Literati Bookshop & Café was a
chance discovery on my recent trip to Goa and what a discovery it was!!
Situated in the Bardez locality of North Goa and not far from the Calangute
beach, this unique bookshop is in essence a literary oasis.
Literati is a remarkable home for
books. It is housed in a picturesque 100-year old Indo-Portuguese bungalow that
stands amidst lush green lawns. The long verandah of the house with its
comfortable sit-in arrangement extends an inviting look. The in-house café
provides snacks, tea, coffee, wine and beer during the off-season and turns
into a special Italian café during the peak tourist season.
Once you step inside the bungalow,
stacks and stacks of books strewn around transports you to the wonder world of
words and phrases and stories. The unregimented arrangement of books adds to
the characteristic feel of Literati. This cosy little place has distinct rooms
marked for new and used books. The living area housing the new books gives you
the feel of a local library while the used books section has an enticing charm
of its own.
The extensive book collection at
Literati comprises of a wide variety of genre. It mainly includes Indian
fiction, Indian non-fiction and literature. An impressive selection of books on
Goa and children’s books are stocked in this quaint bookshop. A dedicated
foreign language section includes books in Portuguese, German, Italian, Russian
and French. Literati is also a treasure trove of antiquarian books.
The wide assortment of books and
periodicals on display and the warm ambiance of Literati can easily make you
lose sense of time as you browse through the amazing collection or sit down
with a book of your choice.
This one-of-its-kind bookshop is
owned and run by Divya Kapur, a well-known figure in the literary circles in
Goa and beyond. A self-confessed bibliophile, she gave up her career as a
lawyer to set up Literati in November 2005 and mould it into a booklover’s haven.
Today Literati is much more than
just a bookshop and café. It is a meeting place of creative minds. Literati
hosts book launches, author meets, book reading sessions, storytelling events,
art exhibitions, documentary screenings, photography shows, literary events and
workshops. Many acclaimed international authors and artists have participated
in the events organised at Literati.
On your next visit to Goa,
head off to Literati’s porch to spend some memorable moments in this
exceptional bookshop. If you love books, no beach in Goa can be as cosy as the
comfortable couches and chairs of Literati where you can sit back and flip
through your choice of pages as you sip freshly brewed coffee and munch on
delicious home-made sandwiches from the in-house cafe.
Literati Bookshop & Cafe
E/1-282, Gaura Vaddo
Calangute, Bardez
Goa – 403 516
Phone: +91 832 227 7740
Timing: 10:00 AM to 6:30 PM (Closed
on Sundays)
