Little India: Immerse Your Senses in Colours, Aromas & Energy
Little India, located to the north of Rochor Canal, has a history that dates back to the 19th century during the British colonial era.
It began as a residential area for Indian immigrants who came to Singapore as labourers, and has since become a slice of India, with its Hindu temples, mosques, and Indian shops, in the heart of Singapore.
The vibrant, colourful streets, women passing by in sarees and Punjabi dresses, and the scent of spices and jasmine all combine to transport you to an exotic, faraway land.
This feature highlights the must-see spots in Little India. Visitors can explore this energetic district and experience the best in sights, dining, and shopping.
- Plan Your Visit
- The Heart of Little India
- Hindu Temples
- Gems in the Streets
- 3 Indian Curries
- Bargain Shopping
- Hotels
- End of the Little India Walk
Plan Your Visit: Access, Safety & Map
Getting to Little India by MRT
To get to Little India by MRT, take the Downtown Line (blue) or the North-East Line (purple) and get off at Little India station.
After passing through the ticket gates, follow the signs to either Exit C or Exit E, which will lead you to a point near the main street.
Safety & Precautions
Singapore boasts one of the safest countries in the world, and Little India is no exception.
It’s perfectly safe to walk around, even with children or as a solo female traveller. However, it’s always good to stay cautious in unfamiliar places, so it’s best to avoid going out late at night.
One thing to keep in mind is which day you choose to visit. Sundays tend to get very crowded, as it’s a common day off for many in the Indian community. If you prefer a leisurely stroll, weekdays or Saturdays are recommended.
Map: Suggested Itinerary & Duration
This walking guide takes you from Little India Station to the next station, Farrer Park Station, visiting top attractions along the way.
Ideally, it’s recommended to combine your visit with lunch or dinner to savour authentic Indian curry.
Including about an hour for meals, the suggested itinerary takes about 2 to 3 hours.
Exploring the Heart of Little India
Serangoon Road: Pulse of Little India
Start your stroll along Serangoon Road, the main street of Little India.
Everything you see is a feast for the senses, from gold jewellery shops and saree shops to stalls selling flower garlands for offerings.
Tekka Centre
Tekka Centre, a bustling hub of food and commerce in Little India, stands at the start of Serangoon Road.
The first floor houses a hawker centre and a wet market, while the second floor is a section dedicated to Indian garments and accessories, including sarees and Punjabi dresses.
Tekka Centre
Little India Arcade
Opposite Tekka Centre, you’ll find the old commercial complex, Little India Arcade.
Inside the arcade, there’s a distinctive charm that sets it apart from modern shopping malls.
From beautiful scarves and beaded-embroidered bags to Ganesha statues, the selection of goods is fun to explore just by browsing. You might even stumble upon a hidden gem!
Little India Arcade
Spiritual Journey Through Hindu Temples
Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple
As you head northeast along Serangoon Road, you’ll see a vivid, multi-coloured tower gate on the left. This is the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, dedicated to the Hindu goddess Kali.
This place, a spiritual cornerstone of Little India, is always bustling with devotees.
Visitors are asked to take off their shoes at the entrance before entering the temple.
Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple
Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple
Located along Serangoon Road, right in front of Farrer Park MRT station, the Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple is another must-see.
The intricate reliefs of deities adorning the temple’s ceiling and pillars are truly remarkable.
Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple
Colorful Gems in the Streets
Little India, also known as the “Art Belt,” is a lively hotspot for artistic expression.
The shop houses painted in primary colours like red, blue, and yellow, along with street art covering entire walls, create a dazzling flood of colours that is simply overwhelming.
Former House of Tan Teng Niah
Located along Kerbau Road, the former residence of Tan Teng Niah stands out with its intense colours.
Originally built by a Chinese businessman who made his fortune in the confectionery industry for his wife, this house is a visual delight. While it’s said to have been white when it was first constructed in 1900, it has since been repainted in a riot of striking colours.
The building, with its unique mix of colourful window frames and walls, has become popular as an Instagrammable spot, making it a must-visit photo destination.
Former House of Tan Teng Niah
Colourful Murals Brightening the Streets
One of Little India’s charms is the street art that unexpectedly pops up as you wander through its narrow streets and hidden alleys.
The murals vividly depict scenes of everyday life and people from Little India, brought to life with bold colours and dynamic brushstrokes.
“Dancing in Unison,” a mural that covers the entire side of the Broadway Hotel, is a must-see piece of art. This collaborative work by two artists, one from India and the other from Singapore, is a true masterpiece.
Be sure to check out the works by Mr. Yip Yew Chong and ZERO, who are leading Singapore’s street art scene.
