Summary:
Little India, Singapore, is a vibrant blend of culture, food, and shopping, a must-visit destination during your trip to Singapore. From temples to street markets and authentic Indian food, it is a slice of India in the heart of Singapore!
Dreaming of Singapore? That glittering island city where futuristic gardens meet thrilling theme parks and food is a national obsession! It is a place that truly has it all. And for Indian travellers, Singapore feels even more special with its warm welcome and familiar touches of home. Now, imagine a vibrant place in this amazing city that feels just like India. That is Little India in Singapore!
The moment you step in, the sweet scent of jasmine greets you, the rich aroma of spices, the chants of temple bells, and the comforting sounds that remind you of home. You will love this देसी vibe in परदेस.
This blog is your insider guide to exploring Little India and making the most of your trip to Singapore.
Loading Packages...Is Little India in Singapore Worth Your Time?
Let us be honest, when we travel abroad, a little piece of India always makes us smile, right?
Little India in Singapore is that happy place! Here is why it clicks so well with us:
- The temples here are not just pretty to look at, they are full of prayers and daily rituals. During festivals like Deepavali and Thaipusam, the whole area comes alive with colour, music, and energy, making you feel like you are part of the celebration.
- Little India shares the story of the Indian community in Singapore. Their history, culture, and how they have helped shape the country.
- Little India is a food paradise. It is authentic Indian taste, miles away from home.
- Easily walkable and well-connected by public transport.
- You will hear Tamil and Hindi and see faces that feel familiar. The lively streets, bright shops, and temples feel just like home. But it is still Singapore, clean, well-organized, and full of its own special mix of cultures.
Also Read: The Ultimate Guide to the Top 7 Locations in Singapore for an Unforgettable Trip!
How to Reach Little India from Popular Singapore Spots
Getting around Singapore is super easy, thanks to their amazing MRT and bus network. Now, you can go straight from Changi Airport to Little India, but what is more feasible is to first check in at the hotel. Then visit Little India later during a day tour or on your own.
Here is how to zip over to Little India from popular spots in Singapore.
- If you are at Orchard Road, it will take around 10 to 15 mins to reach Little India. Bus numbers 64, 65, 147, or 166 connect Orchard to Little India in around 10 to 15 minutes. If you wish to take the train or the MRT – take the North-South Line – NS23 Orchard to Dhoby Ghat – NS24/NE6/CC1. Change to the North-East Line – Purple and travel one stop to Little India MRT Station (NE7/DT12).
- From Marina Bay / Gardens by the Bay, it will take approximately 15 to 20 minutes to reach Little India. A taxi ride takes about 15 minutes and costs around SGD 10 – 15. If you wish to take the train or the MRT – take the Circle Line (CE1/DT16 Bayfront), transfer at Promenade (CC4/DT15) to the Downtown Line (Blue), and exit at Little India (DT12/NE7).
- From anywhere in the city you can opt for a Grab or a taxi. Travel time ranges from 10 to 25 minutes, and fare typically falls between SGD 8–20 based on location and time.
- There are two nearby MRT Stations for Visiting Little India. Little India MRT Station (NE7/DT12) – right in the heart of the district. Farrer Park MRT Station (NE8), convenient if you are visiting Mustafa Centre or nearby hotels.
Top Things to Do in Little India Singapore
Little India offers a mix of old traditions and fun new experiences, making it a must-visit part of your Singapore tour packages.
- See beautiful temples in Little India.
- Eat yummy Indian food.
- Shop and bargain at Tekka Market.
- Ride a cycle through the area.
- Try local food at a hawker centre.
- Visit the Indian Heritage Centre to learn the history.
- Take a photo at the colourful Tan Teng Niah house.
- Walk around the local markets.
- Have a coffee at Generation Coffee.
- Look at shiny gems at the Gem Museum.
- Drink a beer at a rooftop bar in Little India.
Best Places to Shop in Little India
The streets of Little India are full of shops selling shiny gold jewellery, colourful Indian clothes, steel kitchen items, and all kinds of Indian spices and groceries.
Here are some easy spots to visit if you want to shop for a bit of everything!
Mustafa Centre
No trip to Little India is complete without visiting the Mustafa Centre. This huge 24/7 store has everything from groceries, spices, and fruits to electronics, clothes, and gold jewellery. The grocery section is a top highlight! Weekday mornings or afternoons are the best time to go, as evenings and weekends can be crowded. The main store is on Syed Alwi Road, and there is a smaller one on Serangoon Road.
Tekka Centre
This place is a VIBE! It is a bustling market with fresh veggies, fish, and meats downstairs – the wet market. It is an experience in itself! Upstairs, you will find colourful traditional clothes, beautiful fabrics, spices, and flowers. Do not miss the hawker centre here, it is a top place to enjoy tasty local food like Dosa, Idli, fried noodles, and Biryani.
