Why are coffee and tea plantations located on the slopes of the Western Ghats?

Coffee and tea plantations are located on the slopes of the Western Ghats primarily because the region provides the specific climatic conditions necessary for these crops to thrive.1

The Western Ghats act as a critical watershed that traps moisture from the Arabian Sea, resulting in heavy rainfall and a cool, subtropical climate. These conditions are ideal for coffee cultivation, which requires moderate temperatures, ample moisture, and specific elevations—particularly for the delicate Arabica variety, which grows best at heights between 600 and 2,000 meters. The slopes of the Western Ghats offer these necessary altitude ranges and the cool environment required to support high-quality production.23451