The neighborhood of Little India in Singapore is located along the east banks of the Singapore River. To the local Tamil community, Little India is known as Tekka.
Little India began as a spill-off area for the residents of Chulia Kampong, a place established by the British colonizers for ethnic segregation policy. These days, Chula Kampong is no longer distinct from Little India, and there are many areas around Singapore where businesses run by Tamil Indians are dominant. However, Little India remains a hub of cultural heritage with all the shops, restaurants, temples and mosques.
How to get there
Visitors who want to get to Little India can take the MRT and get off at the Little India station or the Farrer Park station, both of which are on the North East Line.
The main stretch of Little India is Serangoon Road, where both train exits are found, as are the majority of the major shopping areas, temples and food stops.
Places of Worship, Festivals and Celebrations
Little India’s most famous Hindu temple is the Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple, dedicated to the god Vishnu. Built in 1855, it plays an important role in the country’s Thaipusam Festival. It is also the starting point for another Hindu festival, the Theemithi or Fire Walking Festival. Another notable place of worship is the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple dedicated to the goddess Kali.
One of the best times to visit Little India is during the season of Deepavali, where the whole stretch of Serangoon road would be decked in lights. The Thaipusam festival is also a must-see, where devotees take on elaborately made altars on their shoulders and walk down the streets of Singapore to honor Lord Murungan.
Food Feast
The smell of spices permeate the air when you walk around Little India. Cuisines from both the Northern and Southern part of India are all available here, and can be bought at an affordable rate. Those who are not used to the smell may find it odd and sometimes repulsive, but take a bite and you’ll find that the food is flavorful, and with a bit of spice in them. Try the Selmor Restaurant along Serangoon Road for affordable and delicious eats, or the Jaggis North Indian Cuisine for their tandoori dishes.
Vegetarians will enjoy Sagar Ratna along Syed Alwi Road for their pure vegetarian fare, or Saravana Bhavan for their set lunch.
You can pick up fresh produce from sidewalk stalls, their colors bright and bursting and adding character to the already vibrant Little India. Don’t forget the snacks and dessert pieces that you can munch on while going around.
Shopping Paradise
Little India is the best place to find all sorts of Indian goods, from food to clothing, to souvenirs and even media. The Mustafa Center near the Farrer Park MRT at Syed Alwi Road is probably the most known and is considered to be the best place to buy affordable goods of nearly any kind. It is open 24 hours, has its own tourist center that offers travel assistance and is also a good place to exchange your currency.
In Tekka Market near the Little India MRT station, you can find various stalls of Indian, Chinese and Malay food. People from all over Singapore come here for that, and there is a wet market where you can get fresh produce, meat and fish, as well as flowers and spices.
Sim Lim Square just off Little India along Rochor Canal Road is one of the best places to get electronics at an affordable price. However, tourists are cautioned to keep an eye out for shady deals and overcharging.
For a more authentic Little India atmosphere when shopping, check out the Little India Arcade along Campbell Lane which features shophouses in restored buildings.
Take a Walk
The best way to maximize your Little India experience is to walk around the neighborhood. While it is busy enough with people zipping by on their vehicles, it is easy to get from one place to another on foot. There are many sights to take in, sounds to listen to and culinary jewels to taste. A day is not enough for Little India. If your trip allows it, come back often.
