We drove a TukTuk around Sri Lanka

  • How to Get a Sri Lankan TukTuk Driver's License

    You’ve got two options: 1. The company you rent from can take care of all of this for you for a fee of about $30-40USD (ea). Or, 2. You go to the Automobile Association of Sri Lanka in Colombo and do it yourself.

  • Choosing Our Itinerary

    We meticulously scoured all of the blogs and YouTube videos about the sites to see, which way to go first, and the very night before getting our TukTuk we were still undecided. What it came down to was reminding ourselves that we needed to do what felt right to us.

  • Learning How to Drive a TukTuk

    It’s not as easy as it looks. We personally felt that a lot of bloggers out there downplayed the steep learning curve (at least for us) that it took to get used to driving not only the TukTuk (shifting gears), but more so in the particular conditions (ie. the countless Cattle, Elephants, Dogs, Chickens, Lizards, Monkeys, & Humans that you have to avoid)

  • Our Exact Route

    Negombo - Anwilundawa - Puttalam - Anuradhapura - Trincomalee - Sigiriya - Kandy - Nuwara Eliya - Ella - Arugam Bay - Tissamaharama - Tangalle - Mirissa - Ahangama - Galle - Negombo

  • TukTuk Rental Promo Code

    When making a booking on www.tuktukrental.com, click the box titled “I have a coupon codE” and enter the code “OUIARETRAVELLERS” for 5% off your booking.

So you want to rent a TukTuk?

Well lucky for you, you’re in the right place.

Our goal here is to answer every question you may have as you get ready for your wild adventure around Sri Lanka in your soon-to-be three wheeled friend!

How & Why We Rented a Tuktuk

We rented a tuktuk for 22 days from mid November - December 2023, which in our experience turned out to be more than enough time to explore the island.

The experience is truly one of a kind, and it gives you so much freedom to get off the beaten path - and if you’re like us, that’s exactly what you’ll do. Just passed a roadside stand selling coconuts? No problem, pull off to the side of the road and make as many pit stops as you’d like! No timetables, bus schedules, or plans written in stone. If you are absolutely loving a place, you have the freedom to decide if you want to stay another day, or leave early if it’s not exactly what you’re picturing (we did this in Ella).

The Basics

  • Enter Sri Lanka. Obviously this will vary depending on which Nationality passport you hold, so we recommend checking this out on your own beforehand. For us (Canadians), we applied for a visa 30 day beforehand, and the visa began the day we entered the country.

  • Obtain a Sri Lankan Driver’s License. To do so, you can either get the company that you rent you r Tuk Tuk from to do this for you for an extra charge of about $30-$40USD each person, or you can go to Colomobo yourself and do it. We opted for option B, and used it as a reason to visit Colombo as we knew we’d be avoiding Colombo on our itinerary.

    • To do this, we went to the Automobile Association of Ceylon (AAC). We needed our passports, 2 passport sized photos, our license from our home country, plus an international driver’s permit and then we paid the fee ($5000 SLR) and in about 15 minutes we had ourselves a brand new license. We actually used this as a reason to visit Colombo because as you’ll see from our itinerary, we avoided driving through Colombo on the way back.

  • Choosing your TukTuk Rental company. We actually went with TukTuk CeylonRide, as we were looking for a smaller company that is also a social enterprise (meaning that they rent the TukTuks from locals and share the profits). They were absolutely fantastic from day one, and they were always there to support us.

  • We also heard amazing things about TukTuk Rental, and reached out to them to get a coupon code that you can use for your TukTuk rental! To save 5-10% off of your rental you can use our coupon code OUIARETRAVELLERS with TukTuk Rental - just enter your personalized coupon code in the reservation menu to get the discount.

 

Choosing Your Itinerary

Choosing a tuk-tuk itinerary in Sri Lanka can be an exciting way to explore the country, especially since it offers flexibility and a close-up experience of the local culture. Here’s how you can plan an ideal tuk-tuk itinerary:

1. Define Your Priorities

  • Cultural Sites: Do you want to explore historical landmarks like temples, ancient cities, and UNESCO World Heritage sites?

  • Beaches: Are you more interested in the tropical coastline, surfing spots, or beach towns?

  • Nature and Wildlife: Would you like to visit national parks, waterfalls, or the hill country with tea plantations and stunning scenery?

  • Local Villages and Culture: Do you want to focus on interacting with locals and seeing more off-the-beaten-path areas?

2. Decide Your Time Frame

  • A tuk-tuk is slower than a car, so plan your routes accordingly.

  • Short Trips (3-5 days): You could focus on a specific region such as the cultural triangle or the southern coast.

  • Medium Trips (7-10 days): Explore multiple regions such as the Hill Country, Cultural Triangle, and down to the southern beaches.

