About Higginbothams Heritage Bookshop
Higginbothams Heritage Bookshop on Anna Salai (Mount Road) in Chennai is India's oldest bookshop, established in 1844 by Abel Joshua Higginbotham. Located in a heritage building in central Chennai, it is a landmark cultural and literary institution. Known for its extensive collection of books across genres, historic interiors, and continuous operation for over 180 years, it remains a prominent destination for readers and visitors.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a historic two-storey bookshop on Anna Salai with wood-panelled shelves, heritage architecture and a vast collection of books including fiction, non-fiction, academic, children's books, stationery and souvenirs. The interior retains a classic bookstore layout with organized sections, billing counters and display racks. Located on a busy central thoroughfare near LIC Building and Spencer Plaza, it offers a quiet browsing environment inside despite the bustling street outside.
Key highlights
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India's oldest bookshop in continuous operation since 1844
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Heritage building on Anna Salai (Mount Road) in central Chennai
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Founded by Abel Joshua Higginbotham, originally as a Wesleyan book depot
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Extensive collection of books across genres, stationery and gift items
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Historic literary landmark associated with Chennai's colonial-era commercial heritage