Little India

Little India is a vibrant Indian cultural and commercial precinct in central George Town, Penang, within Timur Laut District. Located around Lebuh Pasar, Queen Street and Market Street inside the George Town UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is known for colourful shophouses, saree and spice shops, jewellery stores, Indian restaurants and the historic Sri Mahamariamman Temple. Established by early Indian traders, it remains a lively heritage and shopping area reflecting Penang's multicultural character.

Visitors can expect a compact grid of busy streets lined with heritage shophouses housing textile shops, gold jewellers, spice and flower garland stalls, and South Indian restaurants. The area is centred on Lebuh Pasar and Market Street, with the ornate Sri Mahamariamman Temple as a focal point. Visitors can walk the streets, shop for fabrics and souvenirs, sample Indian cuisine, observe daily commercial activity and experience cultural decorations, especially during festive periods.

Developed in the early 19th century when South Indian traders, labourers and merchants settled around Market Street and Lebuh Pasar during British colonial administration of Penang. The precinct retains historic Straits shophouses and is part of the Historic City of George Town inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008, reflecting the Indian community's long-standing role in Penang's trading port history.

Principal centre of Penang's Indian community and Hindu culture, anchored by Sri Mahamariamman Temple. The area is known for traditional textiles, jewellery, spices, flower garlands, music and South Indian cuisine, and is a focal point for Deepavali celebrations and daily religious and cultural practices within multicultural George Town.