Red Mosque (Jami Ul-Alfar)

The Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque is a short walk from the floating market and one of Pettah’s most photogenic buildings. It is both a working place of worship and a Colombo landmark.

1. Go in daylight, when the facade photographs best.
2. Avoid the crowded prayer times (e.g. Friday Jummah).
3. Pair it with a Pettah Market loop.

Its signature is the red-and-white candy-stripe brickwork in an Indo-Saracenic style, striking against Pettah’s grey, older streets.

The mosque serves Pettah’s large Muslim community and is a key piece of Colombo’s multi-faith landscape.

1. Type: active mosque.
2. Location: Pettah district, walking distance from the floating market.
3. Cost: typically free entry; donations optional.
4. Rating reference: many visitor ratings and photos on third-party map platforms.

As a working place of worship, respect prayer times; we do not list fixed visiting hours — confirm locally or on site.

We do not publish fixed visiting hours for the mosque; respect prayer times and visit quietly outside them.

Entry is typically free; donations are optional, with no compulsory ticket.

It is a short walk from both the floating market and Pettah Market — a natural photo stop on a Pettah loop.

The Red Mosque was built in the early 20th century; its red-and-white striped facade was rare at the time and quickly became one of Colombo’s most recognisable religious buildings.

The Indo-Saracenic style blends Islamic, Indian and Gothic elements, and the red-and-white brickwork is its visual signature. It remains an active mosque.

1. 1Start at the floating market boardwalk.
2. 2Walk through Pettah streets to the mosque.
3. 3Admire the red-and-white facade from the outer square.
4. 4Enter the courtyard if permitted.
5. 5Loop back to Pettah Market or return to Fort.

1. Dress modestly and cover appropriately.
2. Remove shoes before entering and avoid photographing worshippers.
3. Women may carry a scarf and follow on-site guidance.

1. The street corner facing the main facade frames the full stripes.
2. Contrasting-colour walls in neighbouring lanes also work well.
3. Morning or late-morning side light brings out the texture.

Staying in Colombo Fort makes an early start easy; Pettah is closer but noisier. See our where-to-stay guide.

The Red Mosque rates highly on third-party map platforms, with visitors praising its look; as a place of worship, some remind visitors about dress and prayer times. Check the latest reviews before you go.

Search “Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque, Pettah, Colombo” on your map app; it is about a 10–15 minute walk from the floating market.