I strongly believe that no two people experience a place similarly, and more importantly no two people use those traveling experiences similarly. Being a traveler is an art, and the way one describes their experience adds the flavor to their expression.
If writing is how you express your journeys, I am here to tell you about how certain places can make you a better writer. I am a huge fan of café’s that let you sit for hours, play good music on a subtle volume and have open spaces for you to stare at long distances and watch people come and go.
I have listed some of the best café’s that I personally love and would recommend for a writer to sit and think, reflect and observe and gaze at life as it happens, from a distance as you sip a large cup of cappuccino or a glass of fresh fruit juice.
This sea-facing cafe in the southern village of Kerala, Varkala, is like a dream come true for a writer. The horizon calls out for you in the day, with the sizzler sizzling in the dazzling sun. In the evenings, it's the perfect spot to stare at the sun setting, taking its own sweet time. You can write about the white painted art on the old wooden tables, and the way a tea ketley hangs in the air, with creepers pouring out, flying where the wind takes it.
On the narrow roads of Anjuna, there is a large space protected by blue and white boundaries. Artjuna is a classy combination hippie world in the modern age. You can sit at any spot, and you'd be compelled to write at whatever you see no matter where you look. At one side, there is an worn out shelf with a collection of books in written languages - guide books, poetry books, novels and of history. Right opposite, there is a swing, where I'd usually sit and words would rush out of me into my iPhone notes. Order a fruit salad before you get lost into your play of words.
Absolutely adorable place in the middle of the hustle bustle of Connaught Place (CP), Rajiv Chowk metro station. Although Cha Bar is relatively busy on weekends and it's hard to find a seat, it is where you can see the intricacies of life, from a close distance. If you can manage to find your calm in the crowd, this is the best hangout place for a reader or a tea lover. It has interesting things to buy as well - something to gift, souvenirs, stationary and other quirky stuff. Food is great, too. This place literally has numerous options in teas, you'll love the menu if you're love experimenting with new flavors and fragrances.
If you just want a peaceful place to read, this place offers hidden corners, too. You can sit there for as long as you want, and the best part is, it's attached with Oxford Book store, so you can spend a good amount of hours, reading and writing.
Yama is located at Changspa road, on your way to Shanti Stupa, you will find it on your right hand side, right next to the stream flowing. Yama Coffee House is a lovely place to spend time at. While I was in Ladakh for 17 days, Yama was my go-to place. The minute I woke up, I'd walk up to have my ginger lemon tea. They have great coffee, too and a very welcoming staff.
If you're in Leh and want to relax with friends or even alone. It has a vibe that will make write in your journal. I especially recommend this place, because I loved it for long sessions of sitting, where I could sincerely feel the beauty of Ladakh and spill in on the paper in peace.
I think, anyone who lives in Koramangala in Bangalore can tell why DYU makes it to this list. Despite being a place filled with people, you can find your cocoon here very easily. From having a separate smoke place outside to secluded first floor - DYU will give you and your thoughts space to flow with ease. Sometimes that is all a writer needs, to smoothly let the emotions out in the form of writing.
DYU has been transformed from a huge old bungalow with all its ancient furnishings to a cafe. If you ask me, banofee pie dessert tops the list on their menu.
One day, when I'm rich enough, I'm going to buy Candies and turn it into a space for artists. This cafe has such a fresh ambiance, with colorful stimulants hanging from the ceiling every where. The leveling of the place is something that churns the writer in me, to talk about the levels of life, the conversations, the colors, the natural light, the indoor shadow on a sunny day, the wooden chairs and the iron vintage tables. I can go on and on and still not to justice to Candies and my love for it.
You must visit it, and decide for yourself. If you are someone who hunts for places because of its architecture, you're going to be blown away by the way it's been styled like a Goan villa. Don't judge this place for its food, it's quite average. However, I'd go over and over, just to sit there and write.
Last but definitely not the least, this cafe is a place I long for every now and then. I've only been here once when I was in Mcleodganj, but I look forward to being here.
The wooden interiors will make you feel cozy and homely, and the way food is presented will force you into clicking its pictures first. Crepe Pancake Hut can easily be mistaken for a library, as its filled with books. Its low-floor seating is something I miss, for I could sit quietly for hours and get lost in my writer's universe or simply dream.
When the world talks about hunger, pain, parting and stay in wait for instant sex - I quietly enter my poetry - subtle, ambivalent and erotic. Travel with me by following me on Instagram @bijniswoman For everything else, check my website here.