavor differences |
| Sindhri | Sindhu (rare) | Sindhri | Primarily Pakistani, limited Indian cultivation |
At MMA Farms, our Multan orchards benefit from extreme summer heat (42-48°C) that is 5-8°C hotter than most Indian mango regions, producing exceptionally concentrated sweetness in our Chaunsa and Sindhri varieties.
Mango Production by Indian State
| State | Annual Production (approx.) | Share of India Total |
|---|---|---|
| Uttar Pradesh | 4.5 million tonnes | 23% |
| Andhra Pradesh | 3.5 million tonnes | 18% |
| Karnataka | 1.8 million tonnes | 9% |
| Bihar | 1.5 million tonnes | 8% |
| Gujarat | 1.3 million tonnes | 7% |
| Maharashtra | 1.1 million tonnes | 6% |
| Tamil Nadu | 1.0 million tonnes | 5% |
| West Bengal | 0.9 million tonnes | 5% |
| Others | 3.9 million tonnes | 19% |
Key Mango Festivals in India
India celebrates mangoes with dedicated festivals across the country:
- **Mango Festival Delhi** (July): Dilli Haat, 500+ varieties displayed
- **Alphonso Festival Goa** (May): Celebrates Konkan Alphonso season
- **Mango Mela Lucknow** (June-July): UP's Dasheri showcase
- **International Mango Festival** (varies): Organized by Delhi Tourism, features mango-eating competitions
Frequently Asked Questions
When does mango season start in India?
Mango season in India begins in March in the southernmost states (Karnataka, Kerala) and extends through September in northern India. The first commercial Alphonso mangoes from Konkan typically appear in late March to early April. India's mango season is the longest of any country due to its vast latitudinal range.
When is Alphonso mango season?
Alphonso mango season runs from late March to early June. The peak period is April 15 to May 15, when Ratnagiri and Devgad Alphonsos are at their sweetest. Early-season Alphonsos (March) are often artificially ripened — the best naturally ripened fruit arrives in mid-April.
Which Indian state produces the most mangoes?
Uttar Pradesh is India's largest mango-producing state, contributing roughly 23% of national production (about 4.5 million tonnes annually). It is followed by Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Bihar, and Gujarat. However, Maharashtra's Alphonso commands the highest prices despite lower volume.
What is the difference between Indian and Pakistani mangoes?
Indian and Pakistani mangoes share many varieties (Langra, Chaunsa, Dusehri exist in both countries) because the region was undivided before 1947. Key differences: India has more tropical varieties (Alphonso, Kesar, Himsagar), while Pakistan's Sindhri and Anwar Ratol are unique. Pakistan's Multan Chaunsa is generally considered sweeter than Indian Chaunsa due to the extreme heat of southern Punjab.
Can I buy Indian mangoes in the USA?
Yes. India has been exporting irradiated mangoes to the USA since 2007. Alphonso, Kesar, and other varieties are available at Indian grocery stores and online retailers from April through June. Prices are significantly higher ($30-60 per box) due to irradiation treatment, air freight, and USDA inspection costs.
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