Little India: 7 Hidden Things To Do You Should Definitely Check Out

Malcolm Koh

Last updated 25 Mar 2024

Take a walk around Little India, get lost a little among the many lanes and you’ll be surprised at all the hidden gems waiting to be rediscovered

The first thing that comes to mind when we mention Little India will probably be Mustafa Centre or Tekka Market. But trust us, there really is more to Little India in the many charming streets and a truly vibrant atmosphere that cannot be found anywhere else in Singapore.

1. Go Mural Hunting

One of the most fun things of going street to street at Little India is that a stunning mural might just well be waiting for you around the corner! Sitting at Baboo Lane is the “Daily Delivery”, a vibrant mural that pays homage to the legendary tiffin delivery businesses, a traditional livelihood that precedes the delivery services we know today in the form of Deliveroo and Grabfood.

With more than a dozen murals dotting Little India, do come prepared with your walking shoes and camera fully charged! For a whole different experience, catch these murals after sunset when the back lanes of Little India come alive with this Down To The Bare Walls walking tour.

Daily Delivery Mural

Address: 212 Serangoon Road, Singapore 218074

2. Pose with Elephants

Did you know that sitting on a field along Hindoo Road is a herd of elephants? These elephants come in all shapes, sizes and even designs! Titled “Makara”, this art installation by Zero showcases the traditional Hindu folklore and stories that have been forgotten over time.

If you need some help navigating the streets or want to find out more about the significance behind each art piece, join in a walking tour and have your guide explain more!

Makara by Zero

Address: 5 Hindoo Road, Singapore 209107

3. Sip Whiskey at The Vagabond Club

Housed in a vintage building with interiors by Jacques Garcia - The Vagabond Club, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel features one of the world's great whiskey bars. The Whiskey Library is home to 1,000 rare and unique whiskeys and you can always enjoy them together with delightful small bites prepared by their Chef de cuisine.

The Vagabond Club

Address: 39 Syed Alwi Road, Singapore 207630

4. Relax with a Traditional Indian Oil Massage

After walking the streets of Little India, it’s time to relax a little and really pamper yourself with a relaxing massage. And here’s a real insider’s tip for you. Get a traditional Indian head oil massage at Nice Beauty, where their founder Chitra, makes her own secret blend of five different oils for this signature massage.

This oil blend is first heated up with curry leaves, and the aroma is enough to make you drool. It is said that the oils will help moisturise the scalp, remove dandruff and promote hair growth. But the most relaxing part of it is how she kneads the stress away from the top of your head all the way down to your shoulders. Talking about it now makes us want to go for it again.

Nice Beauty

Address: 68 Serangoon Rd, Singapore 217973

5. Fill your tummy at Sakunthala’s Food Palace

If there’s one thing you should do when you head to Little India, that’s to go on an empty stomach! With tons of delicious and authentic Indian food to choose from, you’ll be spoiled for choice. Just simply let the lingering aromas lead you right up to the door of a restaurant if you can’t make a decision. Alternatively, you can head straight to Sakunthala’s Food Palace.

You definitely need to try their signature fish head curry that has a fleshy white snappy cooked in a homemade masala, which is a blend of ground spices. This pairs really well with their chicken briyani that you shouldn’t miss as well. The chicken is not only fragrant but also tender. You’ll walk out very happy and satisfied.

Sakunthala’s Food Palace

Address: 66 Race Course Road, Singapore 218570

6. Snap Photos at the Former House of Tan Teng Niah

Just round the corner of Tekka Market is the famous Former House of Tan Teng Niah. With its kaleidoscopic paint job, it’s definitely hard to miss! Said to be built in 1900, this conserved two-storey bungalow is the last Chinese villa in Little India.

Once owned by a prominent Chinese businessman who owned sweet factories in the neighbourhood, this colourful building is a must-visit for both history buffs and Instagrammers alike. Learn more about its unique blend of European and Chinese history through the sharing of a professional guide with a Journey of the Senses walking tour.

Former House of Tan Teng Niah

Address: 37 Kerbau Rd, Singapore 219168

7. Suspend in a Ball Pit at Airzone

Who says playgrounds are only for kids? The Airzone playground will take you back to your childhood days of bouncing in ball pits. What’s more the skynets suspended six levels above the ground will have your heart racing in no time. There are even 3D mazes, unique games and of course tall slides!

Airzone

Address: Level 2 City Square Mall, 180 Kitchener Road, Singapore 208539

Explore More to Singapore with Klook!

There's so much more to do in Singapore than you think! And we've got the perfect deals for you to do just that!

Enjoy 8% off all Singapore activities when you cart out with the promo code <KLKEXPLORER>, with a minimum spend of $50 (discount capped at $10). If you’re new to Klook, you can enjoy 10% off a minimum spend of $50 (discount capped at $10) with the promo code <REDISCOVERSG>.