What climate and soil does mangosteen need to grow well in India?

Mangosteen is one of the most demanding tropical fruit trees and needs deep, fertile, well drained slightly acidic soil, high humidity, warm temperatures, no frost, and protection from drying winds and harsh direct sun, especially when young. In India it suits the humid belts such as parts of Kerala, the Western Ghats foothills, coastal Karnataka, and pockets of the North East and lower Nilgiris where rainfall and humidity stay high. Young plants must be given shade for the first few years or the leaves scorch; only later can they take more sun. It does not tolerate drought, waterlogging, salty water or cold, so dry plains are unsuitable unless heavily managed. Be ready for a very slow growing crop that tests your patience for years before any return. Before planting, confirm your exact conditions with a KVK or horticulture station and ideally see a bearing orchard nearby.