Why are Bookstores the best pitstop while exploring a city or a country?

Human civilization has always been in a dilemma whether dogs are man’s best friend or books. Eventually, both are man’s best friends, one is taken care of by man, while the other takes care of man. Man and his connection with literature is more than a decade old, whenever man feels lost in terms of information all he does is read! 

Reading is probably one of the best habits we have inculcated in us from our ancestors. Talking about me reading always helps, it heals me, calms and enlightens me in terms of knowledge as well as the anecdotes and stories which remained untouched by me. 

In terms of travel, you might have often heard that culture, local cuisine, and spending time with locals can help you understand the place better. But in the past few years, I have observed and understood that above all of these factors, visiting a bookstore of that particular region can also help you to understand the city or a country. 

For example, if you are in Mumbai you can visit Kitaab Khana, Book Street, or Matunga Book Depot. The other name for these locations is Readers Paradise. Similarly, College street in Kolkata and Daryaganj in Delhi are the spots where you can find most of the bibliophiles. 

All I want to convey is that every city has its corner of literature. Whenever you visit any city or region, do try to visit its bookstore because that’s the place where real stories are built and new bonds are created. 

Don’t trust me, keep reading this blog further! 

Local Maps & Travel Guides:

Whenever you visit any undiscovered city, the best way to know about the basics of the city is by visiting the renowned bookstore. Look out for the local maps and travel guides which will give you pretty much an idea about directions, famous food spots, attractions to explore and so much more. 

Cafe & confectionery: 

Sometimes your bookstore can even turn out to be a cute little cafe along with confectionery. You can munch snacks as you sit with a book reading out about the place’s history, also the food offered can turn out to be the best local cuisine turning out to be a gastronomical experiment for you!

Meetups and events 

Various bookstores hold meetups and events which is the best way for indulging in the local stories and anecdotes. Even a book launch or open mics are an option for socializing and acknowledging the information or facts about a particular topic or the literature. Farthing leading to lifelong connections.

Introduction to local culture: 

Other than visiting museums and attractions, you can sometimes opt for visiting the local bookstore. It’s the place where you can find the true essence of local culture. Such as while walking through the book street of Kolkata all you would be able to hear is the echo of bookkeepers calling you to buy the books from them. Not only through books and dictionaries but also through the atmosphere and the kind of people that you meet. Now you know, next time where you need to head to for understanding the local culture. 

Art & Architecture: 

Sometimes all you need is mesmerizing views of art and architecture to get what the place looks and feels like. For example, when you go to the library of Ladakh you will find decorative architecture in Tibetan style. Similarly, if you go somewhere down south you will see the art and paintings representing that particular region.

I have kept this blog short and sweet intentionally because I want my readers to start searching for the new place, which is particularly known for its literature and book hotspots. Let me know in the comments if you have visited any such place or know something like that.

You never know, this might be the beginning of a new blog story! Have a thoughtful Sunday 

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