Little India Singapore Walking Itinerary

Little India in Singapore is a place of profound historical significance that you can’t miss during your visit. Its stark contrast with the nearby Chinatown or Orchard Road is a testament to its unique cultural identity. As you wander its vibrant streets, you’ll be stepping into a rich tapestry of history, culture, and tradition, especially during religious festivities.

Here’s an itinerary for exploring Little India on foot. The beauty of this plan is its adaptability. Whether you’re drawn to the temples, the shopping, or the rich history of the Indian community in Singapore, you can tailor this itinerary to suit your interests and pace.

About Little India

Little India in Singapore started in the 19th century when Indian immigrants settled here, working as laborers, traders, and cattle herders. Serangoon Road became the heart of this area because of its ties to cattle trading and brick-making jobs.
Over time, the neighborhood became lively with markets, jewelry shops, temples, and eateries.

Tekka Market

Our first stop is the famous Tekka Market, where you can find various things.
Many shops on the upper floors sell traditional, colorful Indian dresses. I enjoyed strolling around and admiring the dresses’ and fabrics’ colors.

The Basement has a big wet market that sells meat, fish, and a wide variety of exotic fruits and vegetables.

Tan Teng Niah House

You must have seen pictures of this colorful house in many travel guides and blogs. The Tan Teng Niah house is a Chinese villa built in 1900; it was initially the home of Tan Teng Niah, a prominent Chinese businessman who owned several sweet-making factories nearby. Nowadays, it is the last traditional Chinese villa in Little India.

Indian Heritage Centre

The Indian Heritage Centre was the highlight of my visit. I truly enjoyed learning about the history of the first Immigrants who came to Singapore. The Heritage Centre looks like a modern, well-designed museum. On each floor, you can admire different sculptures, vestiges, and artifacts, all combined with multimedia and information.

The Centre also hosts regular events and workshops. I visited it during Deepavali, and there were several activities, such as fortune telling and Henna hand painting. Entrance is free.

Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple

I always like to visit temples, observe the architecture, and immerse myself in the rituals and devotions of its visitors. Indian temples are full of color, especially the Gopuram entrance tower, which is decorated with gods, flowers, and birds. If you decide to enter, don’t forget to take off your shoes.

Serangoon Road

Serangoon Road is the heart of Little India in Singapore; walking along its corridors, you will feel the crowds and noise characteristic of this place. Plenty of shops sell beautiful necklaces made of marigold flowers, primarily for religious purposes.

I found it particularly interesting that they also sold Christian images. Take your time and visit the shops at your own pace. They can be crowded during festivals and on Sundays!

Mustafa Centre

Mustafa is divided into several Little India shopping centers open 24 hours a day. You can find almost everything you need there!
It is interesting to look at it even if you are not going to buy something. The Spices and dried food sections are overwhelming, but if you are looking for furniture or construction tools, you can also find them there!

Petain Road Shophouses

After leaving Serangoon Road behind us, the panorama changed as we approached The Petain Shophouses. What a beautiful and romantic gallery of Shophouses!
We came across beautiful flower decorations on the corridor floors, which I think were part of the Deepavali celebrations.
I hoped to find a lovely cafe, but most shops have been turned into offices and other businesses.

Sakya Muni Buddha Gaya Temple

After visiting the shophouses, we visited a peculiar temple. The tiger sculptures reminded me of those in Hawpar Villa from the outside. Indeed, after entering the temple and reading about it, I understood that in 1930, the temple was built with a donation from Aw Boon Haw and Aw Boon Par, brothers who developed the famous Tiger Balm ointment and established Haw Par Villa.

The tiger sculptures symbolize strength and protection in Chinese culture, adding a unique cultural element to the temple.

Leong San See Temple

This 1917 Buddhist temple is much bigger than you would expect. As you step inside, you will be delighted by the intricate gold and red decorations. Take your time to read about this temple’s history and respectfully stroll around.
I even saw a sweet Chow Chow puppy in his cage in the second hall!

Crystals and Natural Stones

On our way to the metro station, we walked along Race Curse Road. I just discovered this was the place to be if you were looking for stones, gems, and beautiful, substantial natural stones.
I recommend this place for those looking for materials to make jewelry or for those looking for natural stones to decorate their homes.

End of the walk

Our walking itinerary in Little India ends at Ferrer Park MRT Station. This is an excellent starting point if you want to explore other areas of Singapore. For example, look at the walking itinerary of Orchard Road or the walking guide of Chinatown.

Final thoughts

This was an exciting and diverse walking itinerary, and I loved discovering and learning more about Little India. I would describe it as a vibrant place where history and rituals mix with the modern Indian culture and community of Singapore.

Attractions nearby

After this Little India Walking Itinerary, I recommend visiting Chinatown. It’s just a few metro stops from Ferrer Park, where this tour ends. It is a place full of history and color. If you’re looking for a vibrant and exciting shopping experience, visit Orchard Road shopping street, a few metro stops from Little India.