Special Feature by PANASONIC
LITTLE INDIA, BIG SURPRISES
Stroll down one of Singapore’s most intriguing enclaves and capture some fascinating sights
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here is little wonder why Little India is the most visited and photographed place in Singapore. From colourful temples, churches and mosques to massive shopping complexes, from rows of shophouses selling stunning saris, jewellery, spices and Bollywood DVDs to roadside stalls peddling jasmine garlands, aromatic oils and incense, Little India saturates all your senses. It is nothing like the rest of the country, yet still retains a distinct Singaporean identity. And it is not just tourists who are lapping it up, camera-toting locals throng its labyrinth of streets to suss out scrumptious food, amazing handicrafts, or simply to soak up the atmosphere. Demarcated by Jalan Besar and Race Course and Syed Alwi roads, Little India may seem large and it is easy to lose track of time and bearings when you are absorbed in exploring the alleys, but it is possible to cover sufficient ground in a day. SEE, EAT, DO, SHOOT The easiest way to navigate Little India is to use Serangoon Road as a reference. Little streets branch from it on either side, and you can explore each of these in turn. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, bring an expandable bag for your shopping and a trusty camera to capture all the interesting sights. Bringing along the creative compact Panasonic LX5 for our day out in Little India, we were won over by the camera’s versatility. It offers a host of creative options for high quality picture taking, such as Colour mode for vibrant pictures, Movie mode for innovative recordings and the IA mode for overall quality pictures taken in a quick snap. On top of all that, its well-designed handgrip and convenient direct movie record button makes it an ideal companion for taking shots on the go. Begin your day with breakfast at Tekka Market. This stalwart institution proffers not just fresh produce on the market floor and all manner of goods on its shopping level, but also a food centre that offers all of Singapore’s favourite hawker fare. Little India Arcade on Campbell Lane is where you can get a crash course on Indian culture via the cluster of restored shophouses offering Indian clothing, accessories, handicrafts and snacks. There is much to