Book-ish Go-to Third Spaces

Third spaces can really make or break a city. In today's age, it feels like a luxury to go somewhere without a specific purpose or expenditure, just to step out of our houses for a bit. This gap is often filled by bookstores, which allow for gentle browsing, lounging and taking a break from the fast paced world around us. Here is a Platform edit of book-ish third spaces around the country that can be your next go-to spot. 
 
The Bulbul, Mysore
A neighbourhood bookstore and curio, The Bulbul in Mysore is a cosy space that opened up this August. Meant for spending time leisurely browsing the shelves, which feature handpicked books, magazines and indie curios from homegrown artists, with conversations that flow through.
 
Fictionary, Mumbai
Located in Bandra, Fictionary is India’s first fiction-only bookstore. With a thriving literature-loving community, it hosts book blind dates, book launches, singles mixers and more events. It's just the space for finding your next favourite read and enjoying it with a delicious cup of coffee or perhaps finding your people.

Kadhaigal Books, Bangalore
Opened this March, Kadhaigal is a quaint bookstore with a dedicated area for board games. It also features a children’s section on its shelves. Further, they have curated selections for diverse readings ranging from Indian literature, nature writing, science fiction and local histories.
 
Bookbar, Pune
If you like your time moving comfortably, no rush and a vinyl playing in the background to keep you in a peaceful trance, Bookbar in Pune is the place. Found across multiple areas like Koregaon Park, FC Road and Kothrud, this cafe offers you artisanal coffee with options of tasty Italian food to savour as you read, work or attend their community gatherings.

Champaca, Bangalore
A woman-owned and run Champaca is a mixture of library, bookstore and cafe. Named after the fragrant magnolia champaca (sampige) flower, it is a quiet sanctuary away from the hubbub. Plus, it actively supports indie publishing by micro-press books, zines and fanzines by emerging creators.
 
Leaping Windows, Mumbai
Inspired by manga cafes in Japan, is India’s very own comic-dedicated cafe: Leaping Windows. Spread across multiple levels, including a cosy outdoor patio, indoor dining, mezzanine space and the basement reading room, their shelves invite your fanatic to be themselves.

Atta Galatta, Bangalore
Atta Galatta is a prominent cultural hub in Indiranagar, Bengaluru. It houses a large collection of Indian vernacular writing across languages like Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Hindi and Bengali, along with those written in English. It’s just the space for attending poetry readings, theatre performances, workshops and film screenings.
 
Books N Brew, Chandigarh 
Designed for those who like reading in seclusion, Books N Brew is the go-to book cafe in Chandigarh. At one end, the guitarist is playing some tunes and from the other side the aroma of coffee hits your nose, sounds perfect right?

Literati Cafe and Bookshop, Goa
Situated in a hundred-year-old traditional Portuguese bungalow in Calangute is this peaceful independent bookshop. Literati also has nature-immersed reading spots in the garden and verandah. If you wish to relish your read in a vintage atmosphere, then this spot in Goa is it.

Words Shruti Verma 
Date 7.10.2026