Little India Arcade
Right across from Tekka Centre is Little India Arcade, a colourful shopping spot in a 1920s-style building. You will find souvenir shops, bangles, henna artists, and Indian sweets. During festivals, it turns into a lively bazaar full of music, lights, and festive treats. Do not miss the popular Moghul Sweet Shop at the entrance – their Laddoos, Palgova, and coconut candy are a must-try!
Serangoon Road
If you are looking to buy gold jewellery in Little India, head to Serangoon Road. This street is full of shops selling beautiful 18k and 22k gold jewellery, from traditional Indian styles to modern designs. One popular and trusted store here is Joyalukkas Jewellery, a well-known brand from Kerala, famous for its trendy gold pieces often seen on Bollywood stars.
Also Read: Shopping in Singapore: From Iconic Malls to Local Markets!
Top Indian Restaurants and Street Food Spots
Little India is full of North and South Indian restaurants, offering vegetarian, non-vegetarian, and even Jain food. You will find a place to eat on almost every corner! Keep an eye out for stalls selling Pani Puri, samosas, and fresh fruit juices as you explore! Below are some favourite spots, to savour Indian meals in Little India.
- Mr Biryani – famous for tasty Hyderabadi Dum Biryani.
- Khansama Tandoori Restaurant – A great place to enjoy North Indian Tandoori food, kebabs, and creamy curries.
- Kailash Parbat – Loved for its Indian street food, snacks, sweets, and filling vegetarian dishes.
- Jaggi’s Northern Indian Cuisine – Serves simple Punjabi food that tastes like home, in a relaxed, cafeteria-like space.
- The Banana Leaf Apolo – A famous place known for its South Indian Fish Head Curry, served on a banana leaf.
- Komala Vilas Restaurant – A popular vegetarian spot that has been serving real South Indian Thalis, Dosas, and Idlis since 1947.
- Ananda Bhavan – One of the oldest Indian veg restaurants in Singapore.
Must-Visit Temples and Other Religious Sites in Little India
Little India is deeply spiritual and houses some of the oldest temples in Singapore. They highlight both spiritual traditions and incredible architecture. Whether you want to offer prayers or admire the ancient structures, they are worth visiting.
- Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple – A colourful old temple built for Goddess Kali, famous for its detailed carvings and lively feel.
- Angullia Mosque – A beautiful and old mosque that shows the rich Muslim culture in Little India.
- Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple – A grand temple for Lord Vishnu, with a tall entrance tower filled with fine carvings.
- Sakya Muni Buddha Gaya Temple – A peaceful Buddhist temple with Thai design known for its huge 15-metre Buddha statue.
- Siddh Peeth Shree Lakshminarayan Temple – A well-known Hindu temple built in North Indian style, honouring Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Narayan.
Explore Vibrant Street Art and Murals
Little India feels like an open-air art gallery, with bright murals on many walls that make the area even more lively and colourful. It is also one of the most Instagrammable places in Singapore. Go on a street art hunt, it is a fantastic way to explore the alleys and discover hidden gems!
Some famous murals to look out for include,
- Cattleland 2 – Showcases Little India’s past as a buffalo trading hub.
- Alive @ Clive – A colourful tribute to dance and community.
- Traditional Trades of Little India – A mural showcasing old-school trades and culture.
- I Am Still Here – shows the strength and mix of old and new in the Indian community.
As you walk around Hindoo Road, Dunlop Street, and Race Course Road in Little India, you will spot colourful murals by local and international artists. These artworks show Indian culture, daily life, and history. Many are tucked away in alleys or on old buildings, mixing tradition with modern art, perfect for photos. Visit in the morning for great light and fewer crowds. Bring a wide-angle lens or phone cam for stunning shots.
Experience Festivals and Cultural Events
Little India comes alive during big festivals, turning into a colourful and joyful place. It is a great chance to see real Indian traditions and join in the celebrations, just like back home.
A few popular events and celebrations that you should not miss in Little India in Singapore are as below.
- Deepavali (Diwali) Light-Up: It is usually celebrated in October/November. Little India brightens with lights, music, dance, food, and temple prayers, sharing rich culture in a lively city.
- Thaipusam: Thaipusam is usually celebrated in January/ February. It is a spiritual procession with vibrant rituals and cultural performances.
- Pongal: Pongal is celebrated in January. Watch with colourful lights, cultural shows, traditional music, dance, and even live cattle displays. It is a fun and festive way to experience South Indian traditions up close.
Also Read: Experience The Vibrancy: Top 8 Festivals In Singapore!
