Higginbothams

Located in the heart of the city on that prime real estate (M G Road) that attracts the largest transitory & tourist population Higginbothams is one of the oldest book stores in Bangalore. The old Victorian façade very similar to the Deccan Herald office next door evokes memories of the colonial past of the cantonment that Bangalore was for the British troops.

Although the rundown nature of the store is not very inviting, the fact that it’s just off the road and you can see the books from outside draws you in. The ground floor is what I would term a good example of “playing to the gallery”. Books are not really classified here other than being an assortment that would appeal to the masses. From the current Nobel winner Doris Lessing, the latest best seller Kite Runner (Khaled Hossini) to the usual suspects Agatha Christie, Terry Pratchett, Sherlock Holmes and Sidney Sheldon. For the tourist a quick pick of everything ‘Indian’, Books on Yoga, Books on the traditional dance forms (Kathak, Bharatnatyam, Mohini Attam et al) Kamasutra, Travel Guides, thankfully nothing on snake charming though :)

A doorway leads into the deeper recesses of the ground floor which is surprisingly well lit and ventilated. Encyclopaedias, Dictionaries and other reference books abound here. A large collection of Tamil books and the ever popular, among architects, home builders and carpenters alike, Fevicol Furniture Books are two notable finds here.

The first floor with a larger area is well laid out and spacious. Better categorization of books, mostly non fiction, comics and children’s books.

Source: Google Maps