Little India

Little India is a vibrant historic ethnic district centred on Serangoon Road in the Rochor Planning Area of Singapore. Developed in the early 19th century as the centre of the Indian community, it is known for its conserved shophouses, temples, mosques and churches, bustling markets and 24-hour shopping. The area is a designated historic district showcasing Indian heritage, cuisine and commerce within central Singapore.

Visitors can expect a dense, colourful streetscape of two-storey conserved shophouses, garland shops, sari stores, gold jewellers and spice traders along Serangoon Road and Buffalo Road. Key areas to explore include Tekka Centre for hawker food and wet market produce, Little India Arcade, Mustafa Centre for 24-hour shopping, and ornate temples such as Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple. The environment is busy with street-level retail, eateries serving South Indian cuisine, murals and heritage markers.

Little India developed from the early 19th century when Indian immigrants settled along Serangoon Road, an area then associated with cattle trading, brick kilns and lime pits near the Serangoon River. By the early 1900s it became the focal point for the Indian community, with shophouses, temples and commercial institutions established. The area retains conserved shophouses and heritage buildings reflecting its role as a historic Indian commercial and residential enclave.

Little India is the principal centre of Indian culture in Singapore, known for Hindu temples, mosques and churches, traditional trades such as garland-making and spice milling, and as the focal point for Deepavali celebrations when Serangoon Road is decorated with lights and bazaars. It showcases South Asian cuisine, textiles, jewellery and religious practices within a multicultural urban context.