A Walk Through Kolkata's Iconic College Street

Known as "Boi Para" in Bengali, this area is where every book lover's dream comes true

College Street, Kolkata

Home to literary greats, it is no surprise when you find a street lined with books and devoted to it. Known as "boi para" in Bengali, which translates to "colony of books," College Street is every book lover's paradise.

Even though you may find many new reads here, the street and shops have stood the test of time. This 900 m stretch in central Kolkata is also home to many renowned Bengali publishing houses, like Rupa & Co., Ananda Publishers, Dey's Publishing, and more.

Whether you want your next fiction read or a GMAT-prep book, this is the place to find it. From makeshift stalls overspilling with books to square-sized shops stacked next to each other, these small establishments have satisfied Kolkata's literary bugs for ages.

If you love yellow-stained pages of second-hand books, then at College Street, you will be happy to find several sold at throwaway prices.

The streets may be dedicated to books, but food still finds its way&ndashespecially in Calcutta. You will find many kiosks selling authentic Bengali breakfast of luchi (like puri) and aloo'r torkari (aloo sabzi) and in the evenings, chaa and telebhaja (fritters).

The area is also home to some iconic haunts. The legendary Indian Coffee House here is a favourite among the intellectuals of Kolkata. A trip to the area is incomplete without stopping here for a sip of coffee, which is still sold for just Rs 22

The 205-year-old Presidency College also represents Kolkata's history well. Many iconic leaders like Subhash Chandra Bose, revolutionaries like Rabindranath Tagore, and thinkers like Amartya Sen, among many others, have walked the corridors as students.

heritage book shop

College Street

Kolkata cuisine

Kolkata street food

Book Street

A Walk Through Kolkata's Iconic College Street

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