  • Long Trips (2 weeks or more): This allows you to do a full circuit of Sri Lanka, including major sites, hill stations, and coastal routes.

3. Choose Your Route

Suggested Itineraries:

  • Cultural Triangle (5-7 days):

    • Key Sites: Sigiriya, Dambulla Cave Temple, Anuradhapura, and Polonnaruwa.

    • Route: Colombo → Kandy → Sigiriya → Polonnaruwa → Anuradhapura → Colombo.

  • Hill Country Adventure (5-7 days):

    • Key Sites: Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Ella, and tea plantations.

    • Route: Kandy → Nuwara Eliya → Ella → Horton Plains → Kandy.

  • Southern Coast (5-7 days):

    • Key Sites: Galle, Mirissa, Tangalle, Unawatuna, and Weligama.

    • Route: Colombo → Galle → Mirissa → Tangalle → Yala National Park (optional) → Colombo.

  • Full Sri Lanka Circuit (10-14 days):

    • Combine the Cultural Triangle, Hill Country, and the Southern Coast.

    • Route: Colombo → Anuradhapura → Sigiriya → Kandy → Ella → Yala National Park → Galle → Colombo.

4. Plan Stops for Local Experiences

  • Plan stops in villages for authentic Sri Lankan food, and visit local markets and small temples.

  • Join a tea plantation tour in Nuwara Eliya or Ella.

  • Consider wildlife safaris in Yala, Udawalawe, or Wilpattu National Park.

  • Visit less crowded beaches like Tangalle or Nilaveli (Trincomalee) for a more relaxed vibe.

5. Weather and Seasons

  • The best time to visit Sri Lanka varies depending on the region. The west and south coasts are best from December to March, while the east coast is best from May to September.

  • Avoid monsoon seasons when planning your tuk-tuk trip to avoid road issues or travel delays.

Learning to Drive a TukTuk

Several companies across Sri Lanka offer tuk-tuk rental services and even provide short lessons to get you familiar with how to drive them.

Driving a tuk-tuk requires getting used to handling a small, three-wheeled vehicle that operates a bit differently from cars or motorbikes. Here’s what you need to focus on during your training:

  • Gear Shifting: Tuk-tuks have a manual gearbox, and the gear shift is located on the handlebar. Learning how to switch gears smoothly will take some practice.

  • Steering: Tuk-tuks don’t handle like cars, and their front wheel tends to be lighter, so navigating bends and uneven roads requires control.

  • Speed: Tuk-tuks are slower than cars, and the top speed is usually around 50-60 km/h.

  • Braking: Learn the sensitivity of the brakes, as tuk-tuks can be prone to tipping over if braked suddenly at high speed.

  • Road Conditions: Sri Lankan roads vary, with some rural areas having narrow, bumpy paths. You’ll need to get used to maneuvering through tight spaces and sometimes unpredictable traffic.

Traffic & Rules of the Road in Sri Lanka

Drive on the Left: In Sri Lanka, you drive on the left-hand side of the road.

  1. Use of Horn: The horn is widely used in Sri Lanka as a way to signal to other drivers, particularly when overtaking.

  2. Traffic Culture: Traffic in Sri Lanka can be chaotic, with tuk-tuks, buses, and motorbikes all sharing the road. Pay close attention to other vehicles and pedestrians, especially in urban areas.

  3. Navigation: Use Google Maps or another GPS system, but also be prepared for occasional detours due to local road conditions or construction.

Safety Tips

  • Avoid Night Driving: It’s better to avoid driving tuk-tuks at night, especially on rural roads, as lighting can be poor, and animals may wander onto the road.

  • Wear Helmets: Though tuk-tuks don’t require helmets, it’s still a good practice to wear them if the tuk-tuk is open-air, for added protection in case of an accident.

  • Be Cautious in Rain: Wet roads can be slippery, and tuk-tuks don’t have the best traction, so drive carefully during the rainy season.

Insurance

Ensure that your tuk-tuk rental includes proper insurance for both the vehicle and personal liability. Double-check the coverage details, and consider getting additional travel insurance if necessary.

Advantages & Disadvantages of Driving a TukTuk

*Short Version*

When Is Driving a Tuk-Tuk Ideal?

  • Shorter, Scenic Trips: Ideal for exploring local towns, short distances, or coastal regions like Galle, Mirissa, and Hikkaduwa.

  • Adventurous Spirit: Perfect for those who are looking for an adventurous, unconventional mode of travel.

  • Budget Travelers: Great for solo travelers or small groups who want to save money on transport and prefer flexible travel.

When Is It Less Ideal?

  • Long-Distance Travel: If you’re planning to cover vast distances or travel across regions quickly, a car or bus may be more suitable.

  • Traveling with a Lot of Luggage: Tuk-tuks don’t offer much storage, making them less convenient for those carrying large suitcases or heavy bags.

