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Bangalore is that one city in India where everyone loves to read. And that why you will discover a world of second-hand booksellers and first-hand editions in various bookstores that the city houses. Reading has been a cult favourite for decades in Bangalore and to support and conserve this good reading habit, many people and families have opened independent bookstores in the nooks of the city. One must say, Bangalore is a reader's paradise. As you walk around the city, you are bound to spot one or the other bookstore.
There are many bookstores that you would want to visit in Bangalore but just to save your time and energy, we have listed our favourite ones below. Have a read and let us know which ones you are planning to visit...
Bookstop! (Koramangala)
It is a quaint little shop housed in a basement. It even has a traditional bell setting as you enter the door to welcome you. Although, small in size as compared to other massive bookstores in the city, it houses one of the best editions. It even has unpopular books authored by many famous writers.
The bookstore is owned by a family and they are quite welcoming. There is no place to sit down and read as it is a walk-in store made just to pick up a book and leave, but it is worth paying a visit to.
Blossom Book House (Church Street)
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Blossom Book House is one of the most famous bookstores in the city. If you are a reader, you have heard of this at least once. And if you are new to Bangalore, then you must visit this paradise soon. The heaps and heaps of books will literally make your brain drool.
The bookstore is almost like forest library - alleys after alleys, it's like never-ending rows of books waiting to be touched and read. You are destined to find some of the limited editions and century-old books here.
The place is well-kept and the store even sells new arrivals. It is famous for its cheap pricing. Although still more expensive than book fairs, Blossoms comes with its own charm. Once you are here, it is really hard to go out without buying a book.
Higginbothams (MG Road)
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It is one of the oldest bookstores in Bangalore. Housed in a century-old, colonial-style building, Higginbothams welcomes every reader with its big, blue-lettered sign, hosted right above the doorway. Even though the collection over here is not astounding enough to quench your book thirst, it is worth a visit.
There is even a courtyard reading space for those who love to take their own time in selecting a book. It is ceremonious for every voracious reader in India to visit this one of its kind bookstore at least once. Higginbothams is an integral part of South Indian literary history.
Book Fair (Koramangala)
Quite an underrated bookstore in this area, Book Fair houses some of the most unique collections. There are sections divided into Rs 100, Rs 200 and Rs 500. You can pick any book from these sections. It's a cheap place if you are looking for some good additions to your library.
From Mark Twain limited editions to coffee-table books, you will find everything that suits your varied interests. The only thing is you'll have to find your book amongst thousands of books. There are age-old books and there are brand new books. You can pick anything that suits your reading palate.
Sapna Book House (Koramangala/Indiranagar)
It is more of a commercial space as it also sells books advised for MBA and IIT trainees. It claims itself as Asia's biggest bookstore and why not? It spreads over four floors. It is like a shopping centre for books.
Needless to say, you will find popular books and new editions here, but it also sells beautiful stationery and art supplies. There is a corner that also provides office supplies. You can even shop for beautiful diaries, maps, planners, etc.
They even have digital kiosk that lets you find a book that you are searching for by the name or by the author. It's a bit expensive, but the store's beauty lies in how it has popularised the reading culture in Bangalore with its 4-storeyed building.
The Bookworm (Church Street)
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It was founded by Krishna in 2002, a vendor who spent years after years selling books on the pavement. Yes, this bookstore, just like others, comes with an added background story. It is wonderful to see how Krishna has built this place, slowly and gradually.
The large swathes of stores are dictated by second-hand affordable books. Many of the books are textbooks for university students but you will also find a world of novels here. You may even end up finding some of rare book collections and first-edition copies by your favourite authors here.
