Singapore was divided into four major segments under the Raffles Town Plan 1822. The Europeans settled in the north bank of Singapore River around Beach Road, and Rochor Road, while Chinese settled in the river’s south bank, which is known as Chinatown today. The Malays and Arabs were allocated at Kampong Glam and the Indians, originally in Chinatown area, have moved to Serangoon Road. The area is now known as Little India.

Now, let us talk a little bit more about Little India.
You can take the MRT (North-East Line) to Little India, and then walk along Serangoon Road, and it will definitely give you a true multi-sensory experience.

along Serangoon Road

The Hindus have just celebrated the Festival of Lights, Deepavali or Diwali, which explains why the streets are festively decorated in their traditional ornaments. Apart from that you can smell the fragrance of the flower garlands sold almost everywhere; and the aroma of the spiced food sold at the various Indian restaurants along the road.

flower garland shop

One of the attractions in Little India is none other than the famous Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple! This temple is dedicated to Hindu Goddess Kali, the Goddess of Power and the wife of Lord Shiva, and was built in the 1880s. There are many mini figurines on the roof of the temple, which Reny finds it very fascinating. The architecture of Indian temples are usually very vibrant, be sure to visit at least one in your stay in Singapore! We will be introducing one or two more of such beautiful buildings in the near future.

Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple


Abdul Gaffoor Mosque

In Singapore, a melting pot of race and religion, it would not be surprising to find two temples of different religion to be in the same area. We chanced upon this remarkable mosque (a Malay temple) in Little India. The Abdul Gaffoor Mosque was originally a wooden structure built in 1859. It was later rebuilt with bricks in 1907. This mosque is painted in yellow, which is the Malays’ royal colour, which shows the significance of the mosque. Apparently Suhartono, felt that this place looks like an Arabian palace!

If you are looking for accommodation around Little India, we would like to recommend a few backpackers hostels as well as hotels!


Perak Hotel


Ying Tong standing outside Prince of Wales

Here’s the cosy Perak Hotel (from S$148) on Perak Road and the Australian owned Prince of Wales Hostel and Pub (from S$20) along Dunlop Street. If you want to enjoy some live music, there are also quite a number of pubs and bars along the road. Ying Tong thought it is pretty cool as she never realised what an in place Little India is!

live band inside Prince of Wales Pub

Be sure to get this before you go! They range from S$5 to S$15.

henna


Did you know?
Serangoon is named after a black and white marsh bird called Burong Ranggong in Malay. This kind of bird was once found along the swamps and muddy river banks of the Serangoon River in the early 19th century.