Tuk Tuk Rental in Kandy | Tuk Tuk Rental Sri Lanka

Kandy is a bustling city nestled in the hills of Sri Lanka’s Central Province. Known as the cultural capital of the country, it offers visitors a peek into Sri Lanka’s rich history and heritage.

For tourists, one of the best ways to explore this charming city is by renting a tuk tuk. These iconic three-wheeled vehicles allow you to effortlessly zip through narrow streets and pop into hidden corners not accessible by larger transport.

Renting a tuk tuk gives you the freedom and flexibility to discover Kandy at your own pace. Drivers can act as your personal guide, taking you to well-known attractions like the Temple of the Tooth and the Royal Botanical Gardens, as well as off-the-beaten-path temples and local eateries.

Tuk tuks are the preferred mode of public transportation in Sri Lanka. For visitors, a tuk tuk rental offers an affordable, safe, and unforgettable experience. Kandy’s hilly terrain and relatively light traffic make it the ideal city in Sri Lanka for tuk tuk exploration.

This guide will cover everything you need to know about renting a tuk tuk in Kandy – from reputable companies and rental rates to driving tips and top attractions. By the end, you’ll be ready to book your own tuk tuk adventure in this captivating hill city!

All About Tuk Tuks

Tuk tuks, also known as auto rickshaws, are ubiquitous in Sri Lanka. These compact three-wheeled vehicles dominate the streets across the country, providing affordable transportation for locals and an unforgettable cultural experience for tourists.

What is a Tuk Tuk?

A tuk tuk is an open-sided three-wheeled vehicle powered by a motorcycle engine. The name “tuk tuk” comes from the unique sputtering sound the engine makes. Tuk tuks typically seat three passengers behind the driver in a bench-like seat.

Some key features of tuk tuks:

Small and lightweight design
Handlebars for steering
Motorcycle-derived engine at the rear
Open sides with a canvas roof
Brightly colored exterior

Tuk tuks are also known as auto rickshaws, especially in Northern Sri Lanka. But across the country, these iconic vehicles are fondly called “tuk tuks” for the unique noise they make.

History of Tuk Tuks in Sri Lanka

Tuk tuks were first introduced to Sri Lanka in the 1960s as an affordable form of transportation. They quickly became popular, replacing rickshaws pulled by cyclists.

By the 1970s, tuk tuks dominated Sri Lankan streets. Locally manufactured models like the Bajaj RE launched the tuk tuk boom. Lanka Engineering Company also produced tuk tuks under license from Japan’s Mitsubishi Motors.

Today, over 1 million tuk tuks provide convenient transportation across Sri Lanka. For tourists, they offer an iconic and memorable way to explore the country’s cities and rural areas.

Benefits of Tuk Tuk Transportation

Tuk tuks offer visitors several key benefits:

Affordability – Cheaper than taxis
Maneuverability – Handle narrow roads and traffic better than cars
Open air experience – Offers views, photo opportunities
Door-to-door service – Taken right to your destination
Personalized tours – Drivers double as guides

Locals rely on tuk tuks for short daily trips thanks to their convenience and affordability. Tourists can enjoy in-depth explorations with knowledgeable driver-guides.

Tuk tuks allow you to reach hidden corners of cities and access rural destinations not served by larger buses. Their small size and maneuverability is perfect for Sri Lanka’s congested streets and remote locations.

Riding in a Tuk Tuk

Part of the Sri Lankan experience is taking a ride in one of these iconic vehicles. Passengers sit together on a bench seat directly behind the driver. A canvas roof provides shade but the sides remain open.

The open design means you get unobstructed views of your surroundings. Many tuk tuks personalize their vehicles with colorful designs, tassels, and even disco lights!

Drivers expertly weave through traffic while passengers hang on, which adds an element of thrill and adventure. The fast pace also means you can see a lot in a short timespan.

