Little India is one of the most exciting Singapore tourist attractions. It is highly populated and diverse, with cultural and historical landmarks and places for tasty food lovers. The location is uniquely addressed as the Indian area of Singapore, thus making it a place of interest for historians and gourmands. When planning a Singapore tour package, including Little India in the list of places to visit would be advisable. Here are some interesting facts about this renowned area.
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1. Little India Was Once a Racecourse
Little India was traditionally a horse racing track before it transformed into the multicultural hub that it currently is. The Singapore Racecourse began operations in 1842. Consequently, it aimed to bring traders, workers, and shopkeepers to the area. It developed over time to become a host to a large Indian population.
2. Serangoon Road Is One of the Oldest Roads
Serangoon Road, which is located in the vibrant region of Little India, is one of the oldest in Singapore. Initially, it was constructed in the early nineteenth century and was a trade track. Currently, it is characterized by shops, temples, and restaurants; thus, it is considered one of the central Little India Island attractions.
3. Mustafa Centre Is Open 24/7
Mustafa Center is among the crowded shopping malls in the Little India locality. It is unique in that it is an open shopping mall, which means it operates all through the 24 hours of the day and all the seven days of the week. It sells everything from electronics clothing to groceries, making it the go-to place for shoppers.
4. Home to One of the Oldest Hindu Temples
Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple is the oldest Tamil Hindu temple in the Little India area at Serangoon Road in Singapore. It was constructed in the early 1880s and is a temple of Goddess Kali. This historic building has many artistic designs on its walls and doors and has many colorful statues; thus, it is a prominent icon. Out of the suggested things to do in Little India, one cannot afford to miss a visit to this temple.
5. The Streets Are Filled with Murals
The street art in Little India is famous all over the world. Most walls have surprising artworks, including paintings of Indian customs, ceremonies, and historical background. These paintings complement Little India Island attractions, and tourists also take snapshots.
6. The Best Time to Visit Is During Deepavali
Deepavali, also called the Festival of Lights, is the best time to visit Little India. The whole city is alive: the streets are decorated, and performances are held day and night. When you opt for a Singapore tour package now, you can see the festivities for yourself.
7. Tekka Centre Is a Food Paradise
To get an excellent feel for the hawker markets, Tekka Centre is among the best in Singapore. Authentic Indian, Malay, and Chinese cuisine are served in the restaurant. For instance, biryani, which is famous in the region, and dosa are some of the delicacies you should not afford to miss when you are in the area.
8. It Is One of the Most Affordable Places to Shop
Little India is relatively cheap compared to other regions of Singapore in terms of shopping. These contain gold jewelry, spices, textiles, & souvenirs, which are being sold at reasonable prices. This is due to bargaining, which enables the shoppers to purchase at cheaper prices.
Additional Information
Opening Hours: Little India is always open, but the various stores, restaurants, and other businesses differ in their opening hours.
Entry Charges: There are no charges for entry in Little India.
Key Attractions:
- Temple Timing of Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple: Daily from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM & 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM.
- Tan Teng Niah House: Open 24 hours; best viewed from outside during the day for a great photo shot.
- Little India Arcade: usually from 9:00 in the morning to 10:00 in the evening.
Final Words
Little India is one of the most fascinating Singapore tourist attractions. It is rich in history, steeped in tradition, and serves delicious food. Shopping at the Mustafa Center or exploring the temples are many activities that one can do in Little India. If you are interested in Indian culture, especially Singapore, this is a place you should visit. Thus, do not miss your chance to have such a great opportunity!