As its name suggests, Little India is the thriving centre of Singapore’s large Indian community. This little
pocket of India is one of the city-state’s best tourist attractions. During the
daytime, this district is bustling with spice and gold traders, while at night,
the streets light up to show off the many Indian restaurants. Each year,
several festivals attract thousands of visitors too.
The unique Indian
culture found in this part of Singapore is its biggest attraction. Visitors are
recommended to simply stroll around the district, and take in the sounds and
sights of the main streets and side alleys. Everything from Hindu street signs
to Indian-inspired architecture and blaring Bollywood soundtracks greets
tourists.
One of the oldest and
most important religious sites in Singapore, Little India’s Sri
Veeramakaliamman Temple is a must visit. The structure dates back to 1881,
although renovations and additions were made to the temple as late as 1986.
Make sure to bring a camera, as the site is home to plenty of ornate
decorations and colour.
Each year, there are
several exciting celebrations that are centred within Little India. Arguably
the most prolific festival in the district is the Hindu Festival of Light, or
Deepavali. The streets are illuminated and markets sell festival-related
goodies, attracting many thousands of people. Thaipusam is another event, held
each January or February. Be wary, as the rituals can be quite extreme.
Restaurants and Bars in Little India
Not
surprisingly, Indian food is the main cuisine found here. However, there is a
range of Indian cuisine to try, with distinct north and south Indian
restaurants operating. One of the stand-out dishes, which is actually
unique to Singapore, is fish-head curry. Both Chinese and Indian styles of this
dish are available. There are the regular choices like chapati with keema, tandoori chicken, masala
thosai, roti prata and Indian vegetarian food.
For a night out,
tourists should head to one of the interesting pubs along nearby Racecourse
Road.
There are a few British-style pubs on Serangoon Road that stay
open late.
Shopping
Shopping is mostly
done on the streets of Little India, where stalls sell a range of
Indian-related produce and merchandise. You can of course buy some traditional
indian clothing like sarees, punjabi suits and bangles in the most amazing
myriad of colours and styles.
Tekka Market on
Buffalo Road is one of the best places to find cheap goods. City Square Mall
and Tekka Mall are two of the most unique shopping complexes in Singapore and
both are found in Little India. Just outside of the district is Sim Lim Square,
which is Singapore’s most important electronics mecca. The 24-hour Mustafa
Centre stocks everything
that you will ever need.
Stay
When tourists from
India come to stay at hotels in Singapore near Little India, a neighbourhood to
the east of the metropolis's Central Business District, they will find an
escape from homesickness. It is here that they can hear the melodies of
familiar languages and eat familiar foods and dishes that their family have
often cooked back home.
Little India, as the
name suggests, is the centre for the large Indian community in Singapore. This is an attractive corner of the city
that draws plenty of tourists. There are many hotels in Little India Singapore
for visitors who plan on spending time in the bazaars and restaurants
here.
Hotels in Little India
Singapore fill up quickly during the Deepavali Festival, held late in the year
(usually October) as well as the Thaipusam Festival and the Indian school
holidays along with neighbouring Bugis, Little India is Singapore's backpacker
district and has many hostels offering cheap lodging, as well as some of the more
affordable hotels in Singapore near Little India. However, the top 3 hotels in Little India Singapore
are One Farrer, Madras Hotel and Park Royal Hotel.
Little India is an
amazing enclave of all things Indian and with its rich history and glorious
present. Indeed, it is a place you must not miss in Singapore.
0 comments:
Post a Comment