The port city of Durban is well-known for it’s lively holiday atmosphere and beach culture, but for something a little different, experience some of Durban’s rich Indian culture. Durban is home to the largest Indian community in sub-Saharan Africa. Indians first came to South Africa in the late nineteenth century, mostly as indentured labourers to work on the sugarcane plantations. Since then, their culture and traditions have become closely interwoven with Durban, contributing considerably to the rich and vibrant diversity of the city.

The Victoria Street Market

Step into the vibrant and exotic atmosphere of the Oriental Bazaar. The origins of “The Vic”, as it is sometimes known, go back over a hundred years ago. Many of today’s traders are direct descendants of the original traders who were indentured labourers who had completed their contracts on the sugarcane farms. The present day market is a rich and heady mix of Indian and African influences. Set in a huge building, the air is redolent with the aromas of spices and incense. The market is a food lover’s delight where you can buy saffron, cumin and specially blended curry mixtures, with a fresh fish and seafood market situated downstairs. Apart from barrels of tempting spices, you will find stalls selling saris, henna tattoos, fabrics, brassware, African carvings and beadwork, jewellery and recordings of African music.

Close to the Victoria Street Market is Madrassa Arcade, where you can browse for a truly authentic Indian shopping experience.

Juma Masjid Mosque

Visit the magnificent Juma Masjid Mosque, whose gilded minarets tower over the buzzing heart of the Indian commercial district. Inside the cool marble worship hall though, all is peace and tranquility. The Mosque was built in 1972 and is the largest in the Southern Hemisphere with a floor area of 975 square metres that accommodates 4500 worshippers.

Durban Hindu Temple

The Alayam Hindu Temple, although not situated in the main Indian district, is still close to the city centre and dates back to 1901, when it was established to serve mainly Hindi speaking labourers. Reminiscent of North Indian temples, Victorian and Islamic architectural influences are also present in this picturesque temple. Both men and women are welcome to visit the shrine, but must remove their shoes at the entrance.

Eating Indian style

A visit to Durban would not be complete without a spicy Durban curry in one of its many incarnations, and there is a huge variety of eating places to choose from:

Little Gujerat on Dr Yusuf Dadoo Street – delicious and well-priced vegetarian food.

Johnny’s Chip-Inn Ranch on Sparks Road in the heart of the suburb of Overport – much loved by local late night revelers for the carb-loaded Johnny’s roti.

SeaBelle Restaurant on the North Coast, a half hours drive from the city centre – famous for its mouth-watering prawn curry, this is a Durban institution that has been going since 1971.

House of Curries – in the trendy Florida Road area – try the unique Durban fast food snack, the bunny chow – a half or quarter loaf of white bread with the middle scooped out and filled with curry – delicious!

A great site to find out all about Durban : durban.gov.za

• Victoria Street Market
  Phone : 031 3064021
  Corner of Queen and Victoria Streets

• Juma Masjid Mosque
  Phone: 031 3041518
  Dr Yusuf Dadoo Street (formerly Grey Street)

• Durban Hindu Temple
  Phone: 031 3322848
  Somtseu Road