Safety Considerations

Tuk tuk travel does involve some safety considerations:

Lack seat belts and enclosed structure
Susceptible to weather like rain or wind
Potential for accidents in fast-moving traffic
Exhaust fumes when stuck in traffic jams

But tuk tuk drivers have excellent maneuvering skills honed from years of experience. As long as you take basic precautions like avoiding overcrowding, tuk tuks provide a safe and exciting mode of transportation in Sri Lanka.

Tuk Tuks for Tourists

For many visitors, riding a tuk tuk is a must-do Sri Lankan experience. In fact, tuk tuk tours and rides have become popular tourist activities in cities like Kandy.

Tourists can rent a tuk tuk with a driver-guide for personalized tours. Drivers know the best local destinations and provide commentary during your ride.

Alternatively, tuk tuks can be hailed just like taxis for short trips around town. Agree on the fare before setting off to avoid misunderstandings.

Hopping around iconic sites by tuk tuk gives you flexibility and enables you to cover a lot of ground. You won’t find a more thrilling, memorable way to explore Sri Lanka!

Do you need a license to drive a tuk tuk: Comprehensive guide

Why Rent a Tuk Tuk in Kandy?

Known as the cultural capital of Sri Lanka, Kandy is a captivating city nestled amidst misty hills. Renting a tuk tuk is one of the best ways to explore this charming destination.

Here are the top reasons to rent a tuk tuk for getting around Kandy:

Convenience and Flexibility

Tuk tuks give you the freedom to chart your own course around Kandy. They can nimbly navigate narrow alleys and congested streets. You aren’t tied to fixed bus or train schedules. Stop wherever you please – for photos, food, or just to soak in the sights.

With a tuk tuk, you can easily access off-the-beaten-path neighborhoods and attractions. Reach sacred sites like the Temple of the Tooth or the serene Udawatta Kele Sanctuary. Zip through winding roads lined with lush tea plantations.

Cost-Effective Transportation

Renting a tuk tuk is an affordable way to get around Kandy compared to taxis. No worries about surge pricing either.

You have the freedom to customize your tour based on your budget. Nepotiate fixed rates with tuk tuk drivers for personalized sightseeing.

Thrilling Cultural Experience

For many visitors, riding a tuk tuk is a quintessential Sri Lankan experience. Feel the warm breeze as you zip through hills and forests. Watch daily life unfold as vendors push carts through crowded bazaars.

Chat with your knowledgeable driver to gain insight into local customs. Stop anytime to take photos of smiling kids eager to wave at you.

Tuk tuks let you literally dive into Kandy’s intoxicating sights, sounds, and smells – an unforgettable cultural adventure.

Insider’s Perspective

Kandy tuk tuk drivers know their city intimately. They can provide tips on the best places to visit, eat local cuisine, buy souvenirs, or simply soak in the vistas.

Let your driver double up as your personal guide. Get dropped off directly at obscure temples that busloads of tourists miss. Listen to fascinating stories about Kandy’s history and culture from a local’s perspective.

Unmatched Maneuverability

Tuk tuks are perfect for navigating Kandy’s steep, winding roads. Their compact size allows squeezing through impossibly narrow gaps between vehicles.

Reach tucked-away restaurants and street stalls in the blink of an eye. Drivers expertly zip past lumbering buses and trucks.

Rest assured you’ll reach your destination quickly, bypassing nasty traffic jams that snarl bigger vehicles.

Door-to-Door Service

Another perk of renting a tuk tuk is end-to-end convenience. Simply get dropped off right at the entrance to any attraction or location. No need for long walks from distant bus stops or parking lots.

Have your bags picked up from your hotel and get dropped directly at the train station. The tuk tuk can even wait as you grab a bite.

Unique Photo Opportunities

The open-sided design of tuk tuks enables awesome views of Kandy’s sights. You can snap away to your heart’s content as you cruise through the city.

