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This 2D1N Little India Staycation Itinerary Will Show You A Different Side Of This Iconic Neighbourhood

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Shasha Dania •  Oct 26, 2020

Staycations and daycations have become increasingly popular amongst Singaporeans who are beginning to feel restless at home and just need a little break. With so many hotels, tours, and attractions offering amazing packages and discounts, there's certainly no shortage of options out there for a short vacation to break the monotony. ? One neighbourhood that's becoming a popular 'staycay' spot is Little India! This iconic neighbourhood is an eclectic mix of tradition, history, culture, and some very modern aesthetics and activities too. Here's a 2D1N staycation itinerary in Little India to help you explore the in's and out's of this stunning area!

Where should I stay?

The first (and sometimes most exciting!) part of a staycation is definitely finding the perfect hotel to stay in. ? Little India and its neighbouring areas like Farrer Park, Rochor, and Jalan Besar has a wide variety of 2-star to 5-star hotels to choose from! Here are just 4 hotels in the area you should check out:

The Great Madras is a 2-star hostel slash hotel with IG-worthy fixtures and rooms for a trendy stay. Though it may be small, its gorgeous rooms don't hold back on providing a stunning experience. There's a pool you can enjoy, and their most expensive suite even has a bathtub! It's a 5-minute walk from Rochor MRT station so you can get around town in a flash.

If you're a fan of 80s Hong Kong nostalgia, then you'll want to stay at the Kam Leng Hotel. Located about 10 minutes from Bendemeer MRT station, the hotel was originally opened in 1927 but it reopened in 2012 after being revamped. Its vintage facade will make you feel like you stepped into a Wong Kar Wai film, and the inside is decorated with a similar style too!

Credit: Park Hotel Farrer Park

Park Hotel Farrer Parkis a 4-star hotel located right next to Farrer Park MRT station. If you're looking for a comfortable stay with great amenities, this is the hotel for you. They have a variety of room types - including lofts! Perfect for a small getaway with your close friends, or a family staycay over the weekend. ?

For a truly memorable 'trip', The Vagabond Clubis a Tribute Portfolio Hotel under the Marriot hotel family. This 5-star luxury boutique hotel has lush and intimate decor that will make any staycation extra special. If you're planning a special getaway for your sweetheart or something special like an anniversary or honeymoon, this could be the hotel for you! It's located about 10 minutes from Jalan Besar MRT station.

What if I want to book a tour?

Thanks to the Singaporediscovers vouchers and offers, you can get amazing discounts on day tours around Little India! Tour companies like Monster Day Tours (2 hours) and Tour East Singapore (2 hours) offer free and paid tours around some of Little India's most well-known locations. ? If you really want to just kick back, relax, and enjoy your staycation then just book your slot and let someone else do the planning for you!

Day 1

Start your day at Azmi Chapati (1 hour)

Blink and you might miss this tiny eatery at the intersection of Serangoon Road and Norris Road. But Azmi Chapati has gained a cult following for its simple yet delicious chapati and variety of dishes! ? Prices start from just $1 so you can definitely eat your fill while sticking to a budget. (P.S. If you're staycation-ing on a budget, here's what you can see, do, and eat in Little India under $20!)

Halal status: Muslim-owned

Average price: $5

Opening hours: Open daily; 10AM - 10PM

Address: 168 Serangoon Rd, Thye Chong Restaurant, Singapore 218051

Dive into history at the Indian Heritage Centre (1.5 hours)

Escape the heat by diving into the past at the Indian Heritage Centre. ? Its exhibits trace the journey of Singapore's South Asian and Indian communities, all the way from the 1st century to the colonial period, to today. They also have a variety of kid-friendly activities such as traditional games, guided tours, and fun crafts!

Price: Free for all Singaporeans and PRs

Opening hours: Tues-Thurs; 10AM-7PM, Fri-Sat; 10AM-8PM, Sun & PH; 10AM-4PM (Closed Mondays and PH that fall on Mondays)

Address: 5 Campbell Lane, Singapore 209924

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Visit the House of Tan Teng Niah (30 minutes)

This bright and colourful building is like a breath of fresh air! ? Built by businessman Tan Teng Niah in 1900, the last surviving Chinese villa in Little India still manages to stand out today with its brightly-coloured walls and blend of Southeast Asian, Chinese, and European architectural styles. Get creative with your poses, or let its vibrant colours speak for themselves!

Opening hours: 24 hours daily (but best viewed when the sun is out!)

