A Palette of Architecture: A Whimsical Color Journey in Singapore’s Little India

▲ Little India in Singapore is highly representative.

Reported and photographed by Yu Jiayun / HowToTrip

If you’ve been to India, you’re likely captivated by its omnipresent, vivid colors. And if you haven’t visited yet, a trip to Singapore might be your chance to catch a whiff of that mysterious and vibrant Indian spirit. In Singapore’s Little India district, the architecture—its shapes, colors, and layout—forms a striking contrast to the skyscrapers of the financial district. A large community of Indian immigrants dressed in colorful traditional attire walk past vibrant murals, turning the entire area into a fast-flowing, colorful river full of warmth and life.

▲ Colorful buildings lining the streets.

▲ A park themed around Indian paintings.

Stepping out of Little India MRT Station, the row of colorful buildings immediately gives you a sense of being in a foreign land. From bright and cheerful light pink, lemon yellow, and sky blue to rich and bold navy blue, emerald green, and vermilion, the irregular, seemingly chaotic yet oddly orderly arrangement deeply attracts every visitor emerging from the station, enticing them to explore further.

▲ Strikingly colorful buildings.

▲ Indian immigrants in traditional attire.

Venturing into Little India, wandering through its lanes is full of surprises. In addition to every imaginable and unimaginable color popping up, the murals on the walls turn the streets into a canvas, condensing the essence of Indian history and culture. The wall art, changed once a year, is more like placing a piece of home in the pockets of Indians who have migrated to Singapore than simply adding artistic flair.

▲ %<∮"The elegant building bursts with unique color styles.

On Serangoon Road, the busiest street in Little India, besides small shops selling saris, gold jewelry, and snacks, the most eye-catching is the boundlessly vibrant former residence of Chen Dongling. This villa, built in 1990 by Chinese businessman Chen Dongling for his wife, blends southern Chinese and European architectural styles. From doors and windows to eaves and beams, almost every detail is painted in different colors. No matter the angle, it feels as though the camera is trying to capture all the colors in the world, making you willingly fall into this river of pigments and drift along in a sea of Indian hues.

▲ Chen Dongling’s Former Residence.

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▲ A building combining Chinese and Western characteristics.

▲ The colorful walls are a favorite photo spot for many visitors.