Get dropped off at the perfectly composed photo spot your driver recommends. Don’t miss quintessential shots of tea plantations, winding alleys, and glittering temples.

Fun Experience for All Ages

Whether you are a solo traveller, couple, or family with kids – tuk tuks promise unmatched fun. Little ones will love the breezy ride zipping around town. Take the thrills up a notch after dark in neon-decorated tuk tuks with disco lights!

The social benches foster great conversations with your companions. And the experience itself becomes a memorable highlight.

Eco-Friendly Transportation

Opting for a tuk tuk over a car or van is greener transportation. The small three-wheelers cause less congestion and emit lower greenhouse gases.

When you rent a tuk tuk with companies like Jeromwin Tours, you support their carbon-offsetting initiatives too. So you can soak in Kandy’s lush landscapes knowing your ride aligns with eco-friendly values.

So don’t think twice – rent a tuk tuk for the most convenient, thrilling, and eco-conscious way to explore the magnificent city of Kandy!

Top Attractions to Visit by Tuk Tuk in Kandy

Kandy is a historic city nestled amidst misty hills in Sri Lanka’s Central Province. As the island’s cultural capital, it boasts a wealth of sacred sites, scenic vistas, and fascinating museums.

Renting a tuk tuk is the perfect way to explore Kandy’s top attractions. Here are some must-visit destinations easily accessible by your three-wheeled ride:

Temple of the Tooth

The Temple of the Tooth (Sri Dalada Maligawa) is Kandy’s most important Buddhist shrine. This stunning complex houses Sri Lanka’s most sacred relic – a tooth of Lord Buddha himself.

Marvel at the golden caskets encasing the tooth and the beautiful frescoes lining the inner shrine. Watch devotees light oil lamps and chant prayers. The temple emanates a deep spiritual ambience.

Your tuk tuk lets you conveniently access the temple complex from anywhere in Kandy within minutes.

Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens

Stretching over 147 acres near Kandy, the Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya showcase an astounding variety of flora.

Wander past groves of bamboo and palms. See exotic flowers like orchids and anthuriums. Gaze up at giant Javan fig trees and Cannonball trees. Don’t miss the elegant avenue of royal palms – a signature landmark.

From Kandy, a tuk tuk offers the quickest route to these stunning gardens with room to park close by.

Kandy View Point

For breathtaking views overlooking Kandy, head up to the Kandy View Point on Rajapihilla Mawatha Road.

Standing atop a small peak, you can soak in panoramic vistas of the city center, scenic lake, Temple of the Tooth, and the mountains beyond. The golden hue as the sun dips behind the hills is magical.

Have your tuk tuk take you up the winding road to the viewpoint – it’s the best way to catch the sunset!

Udawatta Kele Sanctuary

Escape Kandy’s bustle by exploring the verdant Udawatta Kele Sanctuary, a historic forest reserve.

Follow winding trails past giant bamboo, Indian laburnum, and towering java fig trees. Listen for bird calls echoing through the canopy. Visit ancient cave temples tucked amidst the foliage.

From Kandy, a tuk tuk ride makes getting to the sanctuary entrance quick and hassle-free.

Hindu Temples

Kandy has several impressive Hindu temples dating back to the Kandyan era. The stunning 17th century Natha Devale boasts ornate stone carvings and unique wooden architecture.

Sri Maha Vishnu Devale and Natha Devale sit adjacent to the Temple of the Tooth, making them very accessible from downtown Kandy by tuk tuk.

Local Markets

For an authentic local experience, hop over to Kandy’s bustling bazaar areas by tuk tuk.

Kandy Municipal Market is all abuzz with vendors selling fresh produce, spices, and handicrafts. Wander down narrow lanes peering into tiny shops.

Goodshed Road offers stalls crammed with gems, jewelry, and souvenirs. Kandy’s markets give you a sense of local commerce and culture.

Hill Country Tea Plantations

Just outside Kandy lie Sri Lanka’s magnificent tea estates that carpet rolling hills in emerald green.

Have your tuk tuk driver take you past picturesque tea plantations. Make a pit stop at a tea factory like Mlesna Tea Centre to learn about tea processing. End your tour with a revitalizing cup of pure Ceylon tea.

So explore these amazing destinations around Kandy in the comfort of your rented tuk tuk. Weave through winding roads, take memorable photos, and create a customized adventure.

Tuk Tuk Rental Companies in Kandy

Renting a tuk tuk is one of the best ways to explore Kandy at your own pace. There are several reputable companies offering tuk tuk rentals in Kandy.

Here are some of the top options to consider:

Jeromwin Tours

Jeromwin Tours is a reputable company providing tuk tuk rentals and tours in Kandy. They have a fleet of new tuk tuks to choose from.

Highlights:

Arrange driving license and insurance
Offer driving tutorials for comfort and safety
Experienced driver-guides available for tours
Tailor-made itineraries for exploring Kandy
Airport transfers and hotel pickups

Jeromwin Tours offers reasonable rental rates and superior customer service. You can book conveniently on their website.

Rntatuktukandcar.eu

Rent Tuk Tuk and Car Sri Lanka is a trusted provider of unique travel experiences in Sri Lanka. With over a decade of experience, we focus on offering a wide range of services to international visitors. Our base is conveniently located in Negombo, near the International Airport, ensuring easy access for travelers.

Key Features:

Diverse Vehicle Rentals: Explore Sri Lanka with tuk-tuks, motorbikes, and bicycles at your own pace.
Affordable Rates: tuk-tuk and motorbike rentals are budget-friendly.
Travel Convenience: arrange a driving permit for you and pick you up at the airport.
Customizable Tours: Plan your tour with their guidance. They can even transport your belongings for motorbike tours.
Comprehensive Travel Services: Beyond rentals, we offer travel agency services, tours, hotel bookings, and excursions, tailored to your preferences and budget.
Local Expertise: Their team knows Sri Lanka well, ensuring a memorable experience.
Tour Packages: from pre-designed or custom tour packages to match your interests.
Accommodation Options: help you book accommodations that fit your budget.
Professional Tour Guides: provide certified tourist guides to enhance your journey.
Competitive Rates: transportation services are cost-effective for your budget-friendly travel.

Rent Tuk Tuk and Car Sri Lanka is your gateway to the unparalleled beauty and culture of Sri Lanka, offering you the freedom to explore and discover at your own pace while receiving top-notch support and guidance from our experienced team.

Renting a Tuk Tuk with Jeromwin Tours

Jeromwin Tours is a leading provider of tuk tuk rentals and tours in Sri Lanka. Based in Negombo, they offer an exceptional rental experience in destinations like Kandy.

Here are key reasons to rent a tuk tuk with Jeromwin Tours for exploring Kandy:

Well-Maintained Fleet

Jeromwin Tours boasts a modern fleet of tuk tuks to meet every traveler’s needs. Choose from 2-stroke or silent 4-stroke engines. Opt for open-air or enclosed cabins. All tuk tuks are regularly serviced and safety inspected. Breakdowns are rare but assistance is available 24/7.

Comprehensive Insurance

Rentals include full insurance coverage so you can drive worry-free. Both the tuk tuk and third parties are insured against damage or accidents. Theft coverage provides added peace of mind.

Driving License Assistance

Jeromwin Tours helps you easily obtain the mandatory local driving permit. Just provide your home country license and they’ll arrange the International Driving Permit or special Sri Lankan recognition license.

Driving Tutorials

Before pick-up, you’ll receive a thorough tuk tuk driving tutorial. Learn how to expertly maneuver through Kandy’s streets. Guidance on road rules, parking, and directional signs ensures you feel fully confident.

Customized Itineraries

The team provides tailored sightseeing itineraries to match your interests. Visit revered Buddhist sites, verdant botanical gardens, bustling local markets, and more. Or create your own route – the choice is yours.

