We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox. Mac: Safari.
All 77 Kolkata (Calcutta) Attractions »

College Street (Boi Para)

Kolkata (Calcutta), India
Got a photo?
Add it.
4.5 of 5 stars 35 Reviews
Type: Landmarks/ Points of Interest
Traveler Description: It's a large open air, a series of stall-like shops on either side of the footpath bordering College Street really, near the oldest part of the... more »
Update attraction details
Write a Review

35 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    19
    12
    3
    1
    0
Date Rating
Balkanabat, Balkan, Turkmenistan
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 23, 2012 NEW

One of the largest outdoor book markets in Asia, no wonder Kolkata is known as a cultural center of this subcontinent. I wonder how each book stall vendor makes any money with all the competition? Worth a visit and walkabout, and check out famed Indian Coffee House in the area as well as Paramount sorbet bar, both classic outlets of... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 2 more reviews by Arthur_Wojcicki for Kolkata (Calcutta)
Kolkata (Calcutta), India
Top Contributor
52 reviews 52 reviews
Reviews in 18 cities Reviews in 18 cities
83 helpful votes 83 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 5, 2012

Use to visit this place quite often during my school and college days. Been there recently, generation has changed so is the crowd. Still you will find any book from any publisher irrespective how long it was printed. During durga puja this place host one of the famous puja with the best lighting in the city. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 16 more reviews by Souvik25 for Kolkata (Calcutta)
Kolkata (Calcutta), India
Contributor
13 reviews 13 reviews
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 29, 2012

It stretches from Bowbazar to Mahatma Gandhi road crossing.academic institutions such as Presidency College, Sanskrit College, Scottish Church College, the Bethune College, the Medical College Kolkata , the Indian Institute of Social Welfare and Business Management, Vidyasagar College, Hare School, Hindu School and the University of Calcutta are situated on this street. The Indian Coffee House, a cafe that has... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 12 more reviews by Aparajito S for Kolkata (Calcutta)
Kolkata
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
2 of 5 stars Reviewed April 28, 2012

Boi Para requires to be housed in a closed, user friendly environment where more people from outside Kolkata can move about ,browse ,and get a taste of all that Bengal is so proud about. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 3 more reviews by Sosi for Kolkata (Calcutta)
Mumbai (Bombay), India
Senior Contributor
30 reviews 30 reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
33 helpful votes 33 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed April 18, 2012

what a collection....small stalls in the foot of the roads, but can provide you any book in the world...just you have to giv ethe proper name. Mostly all the stalls are on small and narrow bye lanes of colleage squre. A very vibrant place to hang around (if you like to mingle arond with crowd) lot of good educational institution... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 3 more reviews by Sougata12 for Kolkata (Calcutta)
Kolkata (Calcutta), India
Contributor
16 reviews 16 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
14 helpful votes 14 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed April 9, 2012

It is not only books but also the cultural heart of Bengal. Very narrow lanes ,always crowded but you will get all kinds of books and at a very cheap price (New & Old). and dont miss a cup of coffee at The Indian Coffee House, cigarette smoke, too much talking all around, crowd from 18-80yrs. A different Calcutta More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 6 more reviews by sanjaydutta for Kolkata (Calcutta)
Kolkata (Calcutta), India
Senior Contributor
38 reviews 38 reviews
Reviews in 18 cities Reviews in 18 cities
17 helpful votes 17 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 4, 2012
1
person found this review helpful

One of the places you MUST visit in Kolkata- a long stretch of street with top class educational institutions along it and the footpaths lined by millions of big, medium and mostly miniscule book stores and stalls selling books covering every topic under the sun, medical instruments and bric a brac...teeming with students on a shoestring budget everywhere you look... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 9 more reviews by andrews_sameer for Kolkata (Calcutta)
Kuala lumpur
Senior Contributor
23 reviews 23 reviews
Reviews in 12 cities Reviews in 12 cities
16 helpful votes 16 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 1, 2012
1
person found this review helpful

College Street is the heart of Kolkata. Here within a block are the three institutions that shaped modern India : the Presidency College, The Calcutta University and the Medical College. Together with this the Hindu School, The Hare School and the Sanskrit College as well as the Coffee House all within a stone's throw. These institutions themselves should be on... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Portsmouth Hants
Senior Contributor
29 reviews 29 reviews
Reviews in 16 cities Reviews in 16 cities
17 helpful votes 17 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed March 17, 2012

If you are looking for a specific out of print book you may well be able to acquire it from one of the many book stalls in College Street. Also the famous Coffee House is off a side street and worth visiting. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 5 more reviews by PompeyLad7 for Kolkata (Calcutta)
mumbai
Senior Contributor
37 reviews 37 reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed March 12, 2012

...unless you went to college here at the Calcutta University. I didn't, so I'm not as attached - but it remains a dream to sit in the coffee house with their slow service and nostalgic food and write an entire book. Great place for buying cheap books - even though it is very, very crowded, and you will be lost... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 16 more reviews by jaywalking_jay for Kolkata (Calcutta)

Travelers who viewed College Street (Boi Para) also viewed

Mother House
4.5 of 5 stars 59 Reviews
Kolkata (Calcutta), West Bengal
South Park Street Cemetery
4.5 of 5 stars 34 Reviews
Kolkata (Calcutta), West Bengal
 
Victoria Memorial Hall
4.5 of 5 stars 137 Reviews
Kolkata (Calcutta), West Bengal
Belur Math Shrine
4.5 of 5 stars 42 Reviews
Kolkata (Calcutta), West Bengal
 

Been to College Street (Boi Para)? Share your experiences!

Write a Review Add Photos Add Videos

Owners: What's your side of the story?

If you own or manage College Street (Boi Para), register now for free tools to enhance your listing, attract new reviews, and respond to reviewers.

Manage your listing
See all sites
Cruise Critic

The ultimate cruise resource: cruise reviews, deals, news and advice.

SeatGuru

The world's most comprehensive source for airline seats, airline info, & in-flight amenities.

Family Vacation Critic

The best family vacations start here.

Best beach houses of 2012 »