Little India

Little India

Introduction

Little India is the hub of Singapore’s Indian community, resembling a microcosm of India. During Deepavali, the Hindu Festival of Lights, Little India is adorned into a resplendent, mythic wonderland. In 1819, when Sir Stamford Raffles sailed to Singapore, he was accompanied by several Indian assistants and soldiers, who were among the first Indian immigrants. Later, more Indian migrants came to Singapore in search of livelihoods, and the Indian community expanded steadily to its current size. One of its main thoroughfares—Serangoon Road—is one of the oldest roads in Singapore. Back then, this area was a vast forest teeming with wild animals and venomous snakes, and residents would beat gongs to scare off the beasts. In Malay, this was called “di-serang dengan gong,” which over time evolved into today’s “Serangoon.” Tip: Little India becomes especially lively on Saturday and Sunday evenings, as many Indian workers in Singapore flock here to dine, shop, or hang out with friends. Weekdays during office hours are much quieter. Dining / Accommodation / Shopping

Shopping: Silverware, copperware, jewelry, jasmine garlands, Indian curry powder, and silk saris with Indian ethnic flair. Dining: Try the banana leaf rice at The Banana Leaf Apolo and Muthu's Curry Restaurant, and vegetarian snacks at Komalas. Transportation

Address: Serangoon Road. MRT: Little India Station on the NE Line (Station No. NE7). Bus: Take SBS Transit bus No. 64, 65, or 111 from Orchard Road to Serangoon Road.

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