Multilingual Staff

Jeromwin Tours staff are fluent in several languages including English, German, Italian, and Japanese. They provide personalized service and guidance throughout your rental.

Airport Transfers

Enjoy hassle-free airport pickup and drop-off in a comfortable tuk tuk. No need to worry about public transportation with your luggage.

24/7 Support

Friendly staff are available round-the-clock to address any rental concerns. Breakdown support, trip planning advice, or booking changes – help is only a phone call away.

With exceptional service standards and tuk tuk rental expertise, Jeromwin Tours creates memorable adventures in Kandy. Discover this charming hill city on your own terms with the freedom and convenience of a rented tuk tuk.

Driving a Tuk Tuk in Kandy

Driving a tuk tuk gives you unparalleled freedom to explore Kandy at your own pace. Here are some tips for safely operating a rented tuk tuk on Kandy’s streets:

Obtain a Valid Local License

You need a valid Sri Lankan license to legally drive a tuk tuk. Reputable rental companies like Jeromwin Tours will help you secure an International Driving Permit before your trip. Carry your license at all times when driving.

Take a Driving Lesson

Most rental companies provide a quick driving tutorial with a staff member. Learn how to start/stop the engine, work the gears, operate turn signals, and handle steering. Ask questions until you feel fully comfortable.

Follow Basic Rules

Though Kandy’s traffic may seem chaotic, adhere to basic rules like:

Driving on the left side of the road
Obeying speed limits, especially around schools
Yielding to pedestrians and incoming traffic
Not overtaking vehicles before ensuring it’s clear

Signage can be unclear, so be extra vigilant.

Watch for Road Conditions

Kandy’s hilly terrain and winding roads require caution. Go slow around sharp bends or areas with obscured visibility. Gravel, loose stones, and potholes are common – navigate carefully.

Brake Early and Smoothly

Avoid sudden braking – tuk tuks have less stability compared to four-wheel vehicles. Brake early and smoothly well in advance. Don’t tailgate other vehicles.

Secure Belongings Properly

Don’t overload the tuk tuk and ensure bags are tightly secured. Loose items can fall off while zipping down hills.

Be Wary of Scams

Use registered rental companies like Jeromwin Tours and avoid impromptu offers for rides. Agree on fares beforehand when hailing tuk tuks to avoid exorbitant charges.

Plan Your Route

Have a map handy or use GPS on your phone to navigate Kandy’s maze of streets. Experienced rental providers can suggest routes to optimize your time.

Driving a tuk tuk around Kandy is an unforgettable experience! Follow these tips and leverage the knowledge of your rental company for a safe, enjoyable ride.

Tuk Tuk vs Other Transportation in Kandy

While visiting Kandy, you have several options to get around including buses, trains, taxis, and tuk tuks. Here’s how tuk tuks compare to other transportation modes in Kandy:

Tuk Tuks vs Buses

Buses provide the cheapest way to travel but lack flexibility. You must plan routes and timings per the bus schedule. Crowded buses navigate Kandy’s narrow streets slowly.

Tuk tuks give you freedom to customize routes and make spontaneous stops. Nimble tuk tuks can squeeze through back alleys and zip past congested main roads. Rental rates are higher than buses but affordable when split between riders.

Tuk Tuks vs Trains

Kandy is connected to other cities by trains from the picturesque Kandy Railway Station. But options within the city are limited. The single loop line doesn’t access key attractions.

Tuk tuks can take you anywhere across Kandy efficiently. Visit secluded temples and restaurants before catching the train for onward destinations. Combine tuk tuks and trains to optimize travel.

Tuk Tuks vs Taxis

Metered taxis offer an air-conditioned alternative but lack personality. Drivers stick to major routes and only make pre-planned stops.

Chatty tuk tuk drivers double as personal guides providing local insider tips. Tuk tuks create a more thrilling cultural experience at a lower cost than taxis.

