Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque
Mosque Distinctive red-and-white striped mosque in Colombo
In Colombo’s Pettah market, the Jami Ul‑Alfar Mosque-the red‑and‑white ‘Red Mosque’-draws photographers, worshippers and shoppers to its distinctive striped façade.
The Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque, commonly called the Red Mosque, is a historic mosque in the Pettah district of Colombo, Sri Lanka, known for its distinctive red-and-white patterned exterior. It dates to the early 20th century and is a prominent visual landmark in Colombo’s historic commercial quarter.
The mosque is noted for its patterned exterior treatment and a simple, spacious prayer hall used by the local Muslim community. It functions as an active place of worship and a familiar architectural landmark for visitors to the Pettah area.
Constructed in the early 1900s, the mosque reflects the period’s fusion of South Asian and colonial-era architectural influences in its decorative approach. It stands amidst the dense streets of Pettah close to Colombo Fort and the main market areas.
Geographically the mosque sits in central Colombo’s Pettah district, within walking distance of Colombo Fort and the city’s main commercial areas.
- Pettah location: Located in the Pettah commercial district of central Colombo, the mosque is a landmark easily seen from busy nearby streets and markets.
What to See #
- Striped façade: The mosque's exterior is notable for its red-and-white patterned brick and plaster façades, which create a striped appearance that is visible from the surrounding Pettah streets.
- Prayer hall: A single large prayer hall serves the congregational functions and retains a simple interior layout typical of early 20th-century South Asian mosque design.
How to Get to Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque #
Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque (the “Red Mosque”) is in the Pettah district of central Colombo. It’s about a 10-15 minute walk from Colombo Fort railway station and is well within walking distance of the Pettah bus area where many city routes stop. From Bandaranaike International Airport the drive to central Colombo is roughly 30-45 minutes (about 35 km) via the expressway; the mosque is in the city centre and is easiest reached by train to Colombo Fort or by any bus terminating in Pettah.
Tips for Visiting Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque #
- Go early in the morning before the surrounding Pettah market gets busiest - the striking red‑and‑white façade photographs best in soft light with fewer passersby.
- Approach the mosque from the Pettah market side (the mosque sits amid the bazaar); many visitors only photograph the exterior but stepping around the block gives better framing and context with the busy streets.
- Be aware that interior access and photography can be restricted during prayer times; if you want to go inside, check local prayer schedules or ask at the entrance to avoid visiting during a service.
Best Time to Visit Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque #
Best visited outside Friday prayer times (early weekday morning or late afternoon); during the drier months access and street conditions are easier.
Weather & Climate near Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque #
Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque's climate is classified as Tropical Rainforest - Tropical Rainforest climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 23°C to 32°C. Heavy rainfall (2392 mm/year), wettest in October.
January
January is hot, feeling like 30°C with oppressive humidity. Moderate rainfall (67 mm).
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February
February is hot, feeling like 31°C due to high humidity. Moderate rainfall (76 mm).
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March
March is hot, feeling like 32°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (139 mm).
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April
April is the hottest month, feeling like 34°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (258 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is the hottest month, feeling like 35°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (356 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is hot, feeling like 34°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (202 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is hot, feeling like 33°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (132 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is hot, feeling like 33°C with oppressive humidity. Regular rainfall (98 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (192 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is hot, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. The wettest month with heavy rain (381 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is hot, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (334 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is hot, feeling like 30°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (157 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
