Colombo Temples: a guide to the shrines of Buddhism, Hinduism and Islam from personal experience

• Kathiresan Kovil

  

  On Sea Street, just a few meters from each other, there are two twin temples - the New and the Old Kathiresan. Both are dedicated to the god of war Murugan. Our main advice: do not come here in the middle of the day! Temples live according to their own schedule and open mainly early in the morning and in the evening after 17:00 for ceremonies. We once came in the afternoon and found the doors closed, but in the evening we got to a colorful ceremony with music and lights.

  🕐 Working hours: the time of ceremonies, usually early in the morning or evening.

  💵Entrance fee / ticket price: free.

  🚶 How to get there: Colombo 11 (Pettah district), Sea Street (temples of Kathiresan on the map of Colombo).

• Sri Keilavasanatham Swami Devashanam Temple

  

  This temple, dedicated to Shiva and Ganesha, is considered to be the oldest Hindu temple in Colombo. Its architecture is more restrained, but no less majestic. We remember its special atmosphere — even when there are a lot of people around, there is some kind of calm dignity here. Be sure to pay attention to the intricate stone carving. Read more about the temple and photos here.

  🕐 Working hours: daily, morning and evening. Even if you arrive at the temple when it is closed, its attendant can open the doors for you, you just need to ask well

  💵Entrance fee / ticket price: admission is free, photo – 100 rupees, video camera – 250 rupees.

  🚶 How to get there: Colombo 2 (Slave Island), in the eastern part of the big lake Biera, behind the railway station (temple on the Colombo map).

Mosques: architectural gems of Islam

Colombo's Muslim community has left an indelible mark on the city's architecture, creating some of the most photogenic buildings.

• Jami-Ul-Alfar Mosque

  

  Yami ul Alfar is also known as the Red Mosque. This is, without exaggeration, one of the most unusual mosques in the world. Its red-and-white striped facade resembles a giant cake or mosaic panel. When we first saw it, we just froze in amazement — this architecture is really unique. Unfortunately, non-Muslims are not allowed inside, but even an external inspection is worth going to the Pettah area. The best angle for a photo is from the opposite side of the street.

  🕐 Working hours: daily.

  💵Entrance fee / ticket price: free.

  🚶 How to get there: Colombo 11 (Pettah district), at the intersection of 2nd Cross Street and Bankshall Street (mosque on the map of Colombo).

• Dewatagaha Mosque

  

  If the Red Mosque is a folk art, then the Davatagaha is an elegant classic. Located next to Viharamahadevi Park, it impresses with its strict lines and elegant minarets. Its history goes back about 150 years and is covered with beautiful legends. We especially remember the calligraphic works inside (you can look in the door without going into the prayer hall).

  🕐 Working hours: prayer time.

  💵Entrance fee / ticket price: free of charge, but you will be very persistently asked for donations.

  🚶 How to get there: located in the central part of Colombo near Viharamadevi Park, belongs to Colombo district 10 (Maradana or Panchikawatte), St. C WW Kannangara Mawatha, (on the Colombo map).

Christian churches: the legacy of the colonial era

Although Christianity is not the main religion of Sri Lanka, Colombo has preserved stunning colonial-era temples.

• St. Anthony's Church

  

  This is not just a church, but a whole complex where many local residents come. Saint Anthony is considered the patron saint here, helping to find lost things. When we went inside, we were amazed by the luxury of the decoration — a lot of statues, gilding, and even televisions for broadcasting services. It is forbidden to take pictures inside, but you can get permission personally from the abbot.

  🕐 Working hours: daily, 5.00-8.30.

  💵Entrance fee / ticket price: free.

  🚶 How to get there: Colombo 13 (Kotahena district), St. Anthony Mawatha Street (church on the map of Colombo).

• Wolvendaal Church

  

  One of the oldest Protestant churches in Colombo, built by the Dutch in the XVIII century. Its name ("Valley of wolves") she got it because once jackals really lived here. Now the church is under reconstruction (as of 2026), but even an external inspection gives an idea of its historical significance.Learn more about the Church of Wolvendaal and photos here.

  🕐 Working hours: Daily, 9:00-15:30. Now it is closed for reconstruction.

  💵Entrance fee / ticket price: free of charge (donations are welcome).

  🚶 How to get there: Colombo 13 (Kotahena district), Wolvendaal Lane (church on the map of Colombo).

Practical tips for visiting Colombo Temples

Here are some recommendations that will make your visit comfortable and respectful:

• Clothes ➤ When visiting any temples and mosques, shoulders and knees should be covered. It is useful for women to have a stole or scarf with them.
• Shoes ➤ Buddhist and Hindu temples, as well as some mosques, need to go barefoot. Take socks with you if you don't want to walk on a hot floor or stones.
• Visit time ➤ Temples live according to their own schedule. It is better to visit Buddhist ones in the morning, Hindu ones during ceremonies (early in the morning or after 17:00).
• Donations ➤ In many churches you will be gently directed to the donation boxes. This is voluntary, but it is useful to have small bills (50-100 rupees) with you.
• Photographing ➤ Always ask permission before photographing people or indoor spaces. In some churches (for example, in the Church of St. Anthony) photography is prohibited.