Tuk Tuks vs Private Cars

Hiring a car and driver provides maximum comfort for long distances. But maneuvering congested city streets and parking is tough. Costs are higher too.

For zipping around Kandy, nothing beats a tuk tuk. Fares are based on fixed rates, not meter readings or day rates. Tuk tuks are perfectly suited for quick hops between tourist sites.

Tuk Tuk Limitations

Tuk tuks provide little protection from sun, rain or wind. The open design can get chilly in Kandy’s hilly climates. They are also noisy compared to enclosed vehicle options.

But tuk tuks let you literally immerse in the sights, sounds and scents of Kandy! For an adventurous, cultural experience, tuk tuks are hard to beat.

So choose tuk tuks to enjoy flexibility, affordability and fun while exploring Kandy’s famous attractions. Just bring a hat, sunglasses and jacket!

Tuk Tuks for Special Occasions in Kandy

In addition to sightseeing, tuk tuks in Kandy can be rented for special events and celebrations. Their festive decor and upbeat ambience inject excitement into any occasion.

Here are some ideas for using a rented tuk tuk to liven up special events in Kandy:

Spice Up Wedding Events

Surprise guests by having the bride and groom make their grand entrance in a colorfully decorated tuk tuk. The fun ride to the ceremony or reception venue kicks off celebrations on a thrilling note.

Tuk tuks also add a unique touch for shuttling between wedding events like the ceremony, photo shoots, and reception party.

Liven Up Birthday Parties

For a birthday party activity, rent a tuk tuk and take the guest of honor on a scenic tour of Kandy. Stop for birthday cake and drinks along the way.

Alternatively, arrive at the birthday celebration in a tuk tuk decked out in balloons, ribbons, and a “Happy Birthday” sign.

Explore Kandy on Hen/Stag Nights

A tuk tuk pub crawl makes for an epic stag or hen night experience. Bar hop in your private tuk tuk with disco lights and music blazing.

For stag parties, groomsmen can don matching outfits and ride through town in a convoy of tuk tuks. Hen parties will love Instagrammable photos with their bridal squad packed into a fun tuk tuk.

Tour Kandy in Style

Hire a tuk tuk for a sightseeing tour with a twist. Request a tuk tuk outfitted with comfortable seats, a sound system, and even a mini bar! Add customized decor to match special occasions like honeymoons or graduations.

Promote Your Business

Attract attention for your Kandy business by having staff hand out flyers or treats from a tuk tuk painted with your company colors and logo. Ride through busy areas to drum up awareness.

Liven Up Corporate Events

Spice up corporate team outings by letting staff explore Kandy in decorated tuk tuks. Award top achievers with thrill rides as incentives. Or organize group competitions with tuk tuks for team building activities.

So ramp up your next special event by adding a colorful tuk tuk! Contact reputable Kandy providers like Jeromwin Tours to arrange fun and safe tuk tuk rentals.

Conclusion

Renting a tuk tuk is undoubtedly the most thrilling and convenient way to explore the magnificent city of Kandy.

Zipping around in your own three-wheeler lets you easily discover top attractions like the Temple of the Tooth, Royal Botanical Gardens, and scenic viewpoints. Tuk tuks provide door-to-door service so you can fully customize your itinerary.

Chatty drivers double up as insightful guides, providing a truly immersive cultural experience. Rates are affordable, starting around LKR 2000 per day for a tuk tuk rental in Kandy.

Choose a reputable provider like Tuktuk Rental or Jeromwin Tours for well-maintained tuk tuks and superior service. Follow basic driving safety tips when self-driving your rental tuk tuk.

So don’t miss out on the opportunity to see captivating Kandy from an open-air tuk tuk. You’ll create memories to last a lifetime exploring Sri Lanka’s charming hill capital in your very own three-wheeler. Let the tuk tuk adventures begin in Kandy!