The best cafes in India for the ones who love their food and books

It is one of the simpler joys of life to just sit with a cup of coffee or tea in your hand while you read a book you can't get your eyes off. 

There have been numerous cafes across the country but a few have gone all the way and installed mini libraries to accommodate the readers who love their novels as much as their drinks. If you happen to be one of those, there are your places to hang out at!

Leaping Windows, Mumbai

Located in a quiet lane, Leaping Windows boasts of one of the prettiest ambiences among the cafes around. With a cafe on the ground level and a spiral staircase which leads to a room below that, it is a fusion of the old and modern. The room below is a heaven for all comic book lovers. Name the comic series and they probably have stashes of it. Rest on a bean bag with your favourite comic and a hot cup of coffee.

Where: 2 & 3, Corner View, Ashok Chopra Marg, Opposite Bianca Towers, Versova, Andheri West

Atta Galata, Bangalore

Atta Galata is said to be one of the best book cafes in India. They have a meticulously designed interior which appeals to all the artsy ones. They host workshops and competitions for writing, painting, music and all forms of art. The place is always buzzing with creativity and liveliness. They own a bakery which serves great cookies and their library has an amazing collection of books from all genres.

Where: 134, KHB Colony, Koramangala 5th Block

The Coffee Cup, Hyderabad

The highlight of The Coffee Cup is their breezy open terrace where potted plants are by the dozen, adding a touch of greenery. Apart from books, they also have board games for the ones who don't read. Pop culture icons adorn the walls in frames, which adds to the cool quotient of this already happening cafe.

Where: E 89, Above Canara Bank, Sainikpuri, Secunderabad

Kitab Khana, Mumbai

Located amid the bustle of South Bombay, Kitab Khana is a little world tucked away from reality. The streets are crowded but as soon as you step into this place, it feels like time has frozen and you've stepped into another dimension. They have a huge collection of all kinds of books in different languages. Also, their coffee is renowned and the dessert shelf would lure you for sure.

Where: 375, Veer Nariman Rd, Fort

Literati, Goa

Literati in Goa feels like a throwback to India during the Portuguese rule as it is housed in a little cottage with red tiles and lots of warmth. They have a delectable menu where all the dishes have the distinct homemade taste. Their library is also well kept and has a wonderful collection of all kinds of books. Sit here and munch on their sandwiches as you drown in a book.

Where: E/1-282 Gauravaddo, Calangute

Cafe Turtle, Delhi

Cafe Turtle in Delhi is another place which was opened out of the need for having a cafe which allowed readers to spend a few hours of bliss with food. They serve delicious pastries and have such a vast collection, you won't be able to decide which book you want to read. Vibrant and buzzing with energy, Cafe Turtle is a place you must chill at for sure.

Where: Shop No. 23, 2nd Floor, Middle Lane, Khan Market

Cafe Illiterati, McLeod Ganj

This place is the dream of every reader and writer out there. Cafe Illiterati is a cosy cottage nestled in the arms of the mountains, overlooking the valley. Cool, icy breezes frequent the place and the feeling is surreal. Their library is well stocked and the urban traveller who loves the mountains shouldn't miss this place.

Where: Jogiwara Road, Jogiwara, McLeod Ganj

Book Cafe Song, Pune

Book Cafe Song in Pune is an adorable little place where you can spend hours poring over your favourite books. Korean artefacts and their artsy furniture add to the cuteness of this place. The music is also soothing and the feel of the place is easygoing. In other words, perfect for reading over coffee!

Where: 18, Stellar Enclave, Opposite MSEB Office, Behind McDonald’s, Aundh

Cafe Fiction, Gangtok

Whether you are a reader or not, this is one place you must visit in the North East because of how beautiful it is. Surrounded by the serenity and a stunning view, it is peace personified. The Rachna bookstore at the first level and a delightful cafe on the second together comprise of a place, which can only be described as dreamy.

Where: Development Area Rd, Gangtok

Cafe Story, Kolkata

Kolkata is known for its love for words and ink. Cafe Story is another one of the many bookstore cafes scattered across the city. What makes it different however is the special dedication to comics and graphic books. It essentially is a shop housing its own cafe and space for reading. They have an Art section where you can buy unique stationary.

Where: 2nd Floor, Cafe Story Bookstore, 8, Elgin Road, Elgin

Cafe Bookworm, Lucknow

Cafe Bookworm is one of its kind places in Lucknow which is a wave of fresh air as the city otherwise consists mainly of restaurants which serve heavy food. It is extremely appealing to the youth and other artists who like to come here and read to their heart's content as there is never a dearth of great food or words: which is what keeps the city of Lucknow going.

Where: 1st Floor, Above Hero Showroom, Neelkanth Road, Vivek Khand-2, Gomti Nagar

Pagdandi, Pune

Pangdadi Cafe in Pune gives a platform to independently published authors, which has created a lot of goodwill for them in the city. They dish out healthier eating options rather than the usual cafe food which sets them apart. Their book collection is envious and their general nature is commendable, which has led to the formation of a loyal customer base.

Where: Shop No. 6, Regent Plaza, Baner - Pashan Link Road, Baner

Tell us which of these places you'd like to chill at!