Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque

The Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque is the most important mosque in Colombo as well as one of its most recognizable buildings. Built in 1909 by the neighborhood Muslim community, the Jami Ul-Alfar stands out for its unique candy-stripe exterior and geometric tile-work that seems more North African than Sri Lankan.

The mosque is definitely not a tourist mosque like those you might find in Istanbul or parts of India. Rather, it's the go-to place of worship for the large Muslim trading community based in Colombo's bustling Pettah neighborhood. That being said, it is still generally open to the public but you should avoid going during prayer hours (it'll be closed to non-Muslims) and remember to dress modestly.