Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque

3525 reviews

228 2nd Cross Street, Colombo 01100, Sri Lanka

+94112451975

About

Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque is a Mosque located at 228 2nd Cross Street, Colombo 01100, Sri Lanka. It has received 3525 reviews with an average rating of 4.5 stars.

Photos

Hours

Monday10:30AM-12PM
Tuesday10:30AM-12PM
Wednesday10:30AM-12PM
Thursday10:30AM-12PM
Friday10:30AM-12PM
Saturday10:30AM-12PM
Sunday10:30AM-12PM

F.A.Q

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The address of Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque: 228 2nd Cross Street, Colombo 01100, Sri Lanka

  • Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque has 4.5 stars from 3525 reviews

  • Mosque

  • "BEWARE OF SCAMMERS (Photo of scammer below"

    "الإيجابيات: حسن تعامل العاملين بالمسجد"

    "Colombo Red Mosque Colombo Red Mosque, also known as Jami- Ul-Alfar Masjid, is literally an architectural wonder for the world that would stun you with its unusual color patterns and unconventional yet amazing design"

    "A must visit historical landmark in Colombo"

    "The Red Masjid in Colombo is a beautiful and vibrant place of worship"

Reviews

  • Olivia Tassinari

BEWARE OF SCAMMERS (Photo of scammer below. He said his name was Noas) (3 stars because I don’t know how much this experience represents the mosque itself) I understand that the Sri Lankan culture and financial situation is more complex than I can fully understand; however, it is fair to warn other foreigners of the game they’re getting in to. Upon arrival at this mosque, a man approached me and pretended that he worked there. He said it’s not open for visitors yet, but that he can show me another temple in the meantime. I allowed him to walk me to said temple, then from there he kept suggesting one temple after another, and even got a tuk tuk for us to get there. He will lie and pretend he’s a good hearted man showing you “Sri Lankan” hospitality, only in the end to not take you back to the mosque, leave you in the tuk tuk alone, forced to navigate an outrageous suggested price from the tuk tuk driver. None of what he lured me into was consensual… each next step of the scheme was first presented with a lie. In hindsight, the man and driver were probably working together. I am a solo female traveler from the USA, and it takes experience to fully understand the techniques scammers use. This was my first scam experience upon arrival. After that, I learned my lesson. Tips: don’t feel bad to forcefully say no, even if there’s no outright reason to assume they’re trying to scam you. Be strong with your energy, and understand that these type of people only see you as money. Be safe!

  • Smart traveler

الإيجابيات: حسن تعامل العاملين بالمسجد. التنظيم الجميل من قبل العاملين. نظافة دورات المياة. معمارية وهندسة البناء من الخارج الألوان الجميلة من الخارج. الراحة النفسية والطمأنينة ———————————————————————- السلبيات: عدم وجود مواقف كافية للمركبات. ———————————————————————- الانطباع: يعتبر هذا المسجد من أحد معالم مدينة كولمبو بالعاصمة السريلانكية انصح بزيارته، هناك العاملين كانوا ودودين للغاية نظافة المكان والراحة التي شعرت بها كانت عظيمة الدين الاسلامي دين تسامح فيه راحة وانشراح للصدر، عندما يقوم المسلم بالصلاة غالباً يشعر بإرتياح بعد أداء الصلاة، انصح بهذا المكان، حيث يصلي المسلمون جميع الصلوات الخمس، وكذلك صلاة الجمعة حيث يبلغ عدد المصلين ٣١.٠٠٠ ألف مصلي Positives: Good treatment of mosque workers. Nice organization by the staff. Cleanliness of washrooms. External architecture and construction engineering Beautiful colors on the outside. Psychological comfort and tranquility ————————————————————————- Negatives: Not enough parking for vehicles. ————————————————————————- impression: I advise this mosque from one of the landmarks of the city of Colombo in the Sri Lankan capital. I recommend visiting it. There are cleaners in the place and the comfort I felt was great. The Islamic religion is tolerant and comforting, when a Muslim performs the prayer in the appearance with relief after performing the prayer. I recommend this place, where all Muslims pray. The five daily prayers, as well as Friday prayers, where the number of worshipers is 31,000 thousand

