🌆 Discover Colombo – Sri Lanka’s Dynamic Capital
Welcome to Colombo, the vibrant and energetic heart of Sri Lanka! This sprawling metropolis is more than just an entry point — it’s a melting pot of cultures, history, food, and architecture. Whether you’re starting your tuk tuk adventure or spending a few days soaking in the city's urban rhythm, Colombo offers a unique blend of old-world charm and modern lifestyle.
🌍 Why Start Your Tuk Tuk Journey in Colombo?
Colombo isn’t just the commercial capital — it’s a gateway to Sri Lanka’s cultural diversity and scenic routes. Renting your tuk tuk here gives you immediate access to essential services, proper documentation, and a wide range of supplies before you hit the road. The city is centrally connected, making it a perfect starting point for your route toward the southern beaches, central highlands, or the cultural triangle.
- Convenient Services: Get your local driving license, SIM cards, cash exchange, and gear all in one place.
- Practice Driving: Test and get comfortable with your tuk tuk in traffic before heading to less populated areas.
- Vibrant City Life: Enjoy cosmopolitan comforts, exciting nightlife, and an endless array of local food.
🏛️ Must-Visit Attractions & Experiences
Here are some highlights you shouldn't miss while in Colombo:
- Galle Face Green: A wide oceanfront promenade ideal for relaxing evenings and street food snacks.
- Gangaramaya Temple: A fascinating temple combining Sri Lankan, Thai, Indian, and Chinese architecture.
- Independence Memorial Hall: A serene monument celebrating Sri Lanka’s independence from colonial rule.
- Pettah Market: A chaotic and colorful shopping maze — perfect for finding local goods, spices, and textiles.
- Colombo Lotus Tower: The tallest structure in South Asia — visit the observation deck for 360° views.
- Colombo Port City: A modern development zone featuring beaches, promenades, and stylish restaurants.
- National Museum: Explore Sri Lanka’s royal history, Buddhist heritage, and colonial past in one place.
- Old Dutch Hospital: A charming colonial building now filled with shops, restaurants, and cafes.
🍽️ Tastes of Colombo
Colombo’s food scene is a delicious mix of street-side snacks, fine dining, and spicy surprises. Whether you’re in a hurry or looking to dine in style, you’ll find something that excites your taste buds.
- Kottu Roti: A noisy, spicy stir-fried roti dish — a Colombo classic.
- Hoppers (Appa): Crispy-edged bowl-shaped pancakes, perfect with egg or curry.
- Seafood Curry: Try this dish with local crab, cuttlefish, or prawns — rich and fiery.
- Tropical Fruits: Grab king coconuts, mangoes, and rambutans from roadside vendors.
- Night Markets: Explore the street food scene at night, especially near Galle Face and Colombo 07.
🕵️ Hidden Corners to Explore
- Diyatha Uyana: A lakeside park and floating market near Parliament grounds.
- Wolvendaal Church: A 17th-century Dutch Reformed church with unique colonial architecture.
- Slave Island: Once a colonial outpost — now a cultural hotspot with murals, cafes, and history.
🚦 Travel Tip: Colombo’s traffic can be intense during rush hours — great for learning to handle your tuk tuk, but plan your first day carefully. Mornings are best for sightseeing and driving practice.
Real Stories
From Real Travelers
EXCELLENT Based on 231 reviews Posted on Nicolas RitzTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Es war eine wunderbare Erfahrung und es hat alles Problemlos und einfach funktioniert.Posted on An BaTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Geweldige tijd gehad met de tuktuk die ik hier gehuurd heb. Goed en behulpzaam personeel die vrijwel direct reageren als je een vraag stelt per whatsapp. Daarnaast zijn de prijzen ook erg netjes.Posted on dany de vriesTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had an amazing experience renting a tuktuk with ceylon ride. They have an amazing customer service. They reply instantly to all your questions 24/7 on whatsapp and take all the time needed to help you. Definitely recommend!Posted on Joel RookTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The best place to rent a tuk-tuk in all of Sri Lanka. This is the second time I've rented one from them and I haven't had any problems. Excellent service and the tuk-tuk is in perfect condition. They help you with everything and offer support 24 hours a day. Thank you for this experience, I will definitely return.Posted on Tim van ErpTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Proffesioneel, vriendelijk, duidelijke communicatie en komen afspraken na. Zou Tuktuk Ceylon Ride zeker aanraden!Posted on A&A HendyTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. What a great experience to self drive a tuktuk around part of Sri Lanka. It was any easy process of booking on line which included tuktukceylon arranging a local license. We were met at Anuradaphura train station by our instructor, Anjana, who was very professional in showing us around the tuktuk and giving driving lessons. Driving the tuktuk took a little getting used to, but once I got the hang of it, it was great. It is an easy for two people and two large bags to get around comfortably and see the sites. We booked the tuktuk for 6 days and went from Anuradaphura to Sigiