When most people think of buying books online in India, they always think either Amazon or Flipkart. Both these platforms provide convenience and fast delivery at much cheaper rates than bookstores. But here’s what we often do not realise or think about… when we rely only on these giants, we gradually push smaller, independent bookstores and publishers out of the picture.

Last week we covered the effect of piracy on the publishing industry and trust me, the number of sellers on these websites who are selling pirated copies are only increasing day by day. In search of bargain deals, readers are ending up paying a much higher cost with poor quality, loss of income for authors, and a publishing ecosystem that struggles to sustain itself.

The good news? You don’t have to choose between the giants and piracy. We have a growing community of independent online bookstores that offer genuine books and fair prices. These days most of these websites also curate mystery boxes and bookish merchandises. A lot of these platforms also highlight Indian authors, regional literature, and small publishers that rarely find space on mainstream sites or even at your nearest chain bookstore.

So if you are looking for your next read, whether it’s a classic novel, a poetry collection, or a niche academic text, here are twelve online bookstores in India (beyond Amazon and Flipkart) that deserve a spot on your radar.

What to Look for in a Good Online Bookstore

With so many websites claiming to sell books at the “best price,” it is easy to feel overwhelmed. But not all online bookstores are same. If you’re an aspiring writer or a dedicated reader, here are a few things to consider before you click that Buy Now button:

Authenticity of Books – Make sure the bookstore sells genuine editions, not pirated or poor-quality prints. Counterfeit books not only hurt authors but also ruin your reading experience with misprints and bad paper.

Range of Titles – A good online store should go beyond just bestsellers. Look for options that include regional literature, indie authors, and academic or niche titles that aren’t always available on big platforms.

Pricing & Deals – Discounts are great, but be mindful of shipping costs or hidden fees. Some independent bookstores offer excellent bargains on pre-loved or remaindered books.

Delivery & Reliability – Fast shipping is nice, but careful packaging is even more important—especially for hardcovers and collector’s editions. Reviews can give you a good sense of a store’s reliability.

Customer Support – Issues like receiving the wrong edition or a damaged copy can happen. The difference lies in whether the bookstore has a helpful customer service team to resolve problems quickly.

In short, the best online bookstores are the ones that combine authenticity, variety, and reader-friendly practices while also nurturing the larger ecosystem of Indian publishing.

Now that we know what makes a reliable and reader-friendly online bookstore, let’s turn to the reason we are here today: the alternatives to Amazon & Flipkart to feed your book addiction. Luckily, India has a growing ecosystem of independent online bookstores that cater to different kinds of readers. Whether you’re searching for rare academic titles, beloved children’s books, or signed editions from your favorite authors, or some bookish merch to show off your fandom pride – we have some great options for you.

If you are curious about the plight of physical bookstores, click here – https://himalayanwritingretreat.com/bookstores-in-india/

12 online bookstores in India

1. Bookswagon

If you are someone who always has an ever-growing TBR list, Bookswagon might just become your best friend. Known for its vast collection across genres like fiction, non-fiction, academic texts, and children’s books, it is a dependable option for readers who want variety. They also frequently run discounts, making it a budget-friendly choice for students and young writers who read widely. Their delivery time may sometime be longer than you expect, but it is worth the wait.

Link: https://www.bookswagon.com/

2. PustakKosh

If you’re looking for affordable access to academic or professional books, PustakKosh is worth exploring. They specialize in renting as well as selling books which perfect for students who may not want to purchase expensive titles outright. They have both new and used books to suit both your needs and wallet.

Link: https://pustakkosh.com/sell-books/

3. Pagdandi Bookstore Café (Online)

Based in Pune, Pagdandi is a beloved indie bookstore-café that also runs an online store. Their selection leans towards independent presses, literary fiction, and offbeat non-fiction. Buying from them feels personal as you know you’re directly supporting a small business with a passion for storytelling.

Link: https://pagdandi.org/bookstore/

4. BuyBooksIndia

BuyBooksIndia is a straightforward, no-frills platform that focuses on affordability. With frequent discounts and a wide selection across fiction, non-fiction, and textbooks, it’s a practical choice for students and general readers alike.

