Colombo Red Mosque (Jami Ul-Alfar): visiting etiquette, opening hours, and photography rules?
When are non-Muslim tourists permitted to tour inside the historic candy-striped Red Mosque in Pettah, and what strict dress requirements apply at the entrance?
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3 Answers from travellers
The Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque (popularly known as the Red Mosque / Samman Kottu Palli) on Second Cross Street in Pettah is a 1909 architectural masterpiece of Indo-Saracenic design. Its exterior features mesmerizing candy-striped patterns of red and white glazed bricks. Non-Muslim international tourists are welcome to visit outside of active prayer times (recommended visiting hours are 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM, closed to tourists during Friday midday prayers). Modest dress is mandatory: men must wear long trousers; women must cover hair, arms, and legs (robes and headscarves are provided free at the visitor desk).
Remove shoes at the entrance shoe-racks; photography is permitted in the central courtyard and colonnaded corridors, but not inside active prayer halls.
The mosque stands amidst the bustling wholesale market of Pettah; explore adjacent Main Street stalls selling spices, textiles, and tropical fruits.
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