Sri Lanka travel tips

Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque

Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque

Between spirituality and hustle and bustle: the fascination of the Red Mosque
The Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque, also known as the "Red Mosque", is one of Colombo's most impressive landmarks. With its unique architecture, historical significance and location in the lively Pettah district, it captivates travelers from all over the world. This article takes you on a journey to this fascinating place: from the hypnotic beauty of its red and white façade to the spiritual tranquillity inside and the secrets of the surrounding district. Find out everything you need to know for your visit and be inspired to discover this magical place for yourself.
This post was updated for you on January 29, 2025
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The most important facts about Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque

You can find a full report below

Name:
Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque (Red Mosque)

Region:
Colombo, Pettah district, Sri Lanka

Address:
2nd Cross Street, Pettah, Colombo 11

Opening hours:

  • Open daily:
    • Visiting hours for non-Muslims: 09:00-12:00 and 14:00-16:00
    • Closed during prayer times and on Fridays at noon

Dress code:

  • Shoulders and knees must be covered.
  • Remove shoes before entering.
  • For women, a scarf or shawl is recommended to cover hair and shoulders.

Best time to travel/visit:

  • Time of day: Early in the morning (09:00) or late in the afternoon (after 14:00) for less hustle and bustle and more pleasant light.
  • Season: From November to April (dry season), when the weather in Colombo is pleasantly warm and less humid.

Admission:

  • No entrance fee
  • Voluntary donation (approx. 100-200 LKR) is appreciated.

Photography:

  • Permitted in outdoor areas.
  • Indoors only with prior permission.

Directions:

  • By tuk-tuk: Simple and cheap. Tell your driver "Red Mosque" and he'll take you straight there.
  • On foot: Perfect if you are already in the Pettah district. The mosque is an eye-catching landmark.

Special features:

  • Striking red and white façade, inspired by the Mogul style.
  • Historically a landmark for sailors, also known as the "Red Lighthouse".
  • Centrally located in the Pettah district, ideal for exploring the lively Pettah market.

Tips:

  • Combine your visit with a stroll through the Pettah market.
  • Try local delicacies such as samosas or King Coconut nearby.
  • Take a water bottle with you - the alleyways of Pettah can be hot and tiring.

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The magic of brick and color: discover the Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque

With its red and white façade, arranged like a hypnotic chessboard pattern, it stands out from its surroundings like a sparkling gemstone. The ornately designed towers soar into the sky, while the curved onion domes glisten in the sunlight. This building is living proof of the harmonious combination of tradition and modernity - a place that not only touches the eyes, but also the soul.

The contrast between the lively, noisy world outside and the majestic tranquillity of the mosque immediately captivated me. It is this magic that makes the Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque a must-visit - a place that tells stories and creates memories.

An architectural masterpiece: art made of brick and paint

The Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque is an architectural wonder that casts a spell over you with every glance. The façade, a masterful interplay of red and white bricks, is a true feast for the eyes. The geometric patterns, which form spirals, stripes and zigzags, are so precise and symmetrical that they are almost hypnotic.

The slender towers and majestic onion domes are not only visually impressive, but also a symbol of the Mughal style that inspired the mosque. At the same time, the building has a modern, playful touch that makes it unique. No wonder the Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque is one of the most photographed buildings in Colombo.

What is particularly fascinating is that the mosque once served as a landmark for sailors. Its striking architecture was visible from afar and helped captains to safely reach the port of Colombo. This combination of functionality and beauty makes the mosque an unforgettable experience - whether you are an architecture fan or simply looking for a magical place.

History and significance: A symbol for Colombo

The Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque was built in 1909 by Muslim traders and has been a focal point for the community in Colombo ever since. At a time when Colombo was a major trading hub between Asia, Africa and Europe, this mosque was built as an expression of faith, identity and cohesion.

The mosque has accompanied many generations over the years and is a living symbol of the city's cultural and religious diversity. It not only served as a place of prayer, but also as a meeting point for traders and travelers who exchanged stories and made connections. Its historical role as a "red lighthouse" for sailors underlines its importance for the city and beyond.

Today, the Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque is an active spiritual center that attracts worshippers from all over Colombo every day. During prayer times, the inner courtyard fills with people praying side by side, making the contrast between the busy world outside and the inner peace of this sacred place palpable.

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Life around the mosque: where spirituality meets hustle and bustle

The area around the mosque, the Pettah district, is one of Colombo's liveliest and most fascinating neighborhoods. Here, tradition and modern life meet in an impressive way. While the streets are filled with traders, street vendors and market-goers, the mosque offers a quiet retreat that feels like an island of serenity.

Pettah is a veritable labyrinth of narrow alleyways lined with stalls and small stores. The air is filled with the shouts of traders, the smell of exotic spices and the clatter of pots and pans as local chefs prepare delicious dishes such as kottu roti. This mixture of chaos and liveliness makes the district unique.

The mosque itself is at the center of this hustle and bustle and is inextricably linked to the life of Pettah. A particularly moving moment is the call to prayer that echoes through the streets and makes even the busiest hustle and bustle pause for a moment. The connection between spirituality and everyday life can be felt here in a way that you can't experience anywhere else.

Authentic experiences: Discover the magic of the Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque

A visit to the Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque is an experience that can touch you deeply. The ornate architecture, the tranquil atmosphere and the stories of the people make this place something very special. Sit in a quiet corner and watch as the sun's rays fall through the windows and the patterns on the walls come to life.

Take your time to discover the small details - the artistically designed arches, the colored bricks and the calligraphic inscriptions. And above all: be open to encounters. The locals are proud of their mosque and are happy to share their stories with you. It is these small, authentic moments that make a visit unforgettable.

Practical travel tips: How to make your visit unforgettable

To plan your visit perfectly, you should consider the following tips:

  • Best time: Come early in the morning or in the afternoon to experience the mosque in peace.
  • Clothing: Shoulders and knees should be covered. A scarf or shawl is a good companion.
  • Admission: Admission is free, a small donation is appreciated.
  • Photography: Ask on site whether photography is permitted, especially indoors.

The mosque is located in the heart of Pettah and is easily accessible by tuk-tuk or on foot. Plan enough time to explore the surrounding area - it is an experience in itself.

Tips for the surrounding area: Experience more in Pettah

In addition to the mosque, there are numerous treasures to discover in Pettah. The Pettah market is a paradise for all the senses - exotic fruits, spices and handmade goods await you. Try local snacks such as samosas or king coconut, which will immediately transport you to the culinary world of Sri Lanka.

In the less busy alleyways, you will find temples, antique stores and hidden cafés that invite you to linger. One highlight is the Sri Ponnambalam Vaneswarar Temple, whose granite façade is just as impressive as the mosque. Take the time to explore the district at your own pace - there is always something new to discover.

Conclusion: Why the Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque is a must-visit

The Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque is a place that goes far beyond its architecture. It tells the History of Colombo, reflects the cultural diversity and invites you to pause and be inspired. A visit here is not just a journey to a beautiful building, but also to the people and stories that bring it to life. Colombo wouldn't be the same without the Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque - and you'll feel the same after your visit.

Colombo can do even more...

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