Address: 37 Kerbau Rd, Singapore 219168

Shop in Little India Arcade (1 hour)

Situated along Serangoon Road, this shopping landmark is the place to buy traditional sweets, tapestry handbags, and fancy accessories. Browse through the shelves and shopfronts stocked with trinkets, wind chimes, and more. You might find something nice to spruce up that empty shelf at home!

Opening hours: Open daily; 9AM - 10PM (Hours may vary by shop)

Address: 48 Serangoon Rd, Singapore 217959

Refuel with lunch at Sakunthala's (1.5 hours)

For authentic halal North and South Indian food, head to Sakunthala's next! This family-run restaurant serves up delicious Indian, local, and seafood dishes. Their Rice Meals are a light yet filling option if you want to taste the best of their seasonal Indian-style vegetable dishes. Make sure to try the smoky roasted tandoori chicken too. ?

P.S. Sakunthala's has 3 outlets in Little India alone - the Dunlop outlet is the closest to Little India Arcade! Check out more halal food spots in Little India, Jalan Besar, and Farrer Park here to add to your foodie adventure. ?

Halal status: Halal-certified

Average price: $9

Opening hours: Open daily; 9.30AM - 11PM

Address: 149/151 Dunlop St, Singapore 209466

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Admire the beautiful Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple (15-30 minutes)

One of Little India's most important landmarks is the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple. This Hindu temple along Serangoon Road is dedicated to the “destroyer of evil” and Hindu goddess Kali. It's been around for decades and holds so much history within its walls - many migrant workers from India even sought refuge in this temple during World War II! ?

#HHWT Tip: The temple may be closed or have entry regulations due to safe distancing measures. Do check with the temple staff if you can visit - or admire its stunning architecture from the outside!

Opening hours: Open daily; 5AM-11.45AM, 4PM-8.45PM

Address: 141 Serangoon Rd, Singapore 218042

Pray at Masjid Angullia (15-30 minutes)

Stop for a prayer break at Masjid Angullia further down the road. It's been a landmark in the neighbourhood for over 100 years, and is one of the most historic mosques in Singapore. Its exterior is inspired by North Indian architecture, and its Gatehouse is all that remains of the original structure from 1890! ?

Address: 265 Serangoon Road, Singapore 218099

Day 2

Breakfast at the iconic Tekka Market (1 hour)

Tekka Market is the place every foodie needs to visit on a trip to Little India. The hawker stalls here are full of must-try Indian food, and at affordable prices too. Some of the most popular stalls are Allauddin’s Biryani, Prata Saga Sambal Berlada, Yakader, and The Royal Dum Biryani. Prices start from just $2! ?

Halal status: Selected stalls are Muslim-owned. Do check with the stall owners.

Opening hours: Typically open from 8AM onwards (Individual stalls may vary)

Address: Buffalo Rd, Singapore 210665 (Next to Little India MRT station)

Shop for vintage streetwear at Loop Garms (1 hour)

Now it's time for some post-breakfast shopping! ? Vintage clothing has become popular again, and Loop Garms is a hidden spot in the middle of Jalan Besar where you can get your hands on some pre-loved streetwear! New arrivals are updated on their Instagram and you can try to request it if you see something you like. But it's fastest fingers first as they can be snapped up within hours!

Opening hours: Thurs-Tues; 12PM-7.30PM (Closed Wednesdays)

Address: 635 Veerasamy Rd #01-148, Singapore 200635

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Get down and dirty at Mud Rock Ceramics (2.5 hours)

Did you know there's a pottery studio in the heart of Little India? Well now you do! Mud Rock Ceramics is where you can try your hand at crafting your own bowls and plates. They have classes for beginners, novices, and even weekly children's classes!

Beginner classes take place Tuesday/Wednesday evenings, or Saturday/Sunday afternoons. If you're booking a weekend staycation they're a great way to spend your time before lunch - and if you're booking a weekday staycation it's an interesting way to end your night! ?

Prices: From SGD315 (Beginner)

Address: 85 Maude Rd, Singapore 208357

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Go mural-hunting (As long as you want!)

Little India isn’t just history and heritage - it's a secret haven for local art too! Buildings across the neighbourhood are decorated with fantastical murals and art installations from the public art project ARTWALK. The art injects a dash of vibrancy and surprise into your everyday street view - and they're great for photos too! There are quite a few pieces to see, and you can check out the ARTWALK website for a useful walking trail guide.

Ready to see a whole new side of this historic neighbourhood? ?