Story of Sunshine, Sweetness and a Fruit with a Royal Legacy
Uttar Pradesh is one of the best places in India to experience the magic of mango season. During the sultry summer afternoon, as the golden sun shed warmth over earth and the scent of ripening fruit hangs in the breeze, Uttar Pradesh beckons travellers to set out on a road trip that promises more flavour than any itinerary ever could. Wondering the destination? Not a monument or a palace—but a kingdom ruled by a fruit, Uttar Pradesh! And its crowned jewel? The mango!
Mostly everyone is a fan of mangoes—who isn’t? A journey across this northern state of Incredible India, offers an opportunity to discover not just a fruit—explore a story, a culture, a celebration that turn orchards into museums of taste and festivals into symphonies of scent and sweetness.
The Royal Welcome – Dussehri’s Court
Known for producing world-famous varieties like Dussehri, Malihabad turns golden in summer with endless orchards heavy with fruit. Visit the historic orchards of this small town, just 30 km from Lucknow. It is here that the air carries the legacy of the Nawabs and whispers of Abdul Hameed Khan Kandhari—Baba-e-Amba, who had first cultivated the Dussehri mango in the 1860s. Under the shade of towering mango trees, local farmers treat their mangoes like royalty—rightfully so. Don’t get amazed to hear that Dussehri has finally flown overseas first time in 160 years, just like a prince heading to foreign lands. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath proudly announced during a mango festival in Lucknow that Dussehri is ₹900 a kilo in the United States!” This export is part of Uttar Pradesh’s broader initiative to introduce its mango varieties to international markets.
The Dussehri mango holds a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, underscoring its unique heritage. So plan to grab a bite of Dussehri as its buttery, sweet and slightly aromatic pulp instantly reveals why it isn’t just mango, it is heritage wrapped in a golden skin.
Celebrate the Festival of Fruit
Uttar Pradesh has to offer more than 700 mango varieties, including curiosities like the “Husn-e-Aara,” “Gulab Khaas” and “Zardalu.” Come and savour the mango kulfi and aam panna. Well undoubtedly, experiencing mangoes isn’t just about eating a fruit at Uttar Pradesh, it’s about making sure the world knows where the best ones come from.
Langra, Chausa & the Sadabahar
Continue eastward to treat your taste buds to new characters in the mango saga.
In Varanasi, savour the Langra which is a green-skinned wonder. The tangy, juicy Langra with a lingering sweetness is humble yet unforgettable.
Further along, near Saharanpur, taste the Chausa—vibrant orange, utterly juicy and almost flirtatious in its aroma. This one is for those who like a little drama with their dessert.
Then taste Sadabahar—the evergreen delight of Jaimal Singh Nursery—known for its honey-like flavour and remarkable shelf life.
Visit the Orchards that Tell Stories
What most amazing about is not just the taste—it is the life around the mangoes. In Sitapur’s Vintage Village , you can experience an entire world built around mango trees. Children’s can pick fruit with wide-eyed wonder, couples can take a romantic walk under leafy canopies.
Visit the Habibullah Estate in Saidanpur, a mango orchard turned heritage site and sip mango-infused chai under a century-old tree while listening to folk songs. Moving ahead in Madhav Udyan, wander through 100 acres of mango magic.
A Global Love Story
By journey’s end, stand outside a pack house in Varanasi, watching crates of Dussehri being sealed for export. The fruit gets ripened under the same sun you stand beneath & tantalize taste buds across oceans. Savour the messy, juicy yet perfect last mango, as the sun dips low, casting an amber hue over the orchards.
Nearby Attractions
A trip here isn’t just about mangoes—it’s about exploring nearby treasures too. Just 30 km away, Lucknow offers grand Nawabi architecture and delicious street food. Sitapur leads you to the spiritual center of Naimisharanya, while Saharanpur brings you close to Shakumbhari Devi Temple and the edge of the lush Rajaji National Park. And if you head east, Varanasi welcomes you with ancient ghats, sunrise boat rides and deep spiritual energy, making every stop feel like part of a bigger story.
Alongside this journey, the mango shows up in delightful forms across kitchens and street stalls. There’s Aam Panna, a tangy raw mango drink that cools you down instantly and Aam ka Launji, a sweet and spicy chutney made with jaggery and fennel. You’ll find thick mango lassi in clay cups, (raw mango juice) Kairi Sherbet served cold with a hint of mint, and even dishes like mango kadhi and Kairi Pulao that blend the fruit into savoury meals. Each bite and sip carries the flavour of summer in UP—simple, honest and full of joy.
A Mango State of Mind
You see, in Uttar Pradesh, mangoes are not just fruits—they’re stories with sap, songs with sweetness and legends with a pit at the center. From the dusty roads of Malihabad to the polished shelves of grocery stores internationally, these mangoes carry with them the soul of a land and its people.
So, this summer, when the markets swell with colour and scent—follow this trail. Pack a bag, carry an empty stomach and let your heart go mango-mad. Because in UP, mango season isn’t a time of year—it’s a state of mind.