Our Little India guided walking tour themed “Streets Off Serangoon” brings you on a 90 minutes, hands-on journey to discover another side of the neighbourhood around Race Course Road, Sungei Road, Jalan Besar and Weld Road.

From its varied architecture to its non-Indian history, we’ll share some secret stories of this evolving neighbourhood, to uncover the layers beyond its current association with migrant workers, riots and alcohol bans. Explore the streets in a small group, like a local, as we skip the tourist hotspots (Mustafa, Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, spice shops, henna stands and banana leaf restaurants).

“Thanks for leading us on the enjoyable walk today! It was interesting to learn about the history of the buildings and their architectural uniqueness.”
— Raphael

Sights and stories covered include:

  • A rare historic Chinese 'bungalow' style residence still standing: the House of Tan Teng Niah
  • A much anticipated cultural icon slated to open later in 2015: the Indian Heritage Centre
  • An award-winning heritage conservation design: the Wanderlust Hotel (previously the Hong Wen School)
  • A post-war church that tells the story of the Heng Hwa immigrants: the Church of the True Light
  • A gazetted national monument: the Masjid Abdul Gafoor Mosque
  • Facades and features unique to South East Asia: Late Style Shophouses on Upper Weld Road
  • Street art that injects colours onto Race Course Road and Perak Road

Register for 24th Mar Tue 7pm

Register for 25th Mar Wed 7pm

Why we love Little India: it's where we head to get our fix of insomnia-driven shopping, inspiring vegetarian food and late night dim sum. A neighbourhood charged with human energy, laden with the smell of jasmine garlands and ringing with the sounds from the temples. Backpackers cross paths with grocery-shopping migrant workers and locals, while cafes serving craft coffee sprout right next to jewellers decked out in yellow gold.

We're casual and beginner friendly:

  • Prior knowledge of architecture is not required - we explain everything from the basics
  • We always start our tour with a friendly group introduction. Come make some new friends!
  • The group size is limited to 8, to ensure quality interaction
  • Read more FAQs about us

A bumpy walk:

  • This walking route is challenging because there is limited space on the sidewalks combined with heavy vehicle and pedestrian traffic.
  • This specific walk is unsuitable for young children, prams and wheelchairs. Please refer to our Kampong Glam tour instead.

Buildings featured include works by architecture firms and street artists:

  • Greg Shand Architects
  • DP Architects
  • SZ Architects (also conserved Fatimah Mosque, Khadijah Mosque, Nagore Durga)
  • Eunice Lim (artwork "Cattleland" [photo | video] produced for LASALLE Little India ArtWalk, part of Singapore Art Week 2015)
  • Ernest Zacharevic

Sample route / map:

Other resources (links open in new windows):

  • Indian Heritage Centre: Official website by the National Heritage Board.
  • ArtWalk Little India: A collaboration between LASALLE College of the Arts, the Singapore Tourism Board and the Little India Shopkeepers and Heritage Associates during the Singapore Art Week 2015.