Are you a bookworm? Here is a list of some of the oldest bookstores in India.

Books are our best friends in times of happiness, despise and every time. 

Today, the advancement of technology has made everything available at our fingertips, including books. With e-books, reading might have been fun, but most of us have forgotten the distinct smell of a new book. The excitement of visiting a bookstore is altogether a feeling for every bibliophile.

Reading preferences have evolved considerably over the years, from the gentle rustling of paper and the lovely aroma of old novels reminding one of the days gone by to e-books and e-book readers brought to make the entire reading experience more comfortable for bibliophiles.

In this article, we listed some of the oldest bookstores in India that have maintained their allure under the strain of e-commerce.

  1. College Street, Kolkata, is a 1.5km stretch of road overflowing with books on both sides of the lanes. It is a landmark in itself. It is home to the largest and most well-known bookshops in India. There is an astonishing variety of new and ancient titles, including some vintage treasures that would delight any bookworm.
  2. Setup in 1948, Strand Book Stall in Mumbai is one of the oldest bookstores in India. Located amid the bustle of Fort, it has a vast collection of books- ranging from old to new titles, a wide variety of genres and writeups from different authors. The book house also has a collection of some rare titles.
  3. Higginbotham in Chennai first opened its doors in 1844. Before expanding to include books in a wide range of disciplines, it started as a religious bookstore. In the 1960s, the business also began producing books. Located in Anna Salai, this architectural marvel has been there for a while and has earned a reputation as one of the best bookshops.
  4. Every true Delhiites are aware of Bahrisons- the oldest bookstore since 1914. Located in Khan Market, the bookshop was founded in post-partitioned India by a refugee whose family had to flee their home village. It has one of the largest collections in the city, and if they do not have what you are searching for, the staff goes above and beyond to order the book and keep you updated on its progress.
  5. Established in 1977, Gangaram Book Bureau in Bangalore is the iconic bookstore in India. It has a massive collection of books from well-known publishers. It also has some rare and out-of-print titles for bookworms in the city.