Attractions

1.

Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple (141 Serangoon Road)
Built by Bengali labourers in 1881, this temple dedicated to Goddess Kali is one of the oldest Hindu temples in Singapore. She is known as the Goddess of Power and the name "Veeramakaliamman" means "Kali the Courageous".

On holy days (Tuesdays and Fridays), the streets are busy with devotees on their way to pray, worship and make requests to Kali for blessings. The temple is closed between 12.30 p.m. and 4 p.m. everyday. Note that women who are undergoing the monthly cycle are considered "unclean" and are not allowed to enter temple grounds.

2.

Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple (397 Serangoon Road)
Gazetted as a national monument, this beautiful temple is built on land purchased from the English East India Company in 1855. The spectacular Thaipusam is celebrated in this temple every year.

3.

Abdul Gafoor Mosque (41 Dunlop Street)
Gazetted as a national monument, this mosque built in 1903-10 is an architectural gem. It was built to cater to the Indian Muslim immigrants, and demonstrates a unique blend of Islamic and European architecture.

Originally a wooden structure built on land leased by Shaik Abdul Gaffoor bin Shaik Hyder in 1859, the mosque was rebuilt in brick in 1910. It now features a glass cupola, and an unusual blend of Arabic and Renaissance Architecture.

4.

Church of True Light (25G Perak Road)
Open only on Saturdays and Sundays between 9 am to 1 p.m., this 1951 Anglican church served the Chinese community of Hock Chew and Hinghwa descent in Little India.

Walk all the way up the stairs and you'll find a unique sanctuary with a huge Chinese ideogram for the word "love" above the altar. Note the Bible verses in Chinese painted onto the pillars and walls.

Interestingly, the names of donors of the pews are inscribed at the base of the kneelers.

5.

Kampong Kapor Methodist Church (3 Kampong Kapor Road)
This church, also known as the Peranakan Methodist Church, was constructed in 1929. Today, it remains the only church in Singapore that caters to almost exclusively to Straits Chinese (Peranakans) of the Methodist faith.

6.

Sakya Muni Buddha Gaya Temple (366 Race Course Road)
Believed to be started by a Thai monk in 1927, this temple features an enormous 50 feet Buddha statue surrounded by 989 lights. Also commonly called the Temple of a Thousand Lights, it is especially bustling during Vesak Day.

7.

Leong San Temple (371 Race Course Road)
Built in the late 1800s, Leong San Temple or the Dragon Mountain Temple is one of the most beautiful Taoist temples in Singapore, dedicated to Kwan Yin, the Taoist Goddess of Mercy.

On the right, you can find an altar with the image of Confucius to which many parents bring their children to pray for intelligence and filial piety. Walking through the side doors of the prayer hall, you will be led to the ancestral hall at the back. Here you will see, all the way to the ceiling, the ancestral tablets with names of the deceased.

On religious days, free vegetarian food is served to devotees in this hall.

8.

Little India Arcade (48 Serangoon Road)
The arcade is a cluster of traditional shophouses conserved in 1982. Housing numerous Indian shops and eateries, this arcade stands on a site that used to be a Hindu burial and cremation ground. Don't miss the Little India Cultural Corner located next to the food court.

9.

Ellison Building (junction of Selegie Road & Bukit Timah Road)
This lovely architectural gem is believed to be built for a Jewish lady called Ellison; hence the star of David at the top of the building. Colonial governors used to watch the races at the racecourse at Race Course Road from the two cupolas on the roof top every Sunday.

10.

Tan Tang Niah's House (37 Kerbau Road)
Built in 1900, this exquisitely restored house is one of the last urban villa built in the Strait Chinese style found in Little India. It is believed to be built for Tan's wife.

Located at 37 Kerbau Road, this house was once called "Elegant Pine" which symbolised the Chinese virtue - endurance.

11.

Wet Market in Zhujiao Centre (665 Serangoon Road)
Housing a wide range of retail shops and eateries, one of Zhujiao Centre's key attractions is the wet market at the ground level, selling fresh meat and vegetable. The market can be best viewed from the second floor through one of several air wells.