Visit the Indian Heritage Centre
This sleek, glass-panelled museum tells the story of Indians in Singapore, perfect for families, students, and culture buffs. The Indian Heritage Centre in Singapore showcases the history, culture, and contributions of the Indian community in Southeast Asia. With interactive exhibits, traditional artifacts, and educational programs, it offers a fun and meaningful experience for all ages.
The design of this building is inspired by Indian step-wells and is worth seeing on its own. Set aside 1.5 to 2 hours for your visit. It will help to understand everything else in Little India.
Tips for First-Time Visitors to Little India in Singapore
To explore Little India well, it is helpful to know some simple tips and respect local customs. This makes your visit smoother and more enjoyable for everyone.
- Dress modestly at temples, remove shoes, and be respectful. Ask before taking photos. Free guided tours are often available.
- The best time to visit Little India is as below.
- Morning, 8–10 AM, is calm and great for temple visits and markets.
- Afternoon, 2–5 PM, is ideal for shopping.
- Evening, 6–9 PM, is lively with food and street art.
- Most people speak English, but greetings like Vanakkam (Tamil) or Namaste (Hindi) are appreciated.
- It is okay to bargain politely in small shops and markets, but not in fixed-price places like the Mustafa Centre.
- Wear comfy shoes, carry a small bag, and bring cash for small stalls, though cards are widely accepted.
- Common in South Indian eateries, use your right hand. Cutlery is available if preferred.
- Bring a water bottle, especially during the day.
- Little India is lively and busy, go with the flow and enjoy the vibe!
Instagram-Worthy Spots in Little India
Get your cameras ready! Little India is a feast for the eyes. It is full of colourful, photo-worthy spots that blend culture and beauty, great for social media and memories alike.
- Tan Teng Niah House: Super colourful Chinese villa, a top spot for photos!
- Street Art & Murals: Cool wall paintings make awesome photo backgrounds.
- Temple Gopurams: Tall, bright temple towers (gopurams) – stunning pictures!
- Little India Arcade: Colourful shops and busy scenes for lively snaps.
- Flower Garland Stalls: Pretty flower strings, so vibrant and fragrant!
- Tekka Centre: The busy market and bright stalls offer great shots.
- Serangoon Road: The main street with its colourful buildings and energy.
Where to Stay near Little India
Staying in or near Little India gives you easy access to its sights and lets you enjoy its vibrant, cultural vibe. Here are a few suggestions across different budget ranges:
- Village Hotel Albert Court by Far East Hospitality
- Novotel Singapore on Kitchener
- Holiday Inn Express Singapore Serangoon, an IHG Hotel
- One Farrer Hotel
- Citadines Rochor Singapore
Little India has many good hostels and budget hotels for an affordable and friendly stay. Check online reviews for the best options, or book through Flamingo Travels for deals that match your needs and budget.
Conclusion – Plan Your Singapore Tour with Flamingo Travels!
Little India in Singapore is a colourful, lively place full of culture, history, food, and faith, perfect for Indian travellers looking for a taste of home abroad. From tasty street food to beautiful temples and vibrant shopping streets, it is a must-see part of the city.
Flamingo Travels makes it easy to explore this gem with special Singapore tour packages designed for Indian travellers. Enjoy guided tours, comfy stays, and smooth travel, all taken care of.
Ready for an unforgettable trip? Contact our destination experts today and let us plan your perfect Singapore adventure!
FAQs Regarding Little India Singapore
What is Little India in Singapore most famous for?
It is famous for its super vibrant Indian culture! Think amazing, authentic Indian food, colourful temples, bustling shops selling everything from sarees to spices, and the incredible atmosphere during festivals. It is like a little piece of India, right in Singapore!
What is the best time to visit Little India, Singapore?
Singapore is great to visit year-round! The best time is during the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat. Weekdays are a bit less crowded than weekends. But Little India is extra special during Indian festivals like Diwali – usually, in Oct/Nov when it is all lit up and buzzing, or Thaipusam – usually in Jan / Feb for its unique cultural processions.
How much time should I spend in Little India?
You can get a good feel for the place in about half a day, 4-5 hours. If you want to see the main sights, eat a meal, and do some light shopping, half a day will suffice. But if you love exploring, want to visit multiple temples, dive deep into the markets, and try lots of food, you could easily spend a full day or come back for more!
What can I buy from Little India Singapore?
Popular buys include Indian clothes, gold jewellery, incense spices, souvenirs, herbal products, and electronics.
Which street is best in Little India, Singapore?
It is hard to pick just one best street, as different streets offer different vibes! But Serangoon Road is often called the main heartbeat of Little India. Other popular streets to explore are Campbell Lane, Race Course Road, Dunlop Street, and Clive Street.
Serangoon Road is the main street in Little India, but the best one for you depends on what you want: food, shopping, or sights. The best way to enjoy Little India is to explore a few streets and soak in the full experience!
