Getting There and Around

Buses:
23, 64, 65, 66, 67, 81, 85, 97, 103, 106, 111, 125, 131, 139, 147, 520, 851, 960, 980

MRT:
10 minute walk from Dhoby Ghaut MRT Station
10 minute walk from Bugis MRT Station

Tours:

• Self-guided Discovery Walking Tour

• "Windows Into Little India" Tour
  Price: $28
  Duration: 3.5 hours
  Contact: Singapore Sightseeing Tour East (Tel: 332 3755)
  
  Little India is, perhaps, the only precinct in Singapore that has retained its traditional charm. No trip to Singapore is complete without a visit to Little India.
  
  Serangoon Road, the main artery of Little India, is an extension of Orchard Road and Bras Basah Road. The Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple and Srinivasa Perumal Temple, found along Serangoon Road, are exquisite examples of a South Indian Temple and both are among the oldest Hindu temples in Singapore. The temples offer a unique opportunity for one to take a glimpse into a living temple and observe Hindu Temple worship to the crescendo of traditional musical instruments, played by musicians from India.
  
  Little India has, perhaps, the most number of goldsmith shops in any one of the streets where one can find a wide range of finest Indian jewellery. The money changers that line along Serangoon Road also offer the best exchange rates in town.
  
  In the side lanes of Campbell Lane, Buffalo Road, and Kerbau Road, one can watch how the skillful garland makers weave exotic flowers in garlands. These garlands are used to adorn temple deities and people on special occasions. No Indian celebration is complete without garlands.
  
  There are a number of provision shops that sell spices - an essential item in Indian cooking. One can take a peek into a spice miller shop that is located in Cuff Road.
  
  There are shops that are decked with exquisite Indian Sarees and Kurtas, which has inspired many international design house. One can also find Indian pubs and restaurants, which offer excellent entertainment and also promise to tickle the taste buds with endless varieties of Indian curries and savouries. The traditional Indian practice of serving food on banana leaf is still very much alive here.
  
  One can catch a glimpse of the traditional fortune telling with a parrot, which is unique to the South Indian astrology. Visitors can also experience Henna Tattoo, the art of applying henna to adorn one's palm and feet.
  
  Window into Little India tour offers a unique opportunity to experience all of Little India's charm and shopping excitement in a special package that promises to enchant visitors.
  

• "Flavours of New Asia - Singapore" Tour
  Price: $28 (Adult) $15 (Child)
  Duration: 3.5 hours
  Contact: RMG Tours (Tel: 220 1661) or SH Tours (Tel: 734 9923)
  
  Peppers, cloves, cinnamon and saffron filled the bowels of ancient trading ships and fuelled the lucrative spice trade that brought a steady stream of immigrants from as far afield as India, China, the Middle East and Malay Archipelago. Today, much of the culinary delights of Singapore are infused with these spices, a mouth-watering fusion of the traditional cuisine of its various immigrant population.
  
  The tour begins with a walk through the spice garden at Fort Canning Park. Then, an introduction to a typical Peranaken house and the fascinating nonya culture. Then move on to Little India where you will explore narrow streets overflowing with gold and spices, pots and pans, saris and jasmine garlands. Allow your senses to be assailed by the exotic smell of curries and aromatic spices.
  
  The tour continues at a wet market where you will find intensive haggling being the order of the day. See housewives hone their bargaining skills as they scout for the best and freshest produce to put on their dining tables. Capping off this multi-sensory experience is a visit to a herbalist in Chinatown where you will gain an insight into the traditional concepts of yin and yang and how Chinese people keep themselves healthy.