Little India is well-known as an ethnic district located in the northwest of Singapore with typical Indian culture. As a home to a large number of Indians from past to present, this historic neighborhood is one of the famous tourist destinations on Lion Island, attracting a large number of tourists on a yearly basis.
Little India has been likened to a miniature model of India due to the large number of those who immigrated to Singapore since the late 18th century. The renowned neighborhood will lend visitors a real sense of Indianness in the heart of Lion Island, with its unique atmosphere and vibrant rhythms created by India’s space, images, and sounds.
As one of the most multicultural neighborhoods in Singapore, established in the 19th century, Little India, with an area of about 2.2km2, is known as one of the destinations that fully meets the tourism needs of any tourist.
Highlights of Little India
Little India is an extremely vibrant and bustling neighborhood covered with Hindu temples, shops selling souvenirs, and Indian cuisine. One of the biggest highlights of the Little India neighborhood are the Hindu temples, which were built with unique architecture and imbued with Indian culture. In addition, Little India is also a culinary paradise. This neighborhood has many restaurants serving Indian dishes, from traditional to modern.
Blending the old and the new, this bustling neighborhood is home to countless spice shops, jewelry stores, florists, sari tailors, cafes and fashion boutiques, and stylish wine. Each location offers a unique, unprecedented experience.
Photo: Singapore Tourism Board
Things to do in Little India
Visit Hindu temples: Little India features Hindu temples, the most famous of which are Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple, and Sri Krishnan Temple, where tourists can have access to Hindu temples and enjoy the peaceful ambience.
Visit souvenir shops: With a large number of souvenir shops, including souvenirs imbued with Indian culture such as clothes, jewelry, and handicrafts, Little India is an ideal destination for those who are passionate about handmade goods.
Enjoy Indian Cuisine: As a culinary paradise, you can find a lot of delicious Indian dishes in Little India. Some famous Indian dishes that you should try when coming to this neighborhood include curry, naan, roti, etc.
Participate in cultural activities: Little India regularly organizes cultural activities such as festivals, art performances, etc. You can participate in these activities to learn more about Indian culture.
Photo: Quandoo
Places to visit in Little India
Serangoon Road is considered the heart of Little India due to its bustle and brilliance. The residences here are brightly colored, making Serangoon even more vibrant and lively. When you come here, you will also notice traditional Indian clothing and the mild aroma of spices. If you want to enjoy a lively atmosphere at night, you can go to the bar and sip a bottle of wine while listening to music. During the Deepavali celebration, the Hindu celebration of lights, Serangoon Street, in particular, becomes even more lively and exciting with its beautifully lit decked space.
Sri Veeramakaliamman, erected in 1827, is the Lion Island’s oldest Hindu temple. This is not simply a Hindu temple but also a significant cultural and historical site in Singapore. It is well known that the Sri Veeramakaliamman temple was created to worship the goddess with the capacity to cure all types of diseases, and it was very wonderfully designed, with sculptures of mythical gods and animals on the roof.
Tekka Market, located at the intersection of Bukit Timah Road and Serangoon Road, is an excellent starting point for your exploration of Little India. With over 300 shops selling traditional Indian spices and flavorings, the market is quite busy and bustling. For individuals who enjoy shopping and eating, Tekka Center is an ideal destination for satisfying their demands. Don’t be afraid to try new foods or unusual fruits and buy them on the rooftop. The market is notably packed on Saturdays, when it opens late and ends late.
Photo: Singapore Travel Insider