If you are an Indian traveling to Singapore, Little India is sure to surprise you, for this place is a home away from home. The bustling neighborhood is concentrated by the Indians and there is an Indian vibe all over the place. From colorful buildings to beautiful temples, from bustling shops to the narrow little lanes, everything about this place seems to be in an Indian context. Little India in Singapore is a multicultural hub with an intoxicating blend of tradition and novel experiences. It’s the center of life not just for Indians but for other communities too. It’s frenetic, messy, and fun, quite unlike the rest of orderly Singapore.
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Things That Will Make You Fall In Love With Little India
- The colorful neighborhood makes it one of Singapore’s most vibrant places.
- It’s heaven for food lovers as the best Indian food is available here.
- With many Temples, Churches, and mosques taking center stage, Little India is a place of worship for people from all communities.
- You can find everything you want in the stalls that are set up on either side of the road. It’s also a great place to crack a good bargain.
- Some of the best budget accommodation in Singapore is available in Little India.
- One can go on a non-stop shopping spree at Mustafa Center which is open 24/7.
How To Get To Little India In Singapore
The total distance from Changi Airport to Little India is around 22 km. Depending on the time and budget there are several ways to travel from the airport to Little India. Here are a few options to consider while planning a visit:
Airport To Little India By Shuttle Bus – A more economical option is to take a shuttle bus from the arrival hall which will drop you directly at your hotel. There is not much waiting time as there are shuttle services every 15-20 minutes.
Airport to Little India by Taxi – If you have heavy baggage, it’s highly recommended to take a taxi as you’ll be dropped off right at your hotel door. These taxis are a little expensive but they are available 24/7. It takes about 20-30 minutes to travel from the airport to Little India by taxi.
Airport To Little India By MRT – The Singapore metro is an excellent way to get to your destination. First, get on the MRT and get out at Expo Station. This ride takes about 5 minutes. Then get on the next MRT to get out at Jalan Besar Station.
Best Time To Visit Little India Of Singapore
As Singapore lies very close to the equator it has a tropical climate which is consistent throughout the year. Hence the climate is always hot with high humidity levels. The same goes with Little India too.
While temples open quite early in the morning, the shops and restaurants are open by 10:00 am. With Little India being a constant hive of activity and festivals, it’s best to visit during the festive season too. Major Indian festivals like Thaipusam, Ponggal, Navarathiri, and Deepavali are celebrated on a very grand scale here in Little India. So, any time is a good time to visit Little India as a world of sights, sounds, and tastes awaits travelers.
Things To Do In Little India Singapore
Though Little India in Singapore is a small, warm, and friendly place, its streets are bustling with the many experiences it has to offer. Do check out these recommendations on your tour.
Take Some Pics At The House Of Tan Teng Niah
Get a taste of China at the House of Tan Teng Niah which is said to be the last remaining Chinese villa built during the colonization of Singapore. The two-storey bungalow in the heart of Little India is one of the most colorful buildings in Singapore. The bright color and the beautiful Chinese architectural styles make it perfect for some tourist photographic shots. It was constructed in the 1900s by Mr Tan Teng Niah, a local businessman for his wife but today it houses several commercial offices.
Pay A Visit To The Many Places Of Worship
As you walk through Little India in Singapore, you will be surrounded by a number of religious sites, such as Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple a 19th-century temple dedicated to goddess Kali, Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple built in the early 1850s dedicated to Lord Krishna, a temple of 1000 lights that surround the majestic statue of Gautama Buddha and Abdul Gafoor Mosque, where the main entrance is decorated with Arabic calligraphy. The beautiful architecture and interiors of these places of worship never fail to amaze its visitors.
Check Out The Indian Heritage Centre
The India Heritage Centre is a four-storey building in Little India that showcases the culture and history of the Indian community in Singapore. It is home to a significant collection of age-old artifacts which are arranged chronologically from the 1st century CE to the 21st century. The highlight of this place is the 3-meter-tall wooden Chettinad doorway that has around 5,000 intricate carvings. It is relatively a small place that can be explored in an hour or two. It’s a great place to hang out and soak in some of the heritage while in Singapore.
Shop Until You Drop
If you are a shopping enthusiast, then Little India is the place for you as it is a haven for shoppers. From souvenirs to electronics, from jewelry to spices, you can have them all here. Tekka Centre, Mustafa Centre, Little India Arcade, and Serangoon Road are the biggest and busiest markets in Little India. A special mention for Mustafa Centre which is a 24-hour shopping Center that offers designer products at low prices. This little India-Singapore shopping complex is spread across four different floors, stocked with over 300,000 items. If you are in search of a specific item that’s not available anywhere else in town, you might just find it at Mustafa Centre.
Savor On Some Finger Licking Food
Missing Indian food on your vacation in Singapore, no worries, Little India’s many restaurants are good enough to make you feel at home. There are many vegetarian and non-vegetarian restaurants that provide good North Indian and South Indian food. You will be surprised to see that there are some good and cheap restaurants tucked away on almost every street corner. Foodies can treat your taste buds at restaurants like Indian Express, Bismillah Biryani, Banana Leaf Apolo, Ananda Bhavan Restaurant, Khansama Tandoori Restaurant, and Allaudin’s Briyani. For affordable food, you can try eating at the Tekka Center which is the most economical place to eat.
Best Ways To See Little India
Guided tours and walking tours are some of the best ways to explore a destination. There’s no better way to understand the history and culture of the place, than through the eyes of a local. Here are some top touring options to try while in Little India in Singapore.
Walking Tour Of Little India – This tour allows you to soak up the sights, smells, and sounds of Little India. The palpable buzz in the air, while you squeeze through the crowds, is something you need to experience. Keep in mind that Sundays and the festive period are the most crowded times.
Little India Hawker Food Tasting Tour – When it comes to food, you will be spoilt for choices in Little India. Sign up for a Hawker food-tasting tour to understand the origins of Singapore’s Indian Hawker Culture while tasting 8 different local foods.
Lion City With Little India Bike Tour – This bike tour takes you through not just Little India but also other popular attractions including Marina Bay and Chinatown. It is the best way to get to all corners of Little India and the rest of Singapore.
Trishaw Uncle Guided Tours – Get back in time with this nostalgic ride on a trishaw. Navigate the streets on board a trishaw with the driver cum guide who keeps you updated on all the things you need to know about the surrounding areas via an audio narration.
Suggested Reads: Why Is Singapore A Hard To Beat Tourist Destination?
Though small in size, Little India is big in color, culture, and diverse neighbourhood. Whether you are a local or a tourist, Little India in Singapore is on everyone’s list. Come and see how people are showing off the Indian culture in Singapore in a big way!
FAQs About Little India In Singapore
Little India, the center for the Indian community in Singapore is located east of the Singapore River and north of Kampong Glam.
The reason for the many Indians in Singapore is a combination of both historical and economic factors. Moreover, the unrest and instability in their homeland and unemployment are what made them come to Singapore.
Serangoon Street, a commercial thoroughfare that intersects Rochor Canal Road and Bukit Timah Sungei Road is the most famous street in Little India.
