5 Independent Bookstores Keeping The Magic Alive For Bengaluru’s Bookworms

Growing up, one of my favourite rituals with my parents was visiting our neighbourhood bookstore. Every month, I was allowed to pick out two books and spend the evening wandering through the aisles — running my fingers along the spines, perusing the shelves, and breathing in that distinct smell of books. That scent still reminds me of home.

So when I moved to Bengaluru, I found myself on a quest to discover bookstores that could give me the same feeling — spaces that took me back to those dusty old paperbacks and the comfort of belonging. And here are five bookstores in Bengaluru that did just that.

Nestled in the corner of Vasanth Nagar on Edward Road, Champaca Bookstore feels like a world of its own. Surrounded by trees, I remember climbing up its steps, seeing the walls lined with books, breathing in the smell of roasted coffee, and thinking I had reached a book lover’s paradise. With an in-house café where you can pick up a cup of tea or coffee and pair it with a book of your choice, Champaca is as cozy as it gets.

Whether you’re curled up in a corner with a novel or working on your laptop at one of their tables, you’ll always feel welcome. Champaca prides itself on championing Indian independent publishers and authors, with an especially wonderful selection of children’s books. They also host workshops, discussions, and literary events that add to their vibrant atmosphere.

A book I’ve picked up from Champaca: Home Fire by Kamila Shamsie

Blossoms was the very first bookstore I visited in Bangalore. What began over two decades ago as a space the size of a coat closet has since grown into a three-storied book haven, filled with everything from manga to rare, decades-old editions of classics.

Today, Blossoms is no less than an institution in Bengaluru — almost a heritage site. Located on Church Street, surrounded by new-age cafés and restaurants, it has stayed true to its essence. I loved it so much that I ended up doing a college project on it, uncovering incredible stories about what this landmark has meant to people. From an elderly couple coming here for ‘date nights’ to children discovering the joy of reading for the first time, Blossoms holds something for everyone.

On my very first visit, I stumbled upon a beautiful edition of The Picture of Dorian Gray and immediately knew this place would be special. These days, it may be a Bengaluru cliché, but I still take every visitor to Blossoms —because for me, that’s where I began falling in love with this city.

A book I’ve picked up from Blossoms: The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga (no we're not related).

Just down the road from Blossoms lies The Bookworm — like its younger cousin, but with a charm all its own. What makes it stand out is its unique credit system: readers can return half their book’s price as ‘reading fees’ and exchange it later for another title. It ensures that books keep moving, always finding fresh, curious homes.

The store’s founder, Krishna, is often found inside, warmly recommending books to customers. But The Bookworm is more than just a lending library— it also houses the Antiquarian Bookworm, a rare collection of nearly 2,000 titles. Think signed classics, letterpress books, and collectible editions you can hold in your hands. For book lovers, it feels less like browsing a store and more like walking through a museum of literary history.

A book I’ve picked up from The Bookworm: Breakfast at Tiffany’s by Truman Capote

If you’re looking for a space where books and conversations flow as easily as coffee, Atta Galatta, Indiranagar is the place to be. This cozy bookstore-café has become a cultural cornerstone in Bengaluru, hosting everything from poetry readings and theatre rehearsals to workshops and book launches. Its shelves are stacked with works by Indian authors across languages, making it a wonderful place to discover voices often overlooked by mainstream stores. The vibe is warm and homely — perfect for losing yourself in a book or striking up a chat with a fellow creative. What sets Atta Galatta apart is that it also doubles as a publishing house, bringing out books that capture the spirit of Bengaluru.

I remember attending their Coffee Painting workshop with my mum in March, and the intimate setting of the event made it truly unforgettable. Fittingly, “Atta Galatta” loosely translates to playing and having a lively good time — and spending an evening here guarantees exactly that.

A book I’ve picked up from Atta Galatta : Slime by David Walliams

Founded in 1945, Select Book Shop is Bangalore’s best kept literary secret. This family-run store has stood the test of time, quietly preserving the charm of old-world book hunting. The shelves are stacked high with second-hand books, rare editions, and out-of-print treasures you won’t easily find elsewhere. This shop reminded me of the bookstore in the book 'Days at the Morisaki Bookshop' by Satoshi Yagisawa.

Walking into Select feels less like shopping and more like stepping into a living archive—where every book seems to carry a story of its own. The third generation owner, Mr. Sanjay is deeply knowledgeable and will more often than not guide you towards unexpected gems. For collectors and curious readers alike, Select isn’t just a bookstore; it’s a slice of Bangalore’s literary heritage.

A book I’ve picked up from Select Book Shop : My favourite Jane Austen novel, Emma

If you enjoyed reading this, here’s more from Homegrown:

Champaca Is A Charming Store, Library And Cafe In Bangalore Perfect For Book Lovers

Eloor Libraries: Inside A Kochi Mainstay That Stays True To Its Old-World Essence

The Old School Charm Of Mumbai’s Last Few DVD Libraries