India’s bookstore culture is changing fast. Independent stores continue to thrive, but large bookstore chains still shape how most readers discover books. They host launches, build reading communities and make browsing feel tactile in an increasingly digital world.
For publishers, bookstore chains remain essential for visibility and discoverability. For readers, they offer something online shopping cannot fully replace: serendipity.
Here are some of the best bookstore chains in India worth visiting this year:
Crossword Bookstores
Few bookstore chains are as recognisable in India as Crossword. Founded in Mumbai, the chain became synonymous with modern bookstore culture in the early 2000s. Crossword stores balance commercial fiction, literary titles, children’s books and lifestyle products well. Their branches also regularly host author events and festival tie-ins.
Best for: Mainstream fiction, gifting, and casual browsing.
WHSmith
Originally a British retailer, WHSmith has expanded into the Indian market with airport locations. Its stores focus heavily on international bestsellers, business books, thrillers and travel-friendly paperbacks. Airport branches often stock strong selections of Indian English writing too.
Best for: Quick purchases before flights and international bestsellers.
Sapna Book House
Bengaluru-based Sapna has built a loyal customer base over decades. The chain is particularly strong in educational publishing, regional language books and competitive exam material. What distinguishes Sapna is scale. Many branches feel closer to book warehouses than curated boutiques. That breadth appeals to serious buyers.
Best for: Academic books, regional titles, and bulk buying.
Higginbothams
Higginbothams is one of India’s oldest surviving bookstore chains. Established in 1844, it carries a distinctly old-world charm. The Chennai flagship remains iconic among Indian readers. Walking inside feels like entering a different publishing era. Despite its heritage identity, the chain continues adapting to modern retail trends.
Best for: Literary browsing and historic bookstore experiences.
Oxford Bookstore
Oxford Bookstore occupies a unique cultural position in India’s literary ecosystem. Its Kolkata branch, in particular, has become deeply associated with literary events and intellectual culture. The chain’s cafés and curated selections encourage long browsing sessions. Unlike heavily commercial stores, Oxford often foregrounds literary fiction, translations, and independent presses.
Best for: Literary fiction, translated works, and book events.
Starmark
Starmark combines books with lifestyle retail, stationery, and gifts. The chain performs especially well in eastern India. Its stores are family-friendly and accessible without feeling overly commercial. The children’s sections are often particularly strong.
Best for: Family browsing and children’s books.
Champaca Bookstore
Champaca has become one of India’s most influential modern independent bookstore chains. What began as one store in Bengaluru has now expanded into multiple locations alongside a growing national online presence. The women-run bookstore is known for sharp curation, strong translated literature sections and a community-focused approach. Its cafés, workshops and reading events have helped redefine what younger Indian readers expect from bookstores.
Best for: Literary fiction, translated books, and independent presses.
Bookstore chains do more than sell books. They shape reading habits, influence bestseller culture, and support discoverability for publishers. Social media may drive trends, but bookstores transform interest into lasting reading cultures. Follow The Bombay Circle Press for more recommendations for all things bookish!