LITTLE INDIA
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Singapore's Little India, bounded by Serangoon Road and Jalan Besar, is a very impressive imitation of the real thing. Unlike much of the rest of the city, where people drive home in BMWs to their tower block apartments to spend quiet evenings indoors, in Little India everybody is outside at night. People sit or stand almost anywhere, chatting animatedly. The intensity of sights, sounds, and smells make this area one of the highlights of a Singapore visit.

The first Indian settlers in Singapore arrived with Sir Stamford Raffles as assistants and soldiers back in 1819. In the late 19th century, many more Indian immigrants arrived to find work, be it as laborers to build roads or to take up key positions in the civil service. In 1843, cattle rearing and a racecourse were introduced near Little India, thus resulting in the heavy influx of Indians. This area, once covered in gambier, banana, and vegetable plantations, had become a flourishing commercial center for the Indian community.

Today, Little India is the emotional and commercial center of the Indian community, including the many foreign workers from India. Its spice-scented streets beckon you to a treasure trove of silverware, brassware, ethnic jewelry, jasmine garlands, and silk saris. There are also many temples here for visitors to explore. During Deepavali, the Indian Festival of Lights, Little India is transformed into a fairyland of gaily decorated and brightly lit streets bustling with shoppers. The best time to visit Little India is early morning when you can enjoy the spicy aromas, the strains of sitar music, and the colorful garlands being made. Little India stretches from Rochor Canal to Lavender Street.

Getting there : From Orchard Road, take SBS Bus 64, 65, or 111 to Serangoon Road.