Link: https://www.buybooksindia.com/

5. Blossoms Book House (Bangalore) Online

A paradise for book lovers in Bangalore, Blossoms has earned legendary status with its towering shelves of new and secondhand books. Thankfully, its online store now makes that magic available to readers everywhere. You’ll find everything from classics and academic texts to rare collectibles.

Link: https://www.blossombookhouse.in/

6. Kitabay

Kitabay is a solid option if you’re open to used/gently used books, want to expand your bookshelf affordably, or are exploring “mystery box” bundles. It helps you stretch your budget, supports reuse, and usually maintains decent quality. They also have a collection of bookmarks and scented candles. Look out for the ‘Old Bookstore’ scented candle!

Link: https://kitabay.com/

7. GetMyBooks

GetMyBooks is an Indian-online bookstore with a particularly strong focus on academic textbooks, school books, and exam preparation titles. The site often offers substantial discounts on educational titles, which is especially helpful for students on tight budgets.

Link: https://getmybooks.com/

8. The Indian Book Store

The Indian Book Store offers a wide & diverse collection of books across genres: from business, self-help and classics to fantasy, manga, children’s titles, picture/story-books and collectibles. This store has a good collection of Anime. They also have “Request A Book” service, So if you do not find a book that you are looking for, you can always ask them to source it.

Link: https://www.theindianbookstore.in/

9. Atlantic Books

Atlantic Books (India) is part of Atlantic Publishers & Distributors Pvt. Ltd., which is a well-established Indian publishing & distribution house. They offer a large catalogue from more than 20,000 publishers. They have a clear focus on authenticity & genuine editions which is important for ensuring quality and avoiding pirated or poor-quality knock-offs.

Link: https://atlanticbooks.com/

10. IndianBookstore.co.in

This is an online store that offers a wide variety of genres — from adult and children’s fiction to romance, suspense & thriller, self-help, and business/startups. They offer “combos” and box-set options, which can be a good deal for readers wanting multiple books at once. I am yet to try out this bookstore, so I would suggest you try it out with a small order first.

Link: https://indianbookstore.co.in/

11. BookChor

BookChor is a Delhi-based startup (founded in 2015 by engineering students) that’s built around making reading more affordable and accessible by dealing largely in pre-loved / used books, plus occasional new editions. They often host “Lock the Box” events in different cities where you can buy flat-price boxes in different sizes (Odysseus, Perseus, Hercules) and you can add as many books as the box holds, regardless of individual prices. It’s very popular among readers who want a bundle of books without breaking the bank. Be careful while ordering online as the condition of used books varies; sometimes the physical condition (cover, binding) is not quite as shown online.

Link: https://www.bookchor.com/

12. 99Bookstores

99Bookstores is an online bookstore offering a mix of new and pre-loved books, with strong deals under “sale” and “combo/boxset” categories.  They have a wide genre variety with a big inventory of used books, so odds are good you’ll find something offbeat or niche. But, like BookChor, the condition of used books varies.

Link: https://99bookstores.com/

As you can see from the list, there’s a quiet a few options of independent online bookstores that deserve our attention. From the iconic stacks of Blossoms Book House to the curated catalogues of Pagdandi and The Bookshop, each of these spaces keeps the love of books alive in its own way.

13.  Crossword

Founded in 1992 with a mission to positively impact the world through reading, Crossword has grown from a single Mumbai store into one of India’s leading bookstore chain. Its online presence is just as robust.

Crossword.in stocks fiction, non-fiction, self-help, children’s books, and bestsellers, alongside stationery, toys, and gifts, making it a one-stop shop for book lovers of all ages. This is strictly a new-books store, so don’t go looking for second-hand bargains.

Link: https://www.crossword.in/

Quick Tips for Readers:

• Follow their socials: Most indie bookstores announce discounts, launches, and author events on Instagram or Facebook.
• Explore secondhand options: Stores like Blossoms often have gems at half the price.
• Think long-term: Every book you buy from an indie helps ensure they’ll still be around for your next read.

So next time you’re adding to your TBR, why not skip the usual cart and try one of these bookstores instead? You might just discover your next favorite author and help keep India’s publishing industry thriving at one go.

Let us know if you have purchased from these online stores. We would love to hear about your experience in the comments.
Want to read more about bookstores? – https://himalayanwritingretreat.com/bookstores-in-delhi/