  • Ihsan Official

Colombo Red Mosque Colombo Red Mosque, also known as Jami- Ul-Alfar Masjid, is literally an architectural wonder for the world that would stun you with its unusual color patterns and unconventional yet amazing design. Located in Pettah district 2nd Cross Street, this oldest mosque towers over the buildings and streets in the neighborhood with its tall minarets and had been once a reliable landmark for the sailors coming towards Colombo port. Here both men and women are granted access, but you have to be clad in decent clothes and cover your head and respect the customs. The unconventional red tone has won the name,' red mosque', for this beauty Masha Allah . How To Reach Colombo Red Mosque. Jami-Ul-Alfar Mosque is located in a busy town called Pettah which is less than 4 kilometers away from the heart of Colombo city. The mosque can be easily reached by both bus and Texi Car or Three Wheel. If you are taking the bus, you need to get off at Petta Central Bus Station and after getting down take an 800-meters walk down the 2nd Cross Street. If you are getting into a Texi Car or Three Wheel, they would directly drop you off in front of the mosque. Remember prayer times and Fridays can be too busy to visit. Thank for you Mohamad Ihsan.

  • Sudheera Senaratne

A must visit historical landmark in Colombo. Very well maintained and visitors allowed free of charge. The Imam who is in charge of introducing the place wasn't available when we visited on a weekend. For the full experience, including the visit to rooftop, you need to visit when the Imam is present (said to be mostly on weekdays). The visitors are allowed only three times a day - 1100 hrs, 1300 hrs and 1600 hrs. All females and gents without attire covering the full body (e.g. shorts) are provided appropriate dresses at the entrance. The staff is friendly and helpful. You need to maintain silence not to disrupt the silent prayers of devotees within the masque premises. The main prayer hall is more than a decade old and nicely preserved. I presume on a normal day when the Imam is present the visitors will be lucky to get a full walkthrough of all the architectural, historical and religious importance of this wonderful creation. Looking forward to visit when the Imam is present inshallah!

  • Anshul Karwa

The Red Masjid in Colombo is a beautiful and vibrant place of worship. Its stunning red architecture and serene atmosphere make it a peaceful haven in the bustling city. Inside, the ambiance is tranquil, fostering a sense of calm and spirituality. The intricate details and design elements within the mosque are awe-inspiring, truly reflecting the rich cultural heritage of Sri Lanka. The mosque's location adds to its allure, nestled within the heart of Colombo. A visit to the Red Masjid is a must for anyone seeking a moment of reflection and appreciation for architectural beauty. The Red Masjid in Colombo welcomes visitors until 5:30 pm daily, offering a serene and culturally enriching experience for those who visit before this time.

  • Base SiMo

The mosque is beautiful from the outside, however, it is very unclear for tourists how to get in, and when the opening times are, and what entrances to use. We went there very recently, and were stopped by the gates by a man who claimed to be a volunteer and said that it was closed. We have been traveling Asia for a long time, and are hyper aware of scams (so we thought). The man was very nice, and eventually showed us a few temples near by and insisted on not wanting anything back from it. To the last temple we grabbed a small tuktuk, which eventually they tried to scam and overcharge us (l after threatening to call the cops we got a better deal). In other words, be aware of scammers, and don’t talk to anyone there.

  • Emil Cristian

Opening times are complete nonsense! I checked on Google Maps before coming to visit the mosque: closes at 12:00, opens at 13:00. OK! We arrive at 14:00. It is open, but only for worshipers, tourists have to come back at 14:30. OK! We go round the block, take pictures, waste 30 min in nearby Pettah market, we are back at 14:28. Visitors' entrance locked. We learn that there is a group of 8-10 people in and we should wait. We wait 15 min. Google Maps says that the Mosque closes at 15:00 and reopens at 16:00. We ask again: "come back at 16:00". No, thank you! That was enough. One cannot force them to let themselves be visited.

  • Jofre Llampsitrons

Absurd opening system for visitors. No booking line or organized system. We needed to pass by the closed door 3 times to find a chance to visit tbe place and one random man at the door keep on saying "come back in one hour" or "the guy is not here" or "now its dinner time". Finally we made it and the volunteer guide was very nice but visiting the place from the inside has very little attractive cause they only show the empty modern rooms (currently under works) and not the praying areas. The only interesting thing was to have some photos in the main door hall that otherwise is not accessible.

  • Jade Dsa

Beautiful, unique mosque with stunning architecture. It can be very challenging to get a clear picture of it because it is located in a very busy and crowded market, so there's a constant flow of people and traffic. Visitors can enter from Gate 3. Dress appropriately and avoid visiting during prayer times as it can be even more crowded than usual. Overall a visual treat to look at the intricate details, candy-stripe painted facade and gorgeous architecture. Follow @thatgoangirl on Instagram for more things to do in Sri Lanka

  • Ross Daniels

We were so disappointed to arrive and find it was closed inside for renovations. But I suppose that must happen. But from the outside it lives up to its reputation. It is said that the Red Mosque has been a landmark for sailors approaching the port of Colombo ever since it was built in 1908, Being situated in the bustling Pettah district, which is one of the oldest parts of the city of Colombo, it provides a great exploration point for the bustle of the busy neighborhood streets.

  • Haneek Ahamed

Jami-ul-alfar Mosque (Red Mosque). One of the most important of the most beautiful mosques is located in Colombo, the capital city of Sri Lanka. is Located in a very busy town called pettah.which is 4 kilometers away from the heart of colombo city.if you are taking the bus,you need to get off at pettah central bus station and after getting down take an 800 meters walk down the 2nd cross street. Five daily prayers are held daily. Fridays can be too busy to visit.✨

  • Mike Aoun

When I visited this mask I was not expecting it to be this beautiful live although the location and the street are not very nice because the buildings surrounding it are not very well-maintained still it’s architecture is amazing and I have never seen till now anything quite like it I was amazed by it but we were not allowed to enter because of Covid and there was a prayer on Friday but still it was a nice place to pass by and see and take some pictures of

  • Ravindu Kanchana

Unique mosque with stunning architecture. It can be very challenging to get a clear picture of it because it is located in a very busy and crowded market, so there's a constant flow of people and traffic. Visitors can enter from Gate 3. Dress appropriately and avoid visiting during prayer times as it can be even more crowded than usual. Overall a visual treat to look at the intricate details, candy-stripe painted facade and gorgeous architecture.

  • Rajeswaran S

Tourists are allowed on or after 4.30 PM via gate 3. I was there at 3 PM. So I couldn't go I side. Foreign Tourists, both man and women are allowed inside the mosque. But make sure, you wear proper dress. It is very narrow street and crowded. So be careful about your personal belongs. Just In front of gate 2, there is a man selling nice drink. Sweet and salt. That was delicious . Try it if you don't mind about street food.

  • Prabu Deepan

Its magnificent. The architecture, the history and the hospitality of the Imam who gives the tour, all of it made it a very special evening. If you are a man and wearing shorts, they will give you also a long gown to wear, and the same for women. Its free to visit, but they take groups in batches. As its a place of worship, pleasebe respectful and honour the hospitality. All people are welcomed and I'm grateful for the experience.

  • FARKHUN's Life

Known as the Red Mosque, its proper name is the Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque. Enclosed by other buildings on its two sides, it soars upwards. Its red and white stripes catch your eye. Completed in 1909, its architecture is a true hodgepodge of Indo-Islamic, Indian, Gothic Revival and neoclassical themes. It is located on Second Cross Street in the famed Pettah district. It can be visited by tourists. One of Best mosque in Sri Lanka

  • Rashad Ahamed

The well-known Red Masjid is situated in Pettah, Colombo which is the reflection of Islamic architecture and multiculturalism in Sri Lanka. Travel vloggers and content creators are highly enthusiastic about this mosque and we can see thousands of reviews on social media like Instagram and TikTok. The inner peace I feel inside this mosque is never been received in any other place in my opinion.

  • Yogesh Jadhav

Nice monument with great architectural view. I loved the premises has a unique and beautiful red texture, couldn't review the building from inside but it was a jolly experience. The area is quite busy with small streets from main road near port leading up to the mosque. There is a paper and cigarette vendor stall nearby, the only spot with good diagonal view of the building.

  • Divyath Fernando

The Red Mosque in Colombo, a city landmark constructed in 1908, stands as one of the best and oldest mosques. Recognized for its distinctive red and white patterned facade, this unique building with approximately 6 floors is always bustling during prayer times. A popular tourist site, it adds to the cultural richness of Colombo, though the streets can get crowded at times.

  • Manuri Pabasari Waleboda

Red masjid (Red Mosque) is an iconic building in Colombo fort with a unique architectural design. This place is a popular place among photographers for wedding shoots, pre-shoots and other photographic purposes. This is an Islamic church (mosque), and it's famous as a “Rathu Palliya- රතු පල්ලිය” among Sinhala people. Don't forget to see this when you visit Colombo fort.

  • Mazin Al-Mahruqi

A uniquely beautiful century old Mosque in a busy shopping area. It is one of the primary attractions in Colombo, and to comprehend the Stunning architectural design and glory in detail done over 110 years it is just impressive. Best to visit in between prayers to avoid the crowd and remember to dress modestly. An absolute must do if in Colombo

  • Яночка Громова (Тёплушки. Вязание)

Великолепной красоты строение! Сочетание красного и белого бодрит и задаёт ритм маленькой утопающей в грязи и шуме маленьких магазинов улочке. Очень жаль, но нас не пустили внутрь, вход для туристов был закрыт, хотя укладывались в часы посещения. Внутри невероятная красота судя по фото других пользователей. Рады что увидели хотя бы снаружи!!

  • Primo Cassol

Interessante esempio di architettura Islamica, contaminata da stili diversi e vari stili, dall'Indo Islamico fino al Gotico. Costruita all'inizio del 1900 e successivamente ampliata attorno al 1975 fino a contenere, ora, 10 000 fedeli. Posizionata nella centralissima Cross Street, rappresenta una delle attrazioni della città.

  • Ushan Withanage

This is So BEAUTIFUL. I saw this monument when I was doing shopping on Petttah market. Then I took some pictures of this mosque because its uniqueness .. Its like a magical place located in a dark forest. I love this place and its design and color. Hope Buddhist can visit this place and Look around... …

  • Iroshani Bandara

One of the most beautiful mosques in Sri Lanka.. a very friendly community over there and you can visit inside also..dress in a fully covered attire so that it will be convenient for you to go in. Otherwise, they give you a shawl to cover yourself. …

  • Diana Tanasiichuk

Красиве місце, варто відвідати. Вхід був безкоштовний, але важливо для туристів зайти в Gate 3. Якщо ви в шортах то можна буде одягнути спеціальних одяг теж безкоштовно. Трішки шумно через натовп туристів і мало місця, тому треба ловити момент для фото.

  • DR. A. M. FORID UDDIN AHMED

Excellent looking mosque at the busy town of Colombo. It has a distinct elegant red white outlook. Cool interior. Guide available to explain foreigners. If female wants to go inside, must have decent dress. Very good place to visit at Sri Lanka.

  • Vernon Edwards. Newport. Wales.

Amazing piece of architecture situated in Pettah Market area. Wonderful shopping experience, all small independent traders. It's like ebay and Amazon in a physical market across a dozen streets. Bargains galore. A must visit place in Colombo.

  • Norma Vacas Ruiz

Muy bonita, al menos por fuera, y algo distinto a todos los templos budistas que se ven en el país. Una lástima que no pudiéramos ver su interior, ya que al ser domingo el horario de visitas era más reducido que el resto de días.

  • Михаил Батькович

Необычная мечеть, такого еще не встречал, т.к. обычно мечети одно- или двух-цветные, без узоров. Для туристов 3й вход, двор небольшой, особо ничего не увидишь, кроме бассейна в котором одни умывают лицо, другие моют ноги.

  • Ben Khikho

Belle mosquée à visiter venir uniquement durant les heures hors-prières. Une tenue correcte est exigée qui couvre la tête et le corps. Un guide est disponible à l'accueil. La visite est gratuite et elle vaut le coup.

  • Lina Kolak

Spiritual experience..clean calm and peace One of the oldest Islamic architecture art , it was a representing a small community of students class ,accommodation and school plus a prayer masjid..everyone should visit

  • Momotaj Jesmin

One of the best and oldest mosques in Colombo and a popular tourist site in the city. Landmark mosque constructed in 1908, known for It's distinctive red and white pattern facade. The mosque has about 6 floors.

  • Villy Villy

It's cute. But not much to do other than pics. People with not enough clothing will get stuff to wear so don't worry about dress code. People pray at 1-2 and 3-4 at least on a Sunday.

  • Donni Saparingga

The big mosque in Colombo city, we can call it by the name red mosque, the mosque will open when prayer time and always full, unique building, sometimes the street is crowded

  • PAUL XIAOPU WANG

Gate No.3 is for visitors. They have the necessary cloth for you to put on. Beautiful architecture and the guide was great for giving an intro about the place. Must visit

  • sylwiasy

Piękny i ciekawy architektoniczne meczet. Możliwość wejścia do środka. Oprowadzający otwarci na osoby zwiedzające. Bardzo dobrze czułam się podczas wizyty w tym miejscu

  • miriana caiazzi

Particolare ma non mi ha conquistato…. Le donne non possono salire al primo piano e gli uomini si e i turisti possono accedere solo all entrata n 3 quasi introvabile!!

  • Nate Allen

B-E-A-utiful mosque tucked away in the side streets. Wear some long pants and meet the locals. Super niiiiiiiiiiiiiiice place to see and explore ✨ …

  • Abdhur Rahman

A wonderful place and a must visit place for everybody. Staffs are very helpful and explaining great about the heritage . A safe, clean and a nice mosque.

  • Fun travel متعة السفر

عمارة مميزة في بلاد تدين الغالبية بدين غير الاسلام ولو ترى ماشاءالله تبارك الله المسجد ممتلئ وقت الصلاة المسجد او الجامع في قلب المنطقة التجارية الشعبية

  • Noorzidah M N

Very huge mosque with white and red colour of the bricks. Many people there as it's near the town area and market place. The mosque has about 6 floors.

  • IBBUツ Gaming

Eye Catching Masjid When You Going on Pettah Main Street, Alhamdhullillah & Masha Allah Very Good Masjid,Outside and Inside Looks Very Good❤️

  • Sumedha Thilakarathne

කොලබ තියන මාරම ලස්සන මුස්ලිම් පල්ලියක් තමා මේක නම්. යන්න බලන්න. මමනම් පිටින් තමා බලුවෙ.ඒත් ඇතුලට ගිහින් බලන්නත් පුලුවන් මන් හිතන විදිහට

  • Yasir SYA

Awesome and unique mosque. Haven’t seen such a mosque in Saudi, UAE, India or Malaysia. A lot of poor outside the mosque so be careful.

  • Muk Napaphat

Beautiful place. I went on Friday unfortunately I didn’t know they open the gate for tourists after 2-3 pm. So I didn’t went inside.

  • Seher S.

The mosque is very beautiful, it's a peaceful place. The guy who is doing the guide asked for my number, which is not okay!

  • forsn 12

المكان رائع يمكن للسائح الدخول مجانا مع محاضر عن تاريخ المسجد و جوله داخل المسجد مجانا يمكن للسائح الدخول من بوابه رقم ٣

  • Mohamed Habeeb

Beautiful mosque, really standout in for its design. However not clearly visible as it’s surrendered by other buildings.

  • Mohammad Tipu Sultan

Alhamdulillah the is well busy. had a chance to pray Magrib, on the way back to Australia from Umratul Hajj in Oct 2023

  • Lasitha Peramuna

Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque also known as Red Mosque is a historic mosque situated on Second Cross Street in Pettah, Colombo.

  • Irshad Razik

One of the oldest mosques in town. Make sure to include it on your bucket list when you're traveling to Colombo Fort.

  • Amin Raban

Called the Red Mosque, it is an catching building. Very spacious inside. But very crowded for Friday Jummah Prayers.

  • ahmed majeed

One of the best architects in Sri Lanka. Welcome to everyone. If you going to see it try not to go on a Friday.

  • Tim-Luca

Schönes Gebäude. Leider waren wir erst da als es geschlossen hatte deshalb kann ich nur das äußere bewerten.

  • Buddhika Wijewardhana

The architecture was Stunning. Worth visiting place in Pettah, Colombo. This place is way back to old age.

  • Majed Majed

سبحان الله وبحمده سبحان الله العظيم الله اكبر ولله الحمد لا اله الا الله محمد رسول الله مسجد جميل واثري

  • Tharik Shaam

Most beautiful mosque in srilanka ... Interior design is mind blowing.... This is located in colombo

  • The A

Amazing architecture its very nice design , it was nice place to visit and the people thete friendly

  • Zé Oliveira

Beautiful mosque that you can visit on a free guided very interesting visit. Donations are accepted.

  • Iam Abdulla

Still i never seen like this mosque direclty Anywhere. I love it....and so peaceful

  • Patnarin Wongkad

Beautiful buildings. Got specific schedules for visiting. Folks nearby are nice.

  • Faraz Ahmed

Beautiful mosque in Petah market. Separate prayer area for womens is also there

  • Naleen Nishantha

යන්නනම් එපා ටොයිලට් ගදේ බෑ කන්න අප්පිරියයි කරපොත්තො පිගාන උඩින් හිටන් දුවනව ඊයා

  • Third Angle Bahlool Danaa

6 story, big jama masjid, great architecture, located in center. Own a history

  • Татьяна Кичигина

Неплохо, но в целом экскурсия не обязательна, только если хотите зайти внутрь

  • Naveen Kumar

The architecture was Stunning. Worth visiting place in Pettah, Colombo.

  • Michiel Buitelaar

Lovely mosque. Nice and friendly guided tour. Lively neighbourhood.

  • Vm Thilakarathna

A building built according to a different architectural style.

  • Rukshan kalpana

What a great place. Learned so many historical things too.

  • rkl chan

Red mosque built in 1908 and well maintained till today.

  • amila chathuranga

කොළඹ පලාතේ මුස්ලිම් ජනයාගේ පැරණිතම සිද්ධස්ථානය තමයි මේක.

  • Arjun Butani

Stunning place. Haven for architecture photographers

  • Nandun Kahandawa

A calm and peaceful mosque situated at colombo...

  • Cemil Bayır

A place of worship that must be visited.

  • Nijam Deen (Nijams)

ශ්‍රී ලාංකික මුස්ලිම්වරුන්ගේ අනන්‍යතාවය

  • Dilan Indrajith

ඉතාමත් අනර්ඝ විශිෂ්ඨ නිර්මාණයක්

  • Deno Yeh

下雨天~ 有不同的美~ 來一顆700元榴槤~

  • Md Razibul Hassan

Mashallah looking good

  • CKR Rathnayaka

මම ඒ අසලින් ගියේය

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