Spice Up the Journey with 3 Indian Curries
It’s time for the much-anticipated meal!
While in Little India, tasting authentic Indian curry is a must! With so many types of Indian curry, each offering distinct flavours and styles from various regions, here are three must-try curries during your visit.
Curry Served on a Banana Leaf
In India, the world’s largest producer of bananas, it’s a long-standing custom to use banana leaves as plates. A prime example of this is Banana Leaf Curry.
Food served on green leaves is full of exotic charm, engaging all five senses and providing a one-of-a-kind dining experience.
For the best Banana Leaf Curry, consider Muthu’s Curry, a Michelin Bib Gourmand award-winning restaurant, or Banana Leaf Apolo, a popular spot frequently featured in guidebooks.
Both are located along Race Course Road.
Bengali Flavours in a Coconut Shell
Located just a 2-minute walk from Exit E of Little India MRT station along Rangoon Road, Mustard is a restaurant specialising in Bengali cuisine.
Its star dish, the Coconut Prawn Curry, is served in a coconut shell about 20cm in diameter – perfect for Instagram photos!
The creamy, mild curry is absolutely delicious, making it ideal for those who prefer to avoid spicy flavours.
Mustard
South Indian Vegetarian Curry
India, a vegetarian powerhouse where about 39% of the population follows a vegetarian diet, offers a variety of delicious vegetarian dishes. The Singapore branch of MTR, a vegetarian restaurant that originated in Bangalore, is located near Farrer Park MRT Station.
South Indian curries, made with vegetables and legumes, are typically thin and soupy, unlike the thicker Northern Indian curries. The fresh spices and refreshing tangy flavour perfectly complement Singapore’s hot climate.
MTR Singapore
Bargain Shopping in Little India
Mustafa Centre: 24-Hour Discount Megastore
When you reach the northern end of Little India, near Farrer Park MRT station, make sure to stop by Mustafa Centre, a massive 24-hour discount store.
Inside, you’ll find yourself in a labyrinth of shelves stacked high with items, from Merlion cookies and kaya jam to Ayurvedic soaps, teas, and ready-to-eat meals, all at unbeatable prices.
It’s the perfect place to hunt for great deals on gifts for friends and family!
Mustafa Centre
Hidden Gem for Affordable & Convenient Hotels
Farrer Park
In Singapore, where hotel prices are soaring, Farrer Park, next to Little India, is a hidden gem for excellent yet affordable accommodations.
Thanks to recent development, the area around Farrer Park MRT station is seeing a surge of new hotels and large-scale facilities. With clean rooms, great facilities, a convenient location near the station, all at affordable prices – it ticks all the boxes.
Directly connected to the station, City Square Mall offers a variety of options, such as the Food Republic food court, the famous Ya Kun Kaya Toast, and the FairPrice supermarket, making it incredibly convenient for visitors.
Holiday Inn Singapore Little India
Holiday Inn, part of the InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), has several properties across Singapore, with the Holiday Inn Singapore Little India standing out as one of its top choices.
Originally operated as Park Hotel, it was relaunched as Holiday Inn after the COVID-19 pandemic. The building itself, completed in 2017, boasts brand-new, comfortable rooms and facilities.
Furthermore, the hotel enjoys a prime location with direct access to Exit A of Farrer Park MRT station. With City Square Mall and Mustafa Centre nearby, the area offers a wide range of dining and shopping options just a stone’s throw away.
Holiday Inn Singapore Little India
★★★★
Map10 Farrer Park Station Rd, Singapore 217564
LocationLittle India（Directly connected to Farrer Park stn）
Check Rooms & Rates
| Agoda | Expedia | Booking |
One Farrer Hotel
Directly connected to Farrer Park MRT Station via Exit C, One Farrer Hotel offers 240 rooms and three restaurants, making it a comfortable place to stay.
The rooftop pool on the 6th floor is especially popular for its stunning views and serene atmosphere.
With room rates starting at around $200 per night, it’s one of the best value stays in the area. Highly recommended!
One Farrer Hotel
★★★★
Map1 Farrer Park Station Rd, Singapore 217562
LocationLittle Inida（Directly connected to Farrer Park stn）
Check Rooms & Rates
| Agoda | Expedia | Booking |
End of the Little India Walk
Finish at Farrer Park Station
This Little India walk wraps up at Farrer Park MRT Station, just one stop away from Little India station.
From there, hop on the MRT to return to your hotel or next destination.
This concludes a suggested itinerary that highlights the must-see spots in Little India.
Enjoy a brief yet immersive journey to India, right here in Singapore!
AD
