There’s something comforting about the scent of ageing paper, a creaky wooden floor under your feet, and a corner full of dusty hardbacks waiting to be discovered. For the book lover in you, a visit to these heritage bookstores across India is not just about buying a book—it's about stepping into living history. Whether you’re hunting for a rare edition or sipping chai while reading poetry, these are more than just shops. They are some of the most treasured cultural and heritage places in India where stories aren't just read but lived.
Higginbothams, Chennai
Walk down Anna Salai in Chennai and you'll find a towering colonial building that's been around longer than India's independence—Higginbothams. Established in 1844 by Abel Joshua Higginbotham, this is often referred to as the oldest bookstore in India. From British officers to modern-day readers, it has served as a literary refuge for generations. The gothic arches and iron pillars whisper tales of times past, while the shelves brim with academic texts, literature, and souvenirs. A proud cultural landmark, it remains a symbol of resilience and adaptation, adding layers to the heritage places in India.
Where: Anna Salai, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600002
When: Daily, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Cambridge Book Depot, Mussoorie
If you’ve read Ruskin Bond, chances are you’ve read about this charming spot. Located on Mall Road since 1952, Cambridge Book Depot is no less than a pilgrimage site for Bond's admirers. He often drops by on Saturdays, signing books and chatting with readers. More than a bookstore near me, it’s a living breathing literary lounge. The narrow alleyways of Mussoorie and the smell of pine trees make it an essential stop for those exploring historical places to visit in India. Locals and tourists alike find themselves lost in its collection and in conversation.
Where: The Mall Rd, Mussoorie, Uttarakhand 248179
When: Daily, 10 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Oxford Bookstore, Kolkata
Heritage takes a new meaning inside Oxford Bookstore Kolkata. Founded in 1919 on Park Street, it has hosted decades of literary evolution. Beyond its vast book collection, this famous bookshop in Chennai (originally a franchise) now stands as a cultural touchstone of Bengal. Cha Bar, its in-house tea lounge, brings books and beverages together in a symphony of slow moments. Regular literary events draw thinkers, poets, and readers alike. Search for a "bookstore near me" in Kolkata, and you’ll be led here—a place not just to read but to belong.
Where: 2nd Floor, Apeejay House, 15, Park Street, Kolkata, West Bengal 700016
When: Daily, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Giggles, Chennai
Tucked near the out gate of Vivanta by Taj, Giggles is a bookstore you might walk past if you aren’t looking. But that would be a mistake. Run by the ever-charming Nalini Chettur, this 100 sq. ft. book haven has become legendary since 1974. Known lovingly as "The Biggest Little Bookshop," it specialises in Indian fiction and non-fiction. It feels more like a living room than a store, where conversations are welcomed, and book recommendations come with a side of peanut candy. It’s intimate, real, and deeply rooted in the literary landscape of Chennai—a must for anyone exploring cultural and heritage places in India.
Where: Giggles, Triplicane, Chennai
When: Daily, 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Kitab Khana, Mumbai
A relative newcomer, Kitab Khana was founded in 2011 but feels centuries old, thanks to its location in a 150-year-old heritage building in Mumbai's Fort area. The colonial-style interiors, complete with Corinthian columns, create an ambience that pays tribute to literary history. Its catalogue is multilingual, reflecting India's cultural tapestry. With a Subko cafe nestled inside, this heritage bookstore becomes a destination for anyone looking to relax, explore, or rediscover a forgotten classic. If you are a literary wanderer exploring historical places to visit in India, this stop offers a quiet pause in the chaos of Mumbai.
Where: Somaiya Bhavan, Flora Fountain, Fort, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400001
When: Daily, 10:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Bahrisons Booksellers, Delhi
Tucked in Khan Market, Delhi, 71-year-old Bahrisons Booksellers was founded in 1953 by Balraj Bahri Malhotra, a refugee who built an empire of words from scratch. What began with 1,000 personal books has blossomed into a thriving space that continues to inspire and connect readers across cities. Bahrisons is more than just the oldest bookshop in India; it’s a haven where recommendations come handwritten and rare titles are tracked down like treasures. From political science to poetry, it covers an impressive range that appeals to every reader. A pillar in the community, it belongs firmly in the list of heritage places in India.
Where: Opp. Main Gate, Khan Market, New Delhi, Delhi 110003
When: Daily, 10:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Make sure your next journey includes a stop at one of these cultural and heritage places in India—for stories that go beyond the page.
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