6 Indie Bookstores Across India To Add To Your Bucket List

Earthcare Books, Kolkata

With its non-mainstream, hard-to-find collection, Earthcare Books has to be one of the best indie bookstores in India.&nbspThe cosy interiors include red oxide floors, bamboo and rattan furniture, and whitewashed walls. Books are stocked according to theme in separate areas with arched entry points. Each section has specialised books, fiction and (mostly) non-fiction, on history and philosophy, women and gender, adivasi issues, conservation, architecture, ecology, nature, tree species in cities, snakes, reptiles and other wildlife, health, and much more. 

Address 10 Middleton Street, Kolkata 700071. Tel 91 33 22296551 / 22276190. Email earthcarebooks@gmail.com

May Day Bookstore, Delhi

This Delhi-based left wing book store was launched on May Day, (May 1) in 2012. The space they occupy in Shadi Khampur in west Delhi is pretty unique. Attached to a community space which was earlier used by numerous theatre companies, you can easily spend time at the quaint space and enjoy plays, shows, music gigs, and even indulge in conversations with fellow readers. Head to their website&nbspto place orders online.

Address 2254/2A, Ground Floor, West Patel Nagar, Shadipur, New Delhi, Delhi 110008

Champaca Bookstore, Bengaluru

This Bangalore-based bookstore is also a library and a café providing the ideal setting to spend a lovely afternoon with your favourite book. Don&rsquot worry if you cannot head there, you can easily subscribe on their website&nbspand get your books delivered all across the country. You can order from their latest collection, and avail a number of great offers as well.

Address 7/1, Edward Rd, off Queens Road, Vasanth Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560052

Rachna Bookstore, Gangtok

Nestled amidst the spectacular Himalayas in the city of Gangtok, Rachna Books is every bibliophile&rsquos paradise. Apart from an amazing collection, this independent publishing house also hosts readings, slam poetry events, storytelling sessions, open mics, musical gigs, and other events. Head to their website&nbspto browse through the virtual shelves and subscribe for their latest collection. And check out their Instagram page for information on ordering books. 

Address Jeewan Theeng Marg, Upper Sichey, Development Area, Gangtok, Sikkim 737101

Pagdandi Bookstore Cafe, Pune

Pagdandi in Pune&rsquos Baner area promotes conscious and alternate lifestyle choices. You may read, rent or purchase from their wide collection of books. The café offers a range of beverages, including tea, coffee and juices, as well as sandwiches and cakes. Budding artists and photographers are encouraged to display their work here.

Address Shop No.6, Regent Plaza, Baner Pashan Link Road, Behind Symantec, Baner, Pune

Kitaab Khana, Mumbai

This boutique bookshop in the heart of south Mumbai, near the iconic Kala Ghoda premises, is housed in a heritage building over 150 years old. From vintage numbers to latest best sellers, the store not only stocks English books but also those in regional languages, such as Hindi, Gujarati and Marathi. Owned by Amrita and Samir Somaiya, the store&rsquos aim is to create an ambience that will encourage reading books in these times of digital trappings. The store regularly holds book readings, meeting with authors and other literary events. The attached café serves a comprehensive vegetarian menu.

Address 45-47, Ground Floor, Somaiya Bhavan, MG Road, Flora Fountain, Next To Davars College, Kala Ghoda, Fort, Mumbai