The Most Famous Bookstores From Across India

We have rounded up a list of the most iconic bookstores from across India. With rich histories, unique collections and hard-earned patronage, these stores have built themselves up to be important cultural institutions in cities across the country.

Kitab Khana, Mumbai

Housed inside a 150-year-old heritage building in historic Fort, this humongous bookstore oozes old-world charm and coziness. With a large collection of books from across languages and genres, well-thought interiors that allow for plenty of quiet corners, Kitab Khana has carved a unique space for itself in Mumbai’s bookstore scene. The in-store café is a further delight, and the perfect place to get some reading done.

Rachna Bookhouse, Gangtok

While Rachna’s rich and quality-controlled collection almost immediately placed it among the region’s finest bookstores, this family-run establishment soon grew to mark itself as a hub of alternate culture as well. The book store regularly hosts independent musicians, writers and artists from across the country – particularly those from the Himalayan region.

Cambridge Book Depot, Mussoorie

This quaint, family-run bookstore on Mall Road happens to be picturesque Mussoorie’s most celebrated attraction. Patronized by several famous writers who’d set shop in the hill town over the past, Cambridge Book Depot is today most known for being a regular haunt of local resident Ruskin Bond. The author is said to visit the bookstore on a weekly basis, which consistently manages to invite large crowds of fans to this cozy store.

Atta Galatta, Bangalore

Among the most reader-friendly bookstores you will find in India, Atta Galatta features an in-store café and plenty of plush seating in addition to its rich collection of books. Letting users browse endlessly or even sit down with their books over coffee, this cozy bookstore in Bangalore’s vibrant Koramangala neighborhood is worth a visit, particularly for the hospitality.

Higginbothams Bookstore, Chennai

Founded in 1844, Higginbothams on Chennai’s Anna Salai Road is considered to be the country’s oldest surviving bookstore. The store has amassed a brilliant collection of books over its near two centuries of existence – including several first and rare editions, historic maps and long out-of-print books.

Literati Book Shop And Cafe, Goa

Housed in a charming and historic Indo-Portuguese villa, this second-hand bookstore will let you have among the most immersive reading experiences you can in the region. With a quaint garden that allows for outdoor seating as well, Literati lets patrons bask in the glorious Goan sun with coffee when in need of a break from browsing through rooms stacked with rare books.

Bahrisons, Delhi

Among the capital’s many historic bookstores, Bahrisons in the ever-bustling Khan Market is one that no bibliophile in the city should go without visiting. From a humble books and stationery store founded in 1953, Bahrisons has grown to be among the city’s most well-stocked literary havens. A further incentive to visit is their helpful staff who will go out of their way to get you your next read.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.