Books and brews bring Bengaluru together

Time of India

3 days ago

A typical weekend in Bengaluru often finds its residents soaking in the city's rhythm — dancing to live music, unwinding at bustling breweries, or catching a cultural performance.
But for those seeking a slower pace, the city offers quieter, more contemplative corners. One such haven is the growing number of book cafés — spaces where you can read, reflect, and leave feeling creatively recharged.
'BOOK CAFÉS ARE BECOMING SANCTUARIES WHERE IDEAS ARE SHARED'
In an age where technology dominates daily life, book cafés offer a much-needed pause Udai Kiran, founder of Dialogues Café, has noticed a shift in what people seek from public spaces.
'Book cafés are becoming sanctuaries where ideas are shared, voices are heard, and creativity is nurtured. We're moving beyond mere transactions. I believe we'll see more hybrid spaces like this in the future — places that grow into true communities,' he explains.
Prerna Prakash, store manager at Atta Galatta, believes in giving visitors the freedom to engage with the space in their way. 'Some come for conversation and company — and they'll find plenty of it here — but we're just as happy when someone tucks themselves into a corner and makes it their own,' she says.
by Taboola
by Taboola
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People often bring books to read while enjoying a cup of coffee or a meal, showing how naturally the two habits complement each other
– Nathan Harris, co-owner of The Hole in The Wall
'EACH BOOK CAFÉ TELLS ITS OWN STORY'
At Atta Galatta, the shelves are devoted entirely to Indian writing in both English and regional languages. Dialogues Café, on the other hand, has a more organic collection, with most books donated by patrons eager to share their favourites. The Hole in the Wall offers an eclectic mix — from fiction and autobiographies to nursery rhymes.
'BOOK CAFÉS OFFER A DIFFERENT VIBE ALTOGETHER'
For many, book cafés offer an atmosphere unlike any other.
Bengaluru-based author Sumaa Tekur explains, 'Book cafés have a more intellectual energy. Surrounded by books, you naturally slip into a reading mood. It's very different from regular cafés, where the focus is often on socialising or eating.' She adds that such spaces can help revive a stalled reading habit. 'At home, we all have our favourite reading spots.
But sometimes you hit a wall. A new environment — shelves full of books, other readers lost in their pages — can give you that push to start reading again,' she says.
For Fariha Jawed, a 32-year-old creative consultant, weekend visits to a book café are a cherished ritual. 'It's my go-to reset. I sit with my favourite drink, switch off from everything else, and leave feeling centred and creatively recharged.'
My friend took me to a book café recently. I picked up a book at random and ended up finishing it before I left. Spaces like this remind you why you fell in love with reading in the first place
D Shravan, 29, a UI/UX designer in Bengaluru
'BENGALURU IS A CITY OF THINKERS AND DOERS'
Bengaluru, according to Udai, is inherently a 'city of thinkers, dreamers, and doers.' He says, 'There's a natural curiosity here. People are always seeking new communities. But it's also a city that values calm, which is why book cafés fit so well. And sometimes, the experience can be transformative.'