Little India Guide
Little India, Singapore
Explore a colourful historic district shaped by Indian culture, traditional trades, places of worship, conserved shophouses, markets, food and everyday neighbourhood life.
Little India at a Glance
Little India developed around the Serangoon Road area and became the heart of Singapore’s Indian community from the mid-19th century onward. The precinct remains known for its traditional businesses, religious institutions, markets and conserved streetscape.
History of Little India
Little India was not originally designated as an Indian settlement in Raffles’ town plan. Instead, the district gradually developed into the centre of Singapore’s Indian community through trade, migration and the growth of Serangoon Road.
Serangoon Road was already shown on Lieutenant Jackson’s 1828 Plan of Singapore as the “Road Leading Across the Island,” making it one of Singapore’s earliest major roads. [URA]
The Serangoon Road area gradually developed into the heart of Singapore’s Indian community, alongside cattle-related activities, trade and a growing range of businesses and institutions. [NHB]
The street grid, backlanes, side roads and open spaces that define Little India’s urban fabric were largely established by the late 19th century. [URA]
Migrants from India, China and Britain contributed to the district’s mix of trades, places of worship and community institutions during the early 20th century. [NHB]
Little India was gazetted as a conservation area. Additional buildings along Desker Road, Syed Alwi Road and Jalan Besar were conserved in later phases. [URA]
Key Heritage Landmarks
Indian Heritage Centre
Located at Campbell Lane and Clive Street, the Indian Heritage Centre traces the history of Indian and South Asian communities in Singapore and Southeast Asia. [NHB]
Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple
One of Little India’s best-known places of worship, the temple traces its origins to a shrine established by Tamil workers associated with the area’s former lime pits. [NHB]
Former House of Tan Teng Niah
The colourful house recalls a period when Chinese cottage industries operated alongside the cattle trade that shaped the wider district. [NHB]
Tekka Centre
Tekka Centre continues the market tradition associated with the former Tekka Market and remains one of Singapore’s major markets, serving the surrounding community. [URA]
Abdul Gafoor Mosque
Located on Dunlop Street, Abdul Gafoor Mosque is one of Singapore’s historic mosques and forms part of the National Heritage Board’s Walk of Faiths trail. [NHB]
Former Racecourse
The former racecourse at Farrer Park was created by the Singapore Sporting Club, established in 1842 by amateur horse-racing enthusiasts. [NHB]
Streets to Explore
Little India is best experienced on foot, moving between its main commercial roads, market streets, places of worship and smaller lanes.
Things to Do in Little India
Follow the Heritage Trail
The official Little India Heritage Trail covers more than 40 sites across approximately four kilometres and includes three thematic routes focused on history, faith and shopping. [NHB]
Visit the Indian Heritage Centre
Use the centre as a starting point to learn about Singapore’s Indian community before exploring the surrounding streets and heritage sites.
Explore Tekka Centre
Visit the market and food centre for produce, local food and a glimpse into the everyday commercial life of the precinct.
Discover Different Places of Worship
The district contains Hindu temples, mosques, churches and Buddhist institutions, reflecting the diverse communities that have lived and worked in the area. [NHB]
Look for Conserved Shophouses
Little India’s conserved streets retain historic shophouses and a street grid that reflects the area’s late-19th-century urban form. [URA]
Explore Murals & Traditional Trades
Murals, garland makers, textile shops and other long-running businesses add visual and cultural character to the streets around Little India.
Food, Markets & Traditional Shopping
Little India remains a centre for Indian food, textiles, flowers, jewellery, religious goods and everyday shopping. URA notes that traditional businesses such as goldsmiths, restaurants, coffee shops, sari stores and garland stalls continue alongside newer businesses. [URA]
Indian Restaurants
Race Course Road and the wider precinct contain a broad range of Indian dining, including vegetarian restaurants and regional cuisines.
Little India Arcade
Campbell Lane and Little India Arcade offer a concentration of traditional goods, clothing, decorative items and cultural products. [NHB]
Tekka Centre
Tekka combines a wet market, food centre and surrounding retail, making it one of the most practical places to experience the neighbourhood’s everyday food culture.
Flower Garlands
Garland makers remain one of Little India’s most recognisable traditional trades, supplying flowers for religious, ceremonial and celebratory purposes.
Textiles & Indian Clothing
Textile and clothing shops remain central to Little India’s retail identity, from saris and fabrics to contemporary Indian fashion.
Mustafa Centre
Located in the wider Little India area, Mustafa Centre is one of the district’s best-known large-scale retail landmarks and is included in NHB’s traditional shopping trail. [NHB]
Continue Exploring
Berseh Food Centre
Continue towards Jalan Besar to explore Berseh Food Centre, its hawker culture, history and visitor information.
Explore Berseh Food Centre →Explore Nearby
Discover Jalan Besar, Kampong Glam, Rochor, Lavender, Bugis and other neighbourhoods around Berseh Food Centre.
Explore Nearby →Sources & Further Reading
Historical and heritage information in this guide is primarily based on Singapore government conservation and heritage sources.