Independent bookstores are central to a thriving local community and are also one of the last truly democratic institutions that are free for all.-V R Ferose, ‘Shelf Aware’
I have been reading V.R. Ferose’s book titled ‘Shelf Aware’ for quite a few days now. Ferose is a bibliophile, and his book is a collection of essays on his love for books. I am astounded by the sheer number of bookstores Mr Ferose has visited. He mentions a lot of those in the book. Taking a leaf out of his book, I want to chronicle a list of all the bookstores I have been to or plan to visit in the future. I wish to record this so that someday I can look back at this and stroll down memory lane.
Within India
- The Bookworm, Bangalore
- Blossoms, Bangalore
- Gangaram’s, Bangalore
- The Bookhive, Bangalore
- Faqir Chand Book Store, Delhi
- Bahrisons Bookseller, Delhi
- Sapna’s book house, Bangalore
- Higginbothams, Bangalore
- Luna Books, Hyderabad
- Kitab Khana, Mumbai
- Cambridge Book Depot, Mussourie
- Oxford Book Store, Kolkata
- Rachna Books, Gangtok
Outside India
- Shakespeare & Company, Paris
- Persephone Books, London
Note: The list will keep getting updated. Last updated on 31 May 2026