Kolkata, West Bengal
College Street, affectionately known as "Boi Para" (Book Town), is a historic 900-meter-long street in central Kolkata, West Bengal, India, stretching from Bidhan Sarani to Bowbazar. While renowned as the largest book market in India and Asia, College Street is also a vibrant food street, offering a diverse range of culinary experiences that cater to students, intellectuals, and visitors. The street is home to the iconic Indian Coffee House, numerous eateries, street food vendors, and cafes that have been serving the academic community and book lovers for decades, making it a unique destination where literature and food culture intersect in the heart of Kolkata.
College Street has been a center of intellectual activity since the 19th century, housing prestigious educational institutions including the University of Calcutta, Presidency University, and the Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata. The street's association with academia and literature has created a unique cultural environment where food establishments have flourished to serve the student and intellectual community. The Indian Coffee House, established in 1876, has been a particularly significant landmark, serving as a popular meeting place for intellectuals, students, and artists, fostering discussions and cultural exchanges over the decades. Over the years, the street has developed a vibrant food culture with numerous eateries, cafes, and street food vendors catering to the diverse needs of students, book lovers, and visitors. The combination of academic institutions, bookstores, and food establishments has made College Street a unique cultural hub where intellectual pursuits and culinary experiences coexist, creating a distinctive atmosphere that reflects Kolkata's rich literary and academic heritage.
Indian Coffee House: An iconic café established in 1876, famous for its coffee, snacks, and as a meeting place for intellectuals and students
Student-Friendly Eateries: Various small restaurants and eateries offering affordable meals, snacks, and beverages catering to the student population
Street Food Vendors: Numerous street food stalls offering local snacks, chaat, phuchka, kathi rolls, and other popular street foods
Traditional Bengali Food: Various eateries serving traditional Bengali cuisine, including rice meals, fish dishes, and regional specialties
Tea Stalls: Numerous tea stalls offering traditional chai and light snacks, popular among students and book browsers
Quick Bite Options: Various shops and stalls offering quick snacks, sandwiches, and light meals for students and visitors
Sweet Shops: Various sweet shops offering traditional Bengali sweets and confectioneries
Cafes and Bakeries: Small cafes and bakeries offering coffee, pastries, and baked goods
Visiting the historic Indian Coffee House for coffee, snacks, and intellectual discussions
Exploring street food vendors and trying local snacks and chaat
Enjoying traditional Bengali food at various eateries
Sampling tea and snacks from numerous tea stalls
Browsing books at the famous book market while enjoying food from nearby vendors
Experiencing the unique atmosphere where literature and food culture intersect
Interacting with students and intellectuals at cafes and eateries
Trying a variety of affordable meals and snacks popular among the student community
Location: College Street, stretching from Bidhan Sarani to Bowbazar, central Kolkata, West Bengal, India
Nearest Airport: Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata – approx. 20 km
Major Railway Stations:
Sealdah Railway Station – approx. 2 km (15-20 minute walk via MG Road)
Howrah Railway Station – approx. 5 km
Kolkata Railway Station – approx. 4 km
Metro Station: Mahatma Gandhi Road (MG Road) Metro Station – approx. 15-20 minute walk, providing access via the Kolkata Metro network
The street is strategically located in central Kolkata, making it easily accessible from various parts of the city and well-connected to major transportation hubs.
College Street is well connected by road, metro, and rail. The street is located in central Kolkata, stretching from Bidhan Sarani to Bowbazar, which provides excellent connectivity to the city center and surrounding areas. The Mahatma Gandhi Road (MG Road) Metro Station is approximately 15-20 minutes walk away, providing access via the Kolkata Metro network. The street intersects with Mahatma Gandhi Road and Surya Sen Street, making it easily accessible from various directions. Public bus services operated by the West Bengal Transport Corporation and other operators provide regular connectivity to the area, with numerous buses connecting College Street to major areas in Kolkata. Trams also serve the area, providing an additional mode of transportation. Taxis, auto-rickshaws, and app-based cab services operate regularly in the area, offering convenient access for visitors. The street is easily accessible from major railway stations including Sealdah (just 2 km away, 15-20 minute walk via MG Road), Howrah, and Kolkata stations, and the international airport, making it convenient for both local visitors and tourists. College Street's central location and excellent connectivity make it easily accessible and a popular destination for food enthusiasts, book lovers, students, and tourists exploring Kolkata's vibrant intellectual and culinary scene.