Both areas come under the urban planning area of Rocher. Little India is separate from the Chulia Kampong area which was initially a part of Colonial Singapore and it is here that Indian immigrants would remain under ethnic segregation according to British policy.
However, when Chulia and Kampong became over populated the Indian immigrant community moved out into what is known today as Little India. And today the Chulia Kampong areas no longer exist separately.
But taking a stroll around Little India is an experience to be prepared for. It is literally an assault of every sense. The smell of jasmine garlands and strong spices intermingle with each other on first entering the location.
Afterwards travellers feast there eyes on the amazing bits of silver, brassware and even wooden carvings with bright colourful silk sari’s being sold.
This little niche in Singapore is all that remains today as witness to the present generation of travellers, of colonial Indian settlers that first arrived to Singapore with Sir Stamford Raffles as soldiers in 1819.
With the dawning of the 19th century many Indians migrated to find work, many laboured to build roads and some took up positions in Singapore’s civil service.
Today Little India is as close to authentic Indian culture as it gets and is the centre piece of Singapore’s Indian community. With all the excitement in Little India it is very easy to get worn out and a stay at a Singapore Hotel such as the Orchard Hotel Singapore would be an ideal way to end the day. The Orchard Hotel Singapore is located on popular Orchard Road and offers all the conveniences of a cosmopolitan lifestyle.
