Little India Singapore
The centre of life in Singapore for its Indian community, Little India is possibly the city’s most colourful and bohemian district. You’ll know when you’ve arrived as the streets are a little less orderly, the vendors a little louder and the buzz of the community a little more vibrant.
Old now meets new in Little India Singapore with historical shophouses trading alongside large, modern stores, food carts cooking in front of banana-leaf restaurants. Today it’s bustling with the life of locals and tourists alike. Experience this first hand by hopping off our Singapore bus tour.
Things to do in Little India Singapore
If shopping and food with a little sightseeing thrown in is your perfect day’s itinerary, you’ll get on very well in Little India Singapore. Walk down Serangoon Road and take in the mix of Hindu and Chinese temples, mosques and churches. Ones to note are the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, possibly Little India’s busiest and prettiest temple, the goddess and destroyer of evil Kali. And the Sakya Muni Buddha Gaya Temple, also known as the Temple of a Thousand Lights, built by a Thai monk in 1927. With Siamese influences visible, a 15-metre tall, 300 tonne statue sits covered in what seems to be a thousand lights.
When it’s time for some retail therapy, the choice is endless. First stop is the Mustafa Centre, a 24-hour mall that locals and tourists flock to. While it may seem disorganised, selling everything from jewellery to groceries, there’s always a bargain to be had. Or, for a more authentic experience, visit the open-air Tekka Centre. Home to a hawker centre selling street food, you’ll get to grab a tasty bite during your shopping session. Lastly, Little India Arcade is the perfect place to pick up your souvenirs. With a collection of shophouses that date back to the 1920s, narrow lanes are lined with stalls selling novelty goods and floral garlands.
Other interesting facts about Little India Singapore
- The Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple was once known as the Soonambu Kambam Kovil, Tamil, which translates to ‘temple at the lime village’ - referencing the many lime kilns in the area at that time
- The Mustafa Centre has a staggering 75,000+ items over its four levels and attracts around 15,000 visitors every weekend
