Exploring the Unique Features of Kitabi Angan and Crossword Bookstore in Ahmedabad
- Mar 25
- 4 min read
I recently went on a short vacation to Ahmedabad and had the chance to visit two very different bookstores in the city: Kitabi Angan and Crossword. Each offers a unique experience that goes beyond just buying books.
Kitabi Angan is a cosy cafe-plus-bookstore in Sindhu Bhavan, Ahmedabad. I liked the name first when I came across it on Instagram. The name makes you feel like the bookstore is a personal space, like your own book courtyard. And the bookstore recently hosted its first feminist literature festival. It has some good books - both new and used- and is used effectively for hosting various book events. It’s a café and a community space rolled into one.
What makes Kitabi Angan stand out is its layout. The bookstore is designed with cosy reading nooks and comfortable seating areas where you can settle in with a book and a cup of coffee. The café menu offers a variety of beverages and snacks, making it easy to spend hours here without feeling rushed. However, I did feel the space was smaller than it looked in the online pictures.
The selection of books at Kitabi Angan is carefully curated by its founder, Bansari Kamdar, who is an independent journalist with many other feathers in her cap. The focus is on Indian authors, regional literature, and independent publishers, giving readers a chance to explore voices often overlooked by larger chains. Feminist literature is highlighted as well.
One of the highlights of Kitabi Angan is its regular events. They host book readings, author meet-ups, poetry sessions and writing workshops that bring the local literary community together. During my visit, a writing event was scheduled, but I had to skip it due to my travel plans. If you are in Ahmedabad, however, go and check out this bookstore!
📍Zion Z1, Sindhu Bhawan, 05, nr. Maple County Road, Bodakdev, Ahmedabad, Gujarat-380054
⏰ 11 am-11 pm on all days
I landed on Crossword by accident, thanks to my husband, who spotted this underground beauty near Mithakali Six road, on the way to Garvi Gurjari Emporium. This bookstore was just 5 minutes away from the emporium, making the visit mandatory for me! Crossword offers a very different vibe than Kitabi Angan. Of course, it’s a large, well-known bookstore chain with a wide range of books covering almost every genre imaginable. The store in Ahmedabad is very spacious and well-organised, making it easy to navigate through the shelves. For book lovers, it gives you the feeling of entering a secret underground tunnel, only to find yourselves among the treasure of books!
What impressed me most about Crossword was the variety. Whether you are looking for the latest bestseller, academic textbooks, children’s books, or graphic novels, you will find them here. And the store also stocks stationery, souvenirs, and gift items, making it a convenient one-stop shop for book lovers.
Crossword’s layout is designed to help customers find books quickly. Clear signage and categorised sections reduce the time spent searching. I appreciated the dedicated space for local and Indian authors, which shows the store’s effort to support regional talent alongside international bestsellers.
The store also offers a loyalty program and regular discounts, which is a bonus for frequent buyers. During my visit, I noticed many people, including students, browsing comfortably, which speaks to Crossword’s appeal across age groups.
📍Shree Krishna Centre, Sabarmati, near Mithakhali Six Road, Mithakhali, Khanpur, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380009
⏰ 10:30 am - 9 pm on all days
Comparing the Experiences
Both Kitabi Angan and Crossword serve book lovers, but in very different ways. Kitabi Angan feels like a community hub where you can relax, meet like-minded people, and discover unique titles. It’s perfect for those who want a slower, more intimate experience with books.
Crossword, on the other hand, is ideal if you want variety and convenience. Its large collection and organised layout make it easy to quickly find popular titles and essentials. It suits readers who prefer a straightforward shopping experience while still having the option to explore a broad range of genres.
Why Visit Both?
If you live in Ahmedabad or are visiting, I recommend exploring both places. Start your day at Kitabi Angan with a cup of coffee and a good book, soaking in the calm and creative energy. Later, head to Crossword to browse through a vast collection and pick up any titles you might have missed.
Each bookstore offers something special. Kitabi Angan connects you with the local literary scene and provides a cosy space to enjoy books at your own pace. Crossword offers scale and variety, making it easy to find books for every interest and age group.
Final Thoughts
Bookstores are more than just shops; they are places where stories come alive, and communities form. Kitabi Angan and Crossword each bring their own flavour to Ahmedabad’s reading culture. Whether you prefer the quiet charm of a café-bookstore or the wide selection of a large chain, these two spots have something valuable to offer.
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