Little India Walkabout

No visit to the sunny island of Singapore is complete without a visit to Little India. Part of the grand plan of Sir Stamford Raffles, this portion of the island was allocated to the immigrants from India seeking their fortunes in South-east Asia.

My recommendation is to take the MRT to Little India or Jalan Besar station and then explore the surrounding streets along Race Course Road before making your way to the more touristy areas along Serangoon Road. Nagigate through the numerous shops selling everything from clothes, jewelry and fruits all the way to flowers and garlands.  This place is especially vibrant during the Indian celebrations of Deepavalli or Diwali which is also known as the Festival of Lights.

People here are super friendly, but if you want to take a photo, do ask their permission first and you will find that they are very obliging.

If you plan your visit around the Diwali period, then the main thoroughfare around Serangoon Road will be brightly decorated all the way down the street. 

There will also be an abundance of open-air bazaars, and one of the largest is along the side-street fronting the Indian Heritage Centre.  Immerse yourself in the busy stalls selling everything from decorations and firecrackers to delicious festive snacks. Hanna painting is also a favourite among the younger audience.

If you have time, explore the side streets around the area. You will be very pleasantly surprised with what you find lurking around every corner.
There are numerous drinking joints, restaurants, rooftop bars and even hipster hangouts serving delicious fusion food. Here you can find lots of budget rooms to let and back-packer hostels.

Little India is so full of culture and life. The place never sleeps and the biggest shopping mall Mustafa's is open 24 hours. There you will find almost anything and everything in one place. But if shopping is not your thing, then wander round the side streets of Little India.  You will be surprised with the diversity intermixed between the old and the new.