Located in Singapore's Central Region, Little India is a vibrant enclave that offers an authentic experience of the Indian community's rich culture. Little India is situated east of the Singapore River and is subject to the city's warm tropical climate all year round, making the early mornings or evenings the best times for a visit.
With its pulse firmly on the daily life of Singapore, the district comes alive, especially along Serangoon Road where Indian traditions meet modern Singaporean lifestyle. Visitors are greeted by streets beaming with restored shophouses painted in bright colors, and aromatic Indian restaurants, textile shops, and specialty stores selling everything from shining brass vessels to fragrant spices.
Despite Singapore's relentless modernization, Little India stands out through its authentic preservation of culture. The Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, one of Singapore's oldest Hindu temples, is an emblem of the area's profound heritage. Equally noteworthy is the Mustafa Centre—a 24-hour shopping complex cherished by locals and tourists for its extensive product range and competitive prices.
If you’re a foodie, the banana leaf rice experience at Anjappar and the famous fish head curry at Muthu's Curry are culinary feats that you can't miss out on. The district pulsates with energy during festivals like Deepavali, transforming the streets with dazzling light installations and cultural performances. While you're there, make sure to visit the Little India Arcade for traditional Indian crafts and the Tekka Centre for an unparalleled local food and wet market experience.
Accessing Little India is convenient via the MRT Station (NE7/DT12), which connects to both the North East and Downtown MRT lines. To ensure hassle-free travel, opt for an EZ-Link card. Trains are operational from 5:30 AM to midnight, with several exit options leading to major attractions.
Plan your visit during the early morning or evening to beat the heat. For a lively experience, visit over the weekend. For an insight into the festive atmosphere, visit during Deepavali in October/November.
Generally, Little India is safe with surveillance in place, but like any other urban area, you should be vigilant at all times, particularly at night.
Tekka Centre food court is the go-to place for affordable local Indian food, while restaurants like MTR and Banana Leaf Apolo offer delicious South Indian dishes.
While half a day is enough to visit the main attractions, allot a full day if you want a detailed exploration along with shopping and dining.
Maintain a modest attire; cover your shoulders and knees. Always remove your shoes before entering temples. Most temples provide shawls to cover up if necessary.
Travel Tips for Little India
Explore Little India