In the heart of Pettah, the decorative 1909 Jami-Ul-Alfar Mosque is a show-stopper with its candy-striped red-and-white brickwork. Guards will usually let you in for a look, except during peak prayer times on Fridays. The modern Grand Mosque is the most important of Colombo’s many mosques.

• The mosque is an Islamic religious centre, make sure you keep the peace and sanctity maintained.
• Women and men should cover their heads before entering the mosque.
• Women should preferably wear full-clad clothes and scarves.
• Photography without permission is not advisable.

• You can take the cool kangaroo radio cab, the ace cab or rent a taxi service. The cheapest and easiest way is to hire the tuk-tuk.

• New palm leaf hotel for tea and cakes.

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