Book shopping in India
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Classic Books/Earthcare Books
Charming family publisher-bookshop with strengths in development, environmentalism, politics, spirituality and women’s issues. Located behind Drive-Inn.
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Oxford Book & Stationery Company
The best bookshop in Darjeeling, selling a vast selection of books and maps on Tibet, Nepal, Sikkim, Bhutan and the Himalaya. They will mail worldwide.
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Rachna Bookshop
Gangtok’s best-stocked and most convivial bookshop. Occasional film (Small Town Film Club) and music events are held on the upstairs terrace.
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Khan Market
Favoured by expats and Delhi’s elite, the boutiques in this enclave are devoted to fashion (including tailoring), books, sunglasses, homeware and accessories. This is the place to find gourmet groceries, from Australian grapefruit to Italian pesto. Avoid Saturday when the crowds can be exasperating. For handmade paperware (cards, diaries, photo albums etc) check out Anand Stationers. There’s a tardis-like branch of Fabindia, Anokhi and the excellent Silverline, which does attractive, reasonably priced silver and gold jewellery.
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Fabindia
This shop has a good variety of quality woven goods and furnishings, traditionally made but with a contemporary feel. In operation since 1960, one of its selling points is its ‘fair, equitable and helpful relationship’ with village producers.
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Bookworm
Bookworm is one of the better bookshops located around Connaught Place. If you're not too overwhelmed by the sheer volume of books available, it's a great place to lose yourself among fellow bookworms for several hours.
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Rainbow Bookshop
In Vagator you’ll find the lovely little Rainbow Bookshop, which is run by a charming elderly gentleman and stocks a good range of secondhand and new books, including Lonely Planet guides.
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Ram Advani Bookshop
A Lucknow institution, it’s worth visiting just to meet the knowledgable Mr Advani, who owns the place. Be aware, though, that he takes his siestas very seriously and is rarely seen between noon and 4pm.
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Modern Book Depot
Maps, English-language novels, coffee-table books, postcards and books on Orissa. If you’re interested in learning some Oriya, ask the owner about the well-regarded Oriya in Small Bites.
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Other India Bookstore
A little hard to find: go up the steps on the right as you walk down Mapusa Clinic Rd, and follow signs. This friendly and rewarding little bookshop is at the end of a dingy corridor.
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Visionworld Book Depot
Offers a good selection of self-help and spiritual titles, novels and children’s books, as well as selling an assortment of locally made snacks to provide sustenance for browsing.
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JK Bookshop
A small bookshop where you can buy or swap books in several languages, including English, French and German. Proceeds support village schools established by the owner.
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Ladakh Bookshop
Ladakh Bookshop stocks Olizane’s excellent three-sheet Ladakh Trekking Maps (www.abram.ch/lzmmaps.php) for Rs1300 per sheet.
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Books Corner
A wide range of English-language books and magazines; sells the informative Jaipur Vision (Rs20) and Jaipur City Guide (Rs30).
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Singbal’s Book House
A good selection of international magazines and newspapers, and lots of books on Goa, are offered at this slightly grumpy establishment.
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Narains
Good selection of books including plenty relating to local hero Jim Corbett, who used to patronise this bookshop.
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Crossword
Spacious three-storey chain bookshop with cafe (coffee Rs18 to Rs44). Sells Times Food Guide (Rs100).
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Metroprints
A little photocopy stall selling the excellent artist's-view map-guide, Gangtok, in a Nutshell (around Rs50).
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Bookshop
All-purpose bookshop with internet (per hr Rs. 40), handicrafts and films. CD burning costs Rs. 100 per disk.
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Turning Point Books
A 4th-floor bookshop opposite New College with a good selection, especially the shelves on Indian religion.
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Variety Book House
Stationery, maps and Lonely Planet titles are available here. It also has a wonderful selection of novels.
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