Little India, Malacca, Indian cultural district in Malacca, Malaysia

Little India, Malacca is a trading district in the heart of the city, centered on Bendahara Street and lined with two-story shophouses painted in strong colors. The ground floors hold textile stalls, spice sellers, and curry restaurants, while the upper floors serve as storage or living spaces.

Little India lies on Jalan Bendahara, a road named Ulberston Road after Littleton Pipe Wolferstan, British Governor of Malacca in the 1910s. Wolferstan, a colonial officer who had served in Penang, Singapore and Kedah, arrived in Malacca on 3 December 1889 and later became its Resident. St. Peter's Church, Malaysia's oldest, stands at the junction with Park Raya Road; the Dutch demolished the Portuguese-built church and it was renovated in 1710.

Fresh marigold garlands hang from shop fronts and are sold as temple offerings, a tradition that gives the streets a vivid floral character. Some shops still have tailors working inside, stitching saris and traditional Indian garments to order.

The area is best explored on foot, and evenings are a good time to visit since most shops and food stalls are open and active. Wear comfortable shoes as the pavements can be uneven and some passages between buildings are quite narrow.

Some shophouses in the area have covered walkways running through their ground floor, known locally as "five-foot ways," a design brought over from the British colonial period. These covered paths link several shops together and let you move between them without stepping out into the open street.