A trip to little India always ignites your senses. The air is filled with aromatic spices, Bollywood music mixed with serene sounds coming from a temple nearby as well as aromatic delights from the multitude of shops. Each street is filled with rows of colours, making this engaging enclave a photographer’s paradise.

In this episode, I found out a lot more things than I had expected. We made interesting visits to Vallii Flour Mill, a traditional spice grinder shop that has been around for perhaps more than 70 years or so! Many locals and tourists alike make frequent visits to the shop to not only buy spices but also learn how the various kinds of spices are traditionally made. So if you are keen on finding out more, make a trip down to Vallii Flour Mill in Little India today! The shop will be open till 6pm daily but I suggest coming down an hour or two before it closes so that you can catch the milling machines in action.

Above the entrance of the Sri Veerama Kaliamman Temple stands an 18m high Gopuram that is divided into storeys and covered with colourful statues. If you have the patience to follow the statues round the sides of the Gopuram, you will find that they tell you a story.

In Little India, you will not only find stories about Indian culture and traditions but also of other cultures and Little India’s origins. Do pay close attention to your surroundings and you find will that the architecture of most shop houses here are Chinese inspired in contrast to the street names in Little India that are English influenced.

It is recommended to set a full day aside for the enriching cultural experience that is Little India. Bring your camera along and when you are done snapping away, treat yourself to spicy delights and a cup of milk tea in Little India!l

Photos shot by: Tashah Shahrom

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