Colombo City Walk | You Gotta Take That 40-Cent Coastal Train

1. Colombo was my final stop in Sri Lanka, and like many travelers, I’d heard all about its two biggest hits: the coastal train and the “Candy Mosque” street. Hanging off a train to watch the sunset over the ocean? Sounds iconic. The vibrant photos of the mosque? Impossible to resist. So, I laced up my shoes and turned it into a city walk—here’s how it went. 🚶♂️🌆 2. The 40-Cent Coastal Train: A Must-Try Hack Let’s start with the star: that ultra-cheap train ride. In Colombo, just open Google Maps and search for the nearest railway station—here are my top picks (stations 1-3 are the best for views): - Station 1: Dehiwala Railway - Station 2: Wellawatte - Station 3: Bambalapitiya - Station 4: Kollupitiya Railway - Station 5: Kompannavidiya (no ocean views, skip!) - Station 6: Secretariat Halt (busy commercial area) Head to any of the first four, queue up, and pay cash for a ticket—aim for Station 6 as your destination. Stations 1-4 run right along the coast, so you’ll get those postcard-worthy shots of waves crashing next to the tracks. Once you reach Station 6, there are malls and eateries nearby—perfect for refueling after the ride. 🚂💸 3. The train itself? Chaotic, crowded, and totally worth it. For just 40 cents (yes, really!), you get to lean out the open doors, wind in your hair, as the Indian Ocean glimmers beside you. I timed my ride for sunset, and watching the sky turn pink over the water—with locals laughing and pointing at the sunset too—felt like a free front-row seat to magic. Even if you have to stand, it’s 20 minutes of pure joy. 🌅😆 4. Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque: The “Candy Mosque” Next up: Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque, the striking red-and-white striped mosque that looks like it’s made of candy. Found at 228 2nd Cross Street, Colombo 01100, it’s hard to miss—those bold stripes pop against the city buildings. Pro tip: Enter through Gate 3, the designated entrance for tourists. 🕌❤️ 5. Visiting Tips for the Mosque - Hours: 9:30 AM–5:30 PM (closed on Fridays; entry is in small groups with staff) - Free perks: They offer free guided tours—just follow the staff, and they’ll share the mosque’s history in English. - Dress code: Skip tank tops or shorts. If you forget, don’t worry—Gate 3 has robes you can borrow for free. I spent about 20 minutes inside, marveling at the intricate patterns and the way light filtered through the windows. It’s not just pretty—it’s a peaceful spot to slow down and soak in local culture. 🧕♂️✨ 6. Why This City Walk Works The best part? The two spots are easy to string together. Take the train to Station 6, grab a quick snack, then walk (or take a short tuk-tuk) to the mosque. By the end, I’d seen the ocean, explored a historic landmark, and even chatted with a local family on the train who taught me how to say “hello” in Sinhala. For 40 cents and a little footwork, it’s the ultimate Colombo experience. 🌟 #ColomboCoastalTrain #JamiUlAlfarMosque #SriLankaCityWalk #BudgetTravelHacks #ColomboAdventures