College Street (Boi Para)
College Street (Boi Para)
College Street (Boi Para)
4.4
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The area
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- Mahatma Gandhi Road • 8 min walk
- Central • 9 min walk
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2,244 within 3 miles
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286 within 6 miles
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.4
829 reviews
Excellent
428
Very good
300
Average
84
Poor
11
Terrible
6
shaveta
6 contributions
Oct 2022
The places has changed & become much more crowded from when I last visited it many years back. If you have the energy to rummage your way through narrow footpaths, please visit & pick up books at very cheap rate. You can visit some old stores such as Dasgupta & co., for legacy sake. If you're interested in reading english translations of Bengali literature you can find that too, just ask for it.There are stalls on footpaths as well as proper bookstores.
Written October 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ShyamalD
New Delhi, India56 contributions
Dec 2019
A walk around the area is an experience. The book shops are all over - small ones, but trust them to present to you book on any topic and by any author once you ask them. But the presence of institutions like HARE school, Presidency College is what really makes the experience worthwhile. An area where many eminent personalities have roamed the streets.
Written January 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Susan B
Ontario, Canada727 contributions
Nov 2024 • Couples
This was an interesting place to visit.
We love books, and I think if you can't find the book you want, they don't print it. lol
We roamed quite a few of the books stores that you could actually go into.
No pressure wandering around the stores, or outside stalls for that matter.
We did end up buying some books too.
Great way to spend some time.
We love books, and I think if you can't find the book you want, they don't print it. lol
We roamed quite a few of the books stores that you could actually go into.
No pressure wandering around the stores, or outside stalls for that matter.
We did end up buying some books too.
Great way to spend some time.
Written January 7, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sea Dweller
Dubai, United Arab Emirates6,925 contributions
Feb 2020
College Street is a long street in central Kolkata. It stretches from Ganesh Chandra Avenue Crossing in Bowbazar area to Mahatma Gandhi Road crossing. Its name derives from the presence of many colleges (Presidency University, The Sanskrit College and University, City College of Commerce & Business Administration to name a few). Housing many centers of intellectual activity especially the Indian Coffee House, a café that has attracted the city's intelligentsia for decades. Kolkata’s historic College Street is India’s largest book market, lending it the endearing nickname Boi Para – ”Book Town”.
Unfortunately, at present, there are more completely destroyed buildings.
Unfortunately, at present, there are more completely destroyed buildings.
Written February 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SubhankarAD
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates47 contributions
Nov 2021
If there is a book available it is available here. Only on rare occasions I found some books were not available. But to be noted that if one or two book sellers are not able to find your book, then it will mostly not be available in the market. No point to go and search in every shop.
Recently after Covid19 struck, life has become a bit difficult for the Sellers. availability of books also affected.
If a certain book is not available, it can be searched at the old books' market just across the street, but need to check out the condition of the book before buying.
Recently after Covid19 struck, life has become a bit difficult for the Sellers. availability of books also affected.
If a certain book is not available, it can be searched at the old books' market just across the street, but need to check out the condition of the book before buying.
Written January 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Abovetheclouds
2,534 contributions
Jan 2024 • Solo
Even if you don't want to buy a book, go for the vibe and energy. So busy. Browse and enjoy it. Mind the traffic. Some books are in English too. Apparently you can buy or rent new and used books. So many stalls. The area is huge. Take a break at the famous Indian Coffee House. The area is home to the University and College students!
Written January 12, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
macedonboy
Glasgow, UK186,085 contributions
Feb 2024 • Friends
A street named in reference to the many buildings belonging to the University of Kolkata. The street is also colloquially known as Colony of Books for all the bookstores on it. Books are not only stored in the shops, but piled high on the streets too. It’s an interesting sight. I can’t remember the last time I bought a physical book though.
Written February 29, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Angel Sherpa
Kolkata (Calcutta), India1 contribution
Jan 2020 • Solo
The best place in Kolkata to get every book of your need at the best price! Because this place is just filled with all sorts of books you can imagine off. You will also find cheap good quality exercise copies, pages and old books here. A must place to visit if you're a student.
Written January 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brigadier Tushar Roy
Kolkata (Calcutta), India21 contributions
Dec 2020
After my retirement, we visited this Street after decades. Trip was the memory lane. We visited iconic Coffee House where we had their signature dishes. Overall good experience. To & fro travelled by famous Tram. Great!!
Written October 31, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jaanam H
Bengaluru, India78 contributions
Feb 2020 • Solo
This is a one stop shop(street) for all your book requirements. Be it academics, history, fiction, non-fiction, poetry, art, literature, cookbooks. You name it you have it. It is an amazing experience that all book lovers must have.
Written February 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
most shops will be open, barring a few.
Written March 29, 2024
it is closed. however many street kiosks called stalls may be open.
Written February 12, 2024
Inspire42896906869
Kolkata (Calcutta), India
Is college street open on Bangla nababarsha??
Written April 14, 2023
The_Crimson_Corpse
Kolkata (Calcutta), India
6 contributions
I stay in Behala, Shakuntala Park. Which bus should i board from my locality in order to reach college street boi para? Need to know the bus number for the return trip as well. Thanks.
Written August 6, 2022
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