South East Asian Trips

Like Chinatown, Little India in Singapore is an ethnic Indian neighborhood that is steeped in Indian culture and tradition. It is a vibrant area in Singapore, which is popular for its colorful atmosphere.

Little India is famous as a shopping arcade. It lies to the east of the Singapore River across from Chinatown, located west of the river and north of Kampong Glam. Little India is subdivided into four parts- Lower Serangoon Road; Central Serangoon Road; Upper Serangoon Road; and the Arab Quarter.

History of Little India

It is believed that the first batch of 120 Indians, who settled in Singapore, came with Sir Stamford in 1819. They resided mainly in the area near Chulia Street in Chinatown, which Raffles had originally designated for the Indian community. At the end of the 19th century, many more Indian migrants came to Singapore to find work. There were two main reasons for the influx of Indians into the site where Little India stands today. 1) The introduction of cattle-rearing on the fertile land near Rochor River by the cattle merchants Belilios (a Jewish Indian); and (2) building of the Race Course for the Europeans nearby in 1843. These two activities saw Indian immigrants coming from Calcutta, Madras and Malaya to Singapore. They flocked here, and by the turn of the century, this area had become a flourishing commercial centre for the Indian community.

How to reach

It is very convenient to reach Singapore Little India. One can take the North East MRT and get down at Little India or Farrer Park Station near Serangoon Road. Another easy way to reach the area is to take East-West line and get down and Bugis station.

Indian food

Little India is a great place to have Indian food in Singapore. Travelers who wish to get a taste of Indian cuisine can head to Little India Singapore. Tourists can enjoy both south Indian and north Indian cuisines. The food here is cheap yet excellent. If you are looking for vegetarian fare, Little India is a great place to explore.

Shopping

Little India Singapore is a wonderful place to shop. Travelers can meander through the spice-scented streets and can shop from spices, jewelry, silk saaris, jasmine garlands, to trinkets and brassware.