Little India Heritage District: A Visitor Guide | Singapore Purple Travel Guide

(map, reviews)

Little India is one of Singapore’s most vibrant and authentic historical enclaves. Located east of the Singapore River and north of Kampong Gelam, this district is a sensory explosion of colorful shophouses, fragrant spice markets, and intricate temples. Unlike the ultra-modern skyscrapers of the Central Business District, Little India retains a gritty, soulful charm that reflects the traditions of Singapore’s Indian community. It is a place where old-world trades like garland making and fortune-telling still exist alongside trendy street art and bustling modern shopping malls.

Here at Backpack and Snorkel Travel Guides, we promote self-guided walking tours.
But we realize that not everybody likes to walk by themselves in a foreign city. So, just in case that you rather go with ab guide: NO PROBLEM! Please see the GuruWalk and Viator tours below.

Why You Should Visit

Visiting Little India is essential for any traveler who wants to understand the multicultural fabric of Singapore. It offers a completely different energy than Chinatown or the Civic District. Here, you can witness religious devotion at ancient temples, bargain for intricate gold jewelry, and taste some of the best South Indian cuisine in the world. It is a photographer’s paradise and a foodie’s heaven, providing an immersive cultural experience that feels like stepping into a different country entirely.

What is Special About It?

• A Sensory Journey: The district is famous for its ‘sensory overload’—the smell of freshly ground turmeric and jasmine garlands, the sound of Bollywood music playing from storefronts, and the sight of vibrant sarees.
• The House of Tan Teng Niah: This eight-room villa is the last surviving Chinese villa in the district, painted in a kaleidoscopic array of colors that make it one of the most photographed buildings in Singapore.
• Sacred Diversity: Within a few blocks, you can find stunning Hindu temples, ornate mosques, and serene Buddhist temples, showcasing Singapore’s religious harmony.
• 24-Hour Shopping: It is home to Mustafa Centre, a legendary 24-hour department store that sells over 300,000 items, from high-end electronics to rare spices.

History and Facts

• Cattle and Canals: In the 19th century, this area was originally a hub for cattle trading and lime kilns because of its proximity to the Serangoon River. Many of the street names, like ‘Buffalo Road’, still reflect this history.
• An Evolving Enclave: While it was not originally designated as an ‘Indian’ area by Sir Stamford Raffles, Indian immigrants naturally gravitated here due to the labor opportunities in the cattle and brick industries.
• The 1915 Sepoy Mutiny: The district played a significant role in colonial military history, with the nearby barracks housing the Indian soldiers who served the British Empire.
• Preservation: Little India was gazetted as a conservation area in 1989, ensuring that the unique architecture of its two-story shophouses is protected for future generations.

Self-Guided Information

Traveler Tip

For an authentic breakfast experience, head to the Tekka Centre (located right above the Little India MRT station). Order a ‘Roti Prata’ (flaky flatbread) with dhal and a ‘Teh Tarik’ (pulled milk tea). It is a local ritual to watch the tea being ‘pulled’ through the air to create a frothy top. If you are visiting in October or November, the district is transformed by Deepavali (The Festival of Lights) with massive street light installations and night markets that stay open late into the evening.

Back to your Self-Guided Singapore Walking Tour

Where do you want to go now?

Author: Rudy at Backpack and Snorkel

Bio: Owner of Backpack and Snorkel Travel Guides. We create in-depth guides to help you plan unforgettable vacations around the world.

Other popular Purple Travel Guides you may be interested in:

Like this Backpack and Snorkel Purple Travel Guide? Pin these for later: