Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque

Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque

Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque
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  • Matthew P
    Brighton and Hove, United Kingdom786 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    Looks Good
    Terrific looking Mosque in the heart of down town Colombo however despite several attepts to enter, every time the place was closed to non worshippers but each time we were told to return at a particular time when entry would be permitted. Each time we followed the advice only to be disapointed and told again to return at another time. Without seeing the inside it's difficult to give feedback thus my average rating however from the outside it is certainly imposing and interesting looking building.
    Visited November 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written November 21, 2023
  • Claire
    Westerham, United Kingdom31 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Red Mosque - Jami Ul-Alfar Colombo
    When you first see the mosque from South Street it looks like a tower of red and white Lego blocks. Inside it’s like a maze that Esher drew. Inside is even more dramatic, made up of impressive angles, arches and countless wooden shuttered windows. To enter, you go in a side entrance, remove your shoes and socks, if a woman borrow one of the hooded garments they have and wait for a guide. A small donation is expected at the end. (Friday is a religious day so I believe that there are no tours). Your guide will show you the allowed route and you will be able to take photos when he says. Once you’ve climbed a a myriad of stairs, you reach the roof. The city of Colombo sprawls out beneath you. There are red meringue shaped towers protruding majestically into sky. The red perimeter wall is punctuated with tiny turrets, with a sickle balanced on top. The day I visited it had been raining and so this image was reflected delicately on to the floor. The sun was setting, giving the whole mosque a mysterious quality. A must see!
    Visited January 2024
    Traveled solo
    Written January 13, 2024
  • LolaGo1
    Washington DC, District of Columbia6,624 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Most unique and artistic mosque I had visited
    On my first day in Colombo, I walked from my hotel to Pettah Market. This was where I saw this unique and interesting mosque. Having traveled to several Islamic countries with various construction styles of mosques (Turkey, Indonesia, Morocco, Middle East countries, etc.) , I find this one very uniqie and colorful. Its exteriors are in the red and white colors , like in candy canes. Non-muslims can enter it, be sure your visit is NOT on a Friday when non-muslims are not allowed to enter.
    Visited March 2024
    Traveled solo
    Written March 7, 2024
  • laczkozsu
    Debrecen, Hungary2,366 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful Mosque
    This imposing red and white building is in the centre of Colombo. We walked there twice, but unfortunatelly we couldn’t go inside because it was closed for tourists. It was prayer time because of ramadan. But I think it’s one of the most beautiful mosque I have ever seen.
    Visited April 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written April 21, 2024
  • Appetitesindia
    Mumbai, India573 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Majestic Mosque in Pettah: A Spiritual Oasis
    While exploring the vibrant streets of Pettah, we visited the stunning mosque we’d heard so much about. The architecture is breathtaking, showcasing intricate designs and vibrant colors. The serene atmosphere inside is perfect for offering prayers and experiencing a moment of peace amidst the bustling market. Observing the locals perform Namaz was a humbling and enriching experience. This mosque is not just a place of worship but also a testament to the rich cultural and architectural heritage of Colombo. A must-visit for anyone interested in spirituality and beautiful architecture!
    Visited July 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written July 26, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

4.0
4.0 of 5 bubbles450 reviews
Excellent
177
Very good
189
Average
71
Poor
7
Terrible
6

Banu3009
Singapore, Singapore187 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2023 • Family
Also known as the Red Mosque, this is a must-see amidst the busiest part of Colombo. Visitors should head to Gate 3 for entry. Avoid Friday mornings as it is closed for visitors. A pleasant and friendly guide, Mohammed, who is part of the mosque administration team, shared about the history and architecture of the mosque, and guided us on a tour of the mosque, and answered all questions with patience. Proper covering is provided for all visitors to enable them to move inside the mosque without any disrespect to anyone. There’s a rack for keeping of footwear inside premises, which were very clean.
Written August 11, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Peter M
Melbourne, Australia1,293 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2023
This is also known as the Red Mosque as is red!. It is one of the oldest mosques in Colombo and a popular tourist site in Pettah Colombo. It was built from 1908-1909. It is a distinctive red and white candy-striped two-storey building, with a clock tower, and is similar to the Jamek Mosque in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia, constructed in 1910. It was extended in 1975 to increase its capacity to 10,000
Written August 23, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Appetitesindia
Mumbai, India573 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2024 • Family
While exploring the vibrant streets of Pettah, we visited the stunning mosque we’d heard so much about. The architecture is breathtaking, showcasing intricate designs and vibrant colors. The serene atmosphere inside is perfect for offering prayers and experiencing a moment of peace amidst the bustling market. Observing the locals perform Namaz was a humbling and enriching experience. This mosque is not just a place of worship but also a testament to the rich cultural and architectural heritage of Colombo. A must-visit for anyone interested in spirituality and beautiful architecture!
Written July 27, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

LolaGo1
Washington DC, DC6,624 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2024 • Solo
On my first day in Colombo, I walked from my hotel to Pettah Market. This was where I saw this unique and interesting mosque. Having traveled to several Islamic countries with various construction styles of mosques (Turkey, Indonesia, Morocco, Middle East countries, etc.) , I find this one very uniqie and colorful. Its exteriors are in the red and white colors , like in candy canes.

Non-muslims can enter it, be sure your visit is NOT on a Friday when non-muslims are not allowed to enter.
Written March 7, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Matthew P
Brighton and Hove, UK786 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2023 • Couples
Terrific looking Mosque in the heart of down town Colombo however despite several attepts to enter, every time the place was closed to non worshippers but each time we were told to return at a particular time when entry would be permitted. Each time we followed the advice only to be disapointed and told again to return at another time. Without seeing the inside it's difficult to give feedback thus my average rating however from the outside it is certainly imposing and interesting looking building.
Written November 21, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

laczkozsu
Debrecen, Hungary2,366 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2024 • Couples
This imposing red and white building is in the centre of Colombo. We walked there twice, but unfortunatelly we couldn’t go inside because it was closed for tourists. It was prayer time because of ramadan. But I think it’s one of the most beautiful mosque I have ever seen.
Written April 21, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Thareendra L
Wattala, Sri Lanka27 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020
this is situated at a very rushing road in pettah! a typical busy street with different types of people working and shopping and all that jazz. its one of the best sights i've had as a street photographer and im loving the colours and everything about it! im a non muslim since then i do not know to explain its value through the religious sight. but im sure its very devotional.
Written January 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

sankaranarayana
Bengaluru, India151 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020
Most of the people missed this one for not getting the parking space. But, stop somewhere and go and visit is worth. They will play one video about the mosque. one young person who exclusively guide the Foreign Tourist. I feel like Shivajinagar area in Bangalore
Written January 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

abroadwithashley
Minneapolis, MN1,723 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020
I've read countless reviews about how women can't get in and I really don't understand - that said, Google Maps took us to the tourist entrance, not the main entrance. From the tourist entrance, women are allowed inside and if not dressed respectfully, are given coverings to wear. Women aren't allowed past the courtyard, but it is still an impressive structure. We didn't spend much time here, but we're glad we went.
Written February 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

WeDiscover8890
Greater Manchester, UK192 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020 • Couples
Lovely architecture and very grand - you don’t realise how tall it actually is.

It’s in a very busy part of Colombo so brace yourself. The women’s section is at the top and I found it a little hard to navigate around.
Written March 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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