Jami ul-Alfar Mosque (Red Mosque)
A striking candy-striped red and white mosque in Colombo's Pettah district. Its Indo-Islamic design with alternating bands of red and white became a landmark for ships entering Colombo harbor.
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✨ Historical Significance
Why Jami ul-Alfar Mosque (Red Mosque) Matters
Ranked #78 among the world's top 100
The most distinctive mosque in Sri Lanka and a beloved landmark of Colombo.
Built
1909
Location
Sri Lanka
Annual Visitors
200,000
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📅 Plan Your Visit to Jami ul-Alfar Mosque (Red Mosque)
Best Season
Dry Season (Dec–Mar)
Recommended months: December to March (West/South)
Temperature
Average: 27–30°C (80–86°F)
Visit Duration
Recommended: 30 min – 1.5 hours
Entry Fee
$2–$10 USD
Dress Code
Remove shoes before entering. Women must cover hair with a scarf. Cover arms and legs. Men should avoid shorts. Some mosques provide coverings.
Getting There
Located in Colombo, the capital city of Sri Lanka. Easily accessible by local public transport, taxi, or ride-sharing services from anywhere in the city. International flights arrive at Colombo's main international airport.
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💡 Travel Tips for Visiting Jami ul-Alfar Mosque (Red Mosque)
Visit between prayer times. Most mosques close to tourists during Friday noon prayers.
Women should bring a headscarf. Some mosques provide coverings at the entrance.
Currency: Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR). Carry small bills for entrance fees and donations.
Language: Sinhala, Tamil. Learn basic greetings in the local language — locals appreciate the effort.
Best time to visit: December to March (West/South). E-visa (ETA) required.
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❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Jami ul-Alfar Mosque (Red Mosque)
Everything you need to know before visiting Jami ul-Alfar Mosque (Red Mosque).
1Where is Jami ul-Alfar Mosque (Red Mosque) located?
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Jami ul-Alfar Mosque (Red Mosque) is located in Colombo, Sri Lanka. It is ranked #78 in our Top 100 World Mosques list.
2When was Jami ul-Alfar Mosque (Red Mosque) built?
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Jami ul-Alfar Mosque (Red Mosque) was built in 1909. The most distinctive mosque in Sri Lanka and a beloved landmark of Colombo.
3What is the best time to visit Jami ul-Alfar Mosque (Red Mosque)?
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The best time to visit Jami ul-Alfar Mosque (Red Mosque) in Sri Lanka is during December to March (West/South). This is the Dry Season (Dec–Mar) when weather is most comfortable for sightseeing, with average temperatures of 27–30°C (80–86°F).
4How much does it cost to visit Jami ul-Alfar Mosque (Red Mosque)?
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Entry fees for Jami ul-Alfar Mosque (Red Mosque) are approximately $2–$10 USD. Prices may vary by season and nationality. Check the official website for current rates.
5How long should I spend at Jami ul-Alfar Mosque (Red Mosque)?
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Plan to spend 30 min – 1.5 hours at Jami ul-Alfar Mosque (Red Mosque). Take time to appreciate the architecture and historical significance.
6What should I wear when visiting Jami ul-Alfar Mosque (Red Mosque)?
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Remove shoes before entering. Women must cover hair with a scarf. Cover arms and legs. Men should avoid shorts. Some mosques provide coverings.
7How many people visit Jami ul-Alfar Mosque (Red Mosque) each year?
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Jami ul-Alfar Mosque (Red Mosque) receives approximately 200,000 visitors per year, making it one of the popular mosques in Sri Lanka.
8How do I get to Jami ul-Alfar Mosque (Red Mosque)?
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Located in Colombo, the capital city of Sri Lanka. Easily accessible by local public transport, taxi, or ride-sharing services from anywhere in the city. International flights arrive at Colombo's main international airport.
9Do I need a visa to visit Sri Lanka?
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E-visa (ETA) required. The local currency is Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR). Sri Lanka is in the UTC+5:30 timezone.
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🎯 Nearby Attractions
- •Local museums and cultural centers in Colombo
- •Traditional markets and local cuisine near Colombo
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