Little India is one of the ethnic enclaves in Singapore – you can stroll on its narrow streets lined with colourful buildings, visit its temples and enjoy delicious Indian cuisine. We went exploring little India on our first full day in Singapore, after starting the day with a traditional Singaporean breakfast (kaya toast and coffee). Most people coming to Singapore pass quickly through it, but as we started our days as early as 8:00 am, we spent there a good few hours.
As this was also the first full day (we arrived in Singapore the night before), getting to Little India and visiting it gave me a taste of the rich ethnic diversity of Singapore. Seeing churches, Hindu and Buddhist temples, and mosques close to each other, made my heart happy.
Even if you have a lot of time of 1h to spare, these are the main attractions to have on your route.
Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple
The Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple is a Hindu temple built in the late 1800s and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, preserver and protector of the university. This temple is now in Little India for its five-level gatehouse tower ornate with the avatars of Vishnu, as well as other deities.
Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple
The Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple is one of the oldest temples in Singapore, built by early Indian settlers in the 19th century. It is dedicated to the Goddes and destroyer of evil Kali.
Sakya Muni Buddha Gaya Temple
The Sakya Muni Buddha Gaya Temple is also known as the Temple of 1000 Lights. This Buddhist temple is a mix of Chinese, Indian and Thai styles, and hosts a 15m tall, 300t statue!
House of Tan Teng Niah
The House of Tan Teng Niah is one of the last surviving Chinese villas in Little India, built by a rich businessman for his wife. Originally, the house was white and green with these rainbow colours being added recently.
Where to shop and eat in Little India? At the Tekka Centre!
After hours walking the streets of Little India, we ended up at the Tekka Centre. We check out its different levels, where you can find anything from fresh produce at the wet market, to household goods and clothing. In the end, we went back to the ground floor where we had a chicken bryiani from the street food stalls.
Check out the YouTube video that I made of our exploration through Little India!
To see more of what I did in Singapore, check out the ArtScience Museum post!