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.
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:
Also Read: The Ultimate Guide to the Top 7 Locations in Singapore for an Unforgettable Trip!
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.
Little India offers a mix of old traditions and fun new experiences, making it a must-visit part of your Singapore tour packages.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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,
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.
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.
Also Read: Experience The Vibrancy: Top 8 Festivals In Singapore!
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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!
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!
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.
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!
Popular buys include Indian clothes, gold jewellery, incense spices, souvenirs, herbal products, and electronics.
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!
I Mrs. Ketika Shah (Sales Manager, Flamingo Transworld) Joined Flamingo Transworld in 2002 and started the outbound tour department. I got a chance to explore many countries, took international tours, deal with many people, and understood customers’ psychology. I graduated with B.sc and entered in Aviation and Tourism Industry with the certified course of IATA. I believe in selling quality tours to our customers as our employees are our biggest strengths.
