Little India

Little India Singapore is one of the oldest and most colourful neighbourhoods in the city. It grew up along Serangoon Road in the 1800s and is still the heart of the local Indian community. Walking its streets is free, and you can easily spend half a day here.

Expect flower garland stalls, spice shops, gold jewellers, Hindu temples and plenty of Indian food. This guide covers what to see, how to get there and where to eat.

Why visit Little India Singapore

Little India feels very different from the glass towers of the city centre. The streets are lined with low shophouses painted in bright colours. Shops play Tamil and Hindi music, and the air smells of jasmine, incense and spices.

It is a living neighbourhood, not a museum. Families come here to shop for saris, gold and groceries. Devotees visit the temples every day. That makes it one of the best places in Singapore to see everyday local life.

It is also a good stop if you are on a budget. Walking around costs nothing, and the food is good value. See our list of free things to do in Singapore for more ideas.

What to see and do

The easiest plan is to walk up Serangoon Road and wander into the side streets. These are the main stops to look out for.

• Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple: a busy Hindu temple on Serangoon Road, dedicated to the goddess Kali. Read our guide to Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple before you go.
• Indian Heritage Centre: a modern museum that tells the story of Indians in Singapore and the region. Check opening times before you go, and see our page on the Indian Heritage Centre.
• Tekka Centre: a large hawker centre and wet market at the southern end of Serangoon Road. Upstairs, shops sell clothing and fabric.
• Little India Arcade: a row of old shophouses with small shops selling henna, bangles, sweets and souvenirs.
• House of Tan Teng Niah: a brightly painted old villa on Kerbau Road that is popular for photos.
• Mustafa Centre: a huge department store selling almost everything, from spices to electronics. Read more about Mustafa Centre.

Look out for the many flower stalls too. Workers string jasmine, marigold and rose into garlands. These are offered at temples and used at weddings and festivals.

Festivals in Little India

The area is at its liveliest during Deepavali, the Hindu festival of lights. It usually falls in October or November. Serangoon Road is decorated with street lights, and a festive bazaar sells sweets, clothes and decorations. Expect large crowds in the evenings. Our Deepavali guide has more details.

Pongal, the Tamil harvest festival in January, and Thaipusam are also important times here. Dates change each year, so check before you plan your trip.

How to get to Little India

Little India MRT station is on the North East Line and the Downtown Line. Tekka Centre is right by the station, so it is a natural starting point. Rochor, Jalan Besar and Farrer Park stations are also within walking distance of different parts of the area. New to the trains? Read How to Use the MRT in Singapore.

The area is compact and best explored on foot. Many buses also run along Serangoon Road.

Tips for visiting Little India

A little planning makes your walk more comfortable. Keep these points in mind.

• Go in the morning, when the market is busy and it is a little cooler.
• Weekends, and Sundays in particular, are very crowded. Visit on a weekday for a quieter walk.
• Dress modestly if you plan to enter temples or mosques. Cover your shoulders and knees, and take off your shoes before you go in.
• Ask before you take close-up photos of people, especially at temples.
• Carry some cash for small shops and stalls, though many now accept cards and QR payments.

Read our guide to etiquette and local laws for more on behaving respectfully at places of worship.

Food and places to stay nearby

Little India is one of the best areas in Singapore for Indian food. Tekka Centre has many stalls selling biryani, dosa, roti prata and curries. For vegetarian South Indian meals, try Ananda Bhavan or Saravanaa Bhavan. Bismillah Biryani and Khansama Tandoori are other popular choices. Browse all restaurants in Little India and Jalan Besar, or read our Indian food guides.

Staying in the area puts you close to the MRT and the food. Options include Parkroyal on Kitchener Road and Holiday Inn Singapore Little India. See all hotels in Little India and Jalan Besar.

FAQs about Little India

Is it free to visit Little India?

Yes. Little India is a public neighbourhood, so walking around costs nothing. You only pay for food, shopping or museum entry.

How much time do I need in Little India?

Two to four hours is enough to see the main streets, visit a temple and have a meal.

What is the nearest MRT station to Little India?

Little India MRT station, on the North East Line and Downtown Line, is in the heart of the area.

Is Little India safe for tourists?

Yes. Like the rest of Singapore, it is generally safe. Keep an eye on your bags in crowds, as you would anywhere.