  • Comfort Seekers: For those who prioritize comfort and safety, especially on longer trips, driving a tuk-tuk may not be the best option.

*Not-so-Short Version*

Advantages

1. Freedom and Flexibility

  • Explore at Your Own Pace: You can stop wherever and whenever you want, exploring hidden spots, local markets, and off-the-beaten-path villages.

  • Customizable Routes: You can easily change your plans if you discover a new place you want to visit, without being tied to tour schedules or public transport routes.

2. Immersive Cultural Experience

  • Engage with Locals: Driving a tuk-tuk gives you more chances to interact with locals, who may offer directions, suggestions, or simply strike up a friendly conversation.

  • Authentic Experience: Traveling in a tuk-tuk is a more authentic way to experience Sri Lanka, as it's the local transport mode, especially in cities and rural areas.

3. Cost-Effective

  • Affordable Fuel and Rental: Tuk-tuks are highly fuel-efficient, and the cost of renting one is relatively cheap compared to cars or hiring a private driver.

  • No Parking Fees: Tuk-tuks are small and easy to park, often without incurring fees.

4. Accessibility

  • Navigate Narrow Roads: Tuk-tuks can easily maneuver through narrow village roads, crowded streets, and even some off-road paths where larger vehicles may struggle.

  • Easy to Find Repairs: Since tuk-tuks are widely used, mechanical issues can be easily fixed almost anywhere in Sri Lanka by local mechanics.

5. Fun and Adventure

  • Sense of Adventure: Driving a tuk-tuk is a fun, unique experience, adding an element of adventure to your trip.

  • Great for Short Distances: Ideal for short, scenic drives around beach towns or hill stations.

Disadvantages

1. Slow Speeds

  • Limited Speed: Tuk-tuks are slower than cars, with a top speed of about 50-60 km/h. This can make long-distance travel time-consuming, especially between major cities or regions.

  • Difficulty on Highways: Although you can drive tuk-tuks on highways, they are not ideal for long stretches of fast-moving traffic.

2. Challenging Driving Conditions

  • Manual Gearbox: Tuk-tuks have a manual transmission, which can be tricky to master if you’re not used to it.

  • Steering and Control: Tuk-tuks can be difficult to control, especially on winding, steep roads in the hill country or during wet conditions.

  • Traffic: Sri Lankan traffic can be chaotic, particularly in cities like Colombo or Kandy. Navigating through it in a tuk-tuk requires patience and attentiveness.

3. Safety Concerns

  • Vulnerability: Tuk-tuks offer minimal protection in the event of an accident compared to cars. The lack of airbags and solid bodywork makes them more vulnerable.

  • No Seat Belts or Helmets: Tuk-tuks typically don’t have seat belts, and you won’t be required to wear helmets, leaving you exposed during collisions.

  • Poor Road Conditions: In rural areas, road conditions can be rough, with potholes or unpaved paths that can make tuk-tuk driving more challenging.

4. Limited Storage Space

  • Minimal Luggage Capacity: Tuk-tuks have very limited space for luggage, making them impractical for carrying large suitcases or lots of gear.

  • Uncomfortable for Long Drives: The seating and suspension in tuk-tuks aren’t designed for long journeys, making them uncomfortable for extended road trips.

5. Weather Exposure

  • Open-Air Design: Tuk-tuks are often open-air, which means you’ll be exposed to the elements, including sun, heat, dust, and rain. While some have roll-down covers, they may not be entirely waterproof.

  • Heat and Dust: In hot and dusty regions, you may feel uncomfortable without proper protection like sunglasses, hats, and scarves.

6. Permits and Legalities

  • Licensing Requirements: You’ll need a local temporary driving permit and an International Driving Permit (IDP), which adds some extra paperwork and hassle before you can start driving legally.

  • Road Regulations: Understanding local traffic rules and signals can be tricky, and tuk-tuks have their own traffic norms, which can vary regionally.

7. Limited Comfort

  • Not Luxurious: Tuk-tuks are functional but far from luxurious. If you’re looking for a smooth, comfortable ride, they might not be the best choice for long distances.

  • Noise and Vibration: Tuk-tuks can be noisy and vibrate more than cars, especially on rough roads.

Best Places to Tuk-Tuk Around

  • Southern Coast: The roads are relatively smooth, and you’ll enjoy stunning coastal views.

  • Cultural Triangle: Tuk-tuk through the ancient cities of Sigiriya, Dambulla, and Polonnaruwa for a mix of history and scenic drives.

  • Hill Country: Although the roads are steeper, driving a tuk-tuk in the hill country around Ella, Nuwara Eliya, and Kandy can be a scenic experience, but be prepared for winding and challenging roads.

Overall, we would 100% recommend renting a TukTuk in Sri Lanka. Let us know if you have any further questions!