Singapore’s sizable Indian community though completely assimilated to the cosmopolitan lifestyle and highly educated, have preserved a little bit of India in their adopted country. Known as “Little India” this ethnic neighborhood is at the height of its grandeur during the Deepavali season when this small area gets transformed into a colorfully decorated and brightly lit sea of lamps and lights.
When stepping into this vibrant neighborhood tourists can experience an assault on the senses, as the floating aroma of spices collide with the smell of traditional sweets. The colorful array of silk saris of various hues and the glittering allure of gold or silver jewelery is breathtaking. One of the wonders of Little India are the array of traditional businesses that have sprung up, small shop houses plying different wares abound on either side of the narrow streets. On your journey through this labyrinth do not forget to ask the fortune telling parrots what your future has in store.
Among the coterie of shops a must see is the “Little India Arcade”, this is a cluster of historical shop houses that were conserved in 1982 and later was expanded into a bustling shopping area. Look out for Handlooms, a sari shop supported by the Government of India. A closer look at the more elaborate fabrics and will reveal real gold and silver threads woven into them.
Another interesting experience on a visit to Little India would be to enter a traditional Indian medicine house that sells various medicinal items that claim to cure a multitude of health problems. Known as Ayurveda- or the science of life this traditional form of medicine is supposedly more than three millennia old and is a recognized alternative medical practice.
As expected Little India packs in its fair share of Indian restaurants that not only tantalize your taste buds but also your sight and smell as well. Indian food is known through out the world for its distinct spicy taste, its colorful presentation and delightful aroma. Several open fronted coffee shops that serve traditional Indian Muslim food such as Roti-parata can also be found in this area.
Located in a small corner of the island Little India is unmistakably a part of the social fabric of the country, many hotels in Singapore can be found conveniently located near the area. Singapore hotels are known to be among the best in the world and offer great accommodation options with convenience and quality service.
By: James V Cook
Archive for December, 2009
A Little Bit of India in a Cosmopolitan City
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Tour to Delhi, India
December 25th, 2009
Delhi is the capital city of India with a historical background. Its existence is said to be more than 5,000 years old. Centuries ago, Delhi used to be known by the name of Indraprastha. Delhi has been the hub of political activities of India from times immemorial.
Climate of Delhi
Delhi has a harsh climate with scorching aridity in summers and frigid cold in winter months. Monsoons deluge Delhi in the months of July and August. Temperature in Delhi surges up to 45 degree celsius in summer months from April to June and dips into minus during winters, in the months of December, January and February. Thick fog also covers the city in winter season.
Though Delhi can be visited by travelers throughout the year but the period from February to April and from September to November are best for Delhi travel.
Main Attractions of Delhi
Red Fort
Red Fort, which is also famous by the name of Lal Qila, is one of the major attractions for the visitors during Delhi tour. It was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in 1648 by using red sandstone. Some of the main buildings inside the fort are Diwan-i-Aam, Diwan-i-Khas, Mumtaj Mahal, Rang Mahal, Khas Mahal and Hyat Baksh Bagh.
Qutab Minar
Qutab Minar is a 72.5 meter minaret and is said to be the tallest minaret in the world, when it was constructed during the period from 1193 to 1368. It was built by Qutab-ud-din-Aibak. Qutab Complex has been declared as a world heritage site by UNESCO. It is a must visit site during Delhi tour.
India Gate
India Gate is situated in the heart of New Delhi and is the largest war memorial of India. It is originally known as All India War Memorial, which commemorates 90,000 soldiers of British Indian Army who lost their lives in the first World War while fighting for the Indian Empire. After achieving independence in 1947, India Gate became Indian Army’s Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and is famous by the name of ‘Amar Jawan Jyoti.’
Jama Masjid
Jama Masjid is the principal mosque in India which is located in Old Delhi. It was completed in 1656 AD and was commissioned by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. The courtyard of Jama Masjid can accommodate around 25,000 worshipers. Jama Masjid is 261 feet tall and 90 feet wide and faces towards West. It was completed by 5,000 workers in six years period. The mosque also houses a copy of Quran which has been written on Deer skin. This is also one of the must visit sites for visitors during Delhi travel.
Lotus Temple
Lotus temple, which is also known by the name of Bahai Temple, is a marvelous architectural piece constructed in the shape of Lotus flower. Construction of Lotus temple was completed in 1986 and since then it has attracted millions of visitors across the world. It has been constructed by using marble, dolomite, cement and sand. Persian architect from Canada, Fariborz Sahba, is the main architect of the Lotus temple.
Akshardham Temple
Akshardham temple, which is also famous by the name of Swaminarayan Akshardham temple, is dedicated to Lord Swaminarayan. It was consecrated in November 2005 and has been constructed by Rajasthani pink sandstone and Italian Carrara marble, without any support of steel and concrete. The main monument, which is situated at the centre of the complex, is 43 meter high, 96 meter wide and 110 meter long. The temple has become center of attraction for almost all the visitors during Delhi travel.
Accessibility
Air: Indira Gandhi International and Domestic Airport is the main centre of arrival and departure of domestic as well as international tourists traveling Delhi. It is connected by most of the airlines from Indian cities and foreign countries on daily basis.
Rail: Delhi has three major railway stations New Delhi, Old Delhi and Hazrat Nizammudin. Passengers travelling Delhi can catch trains from these three railway stations to almost all cities in India.
Road: There are three main Inter State Bus Terminals (ISBTs) in Delhi namely Kashmere Gate, Sarai Kale Khan and Anand Vihar. Visitors can take buses to almost all the cities of North India from these ISBTs.
By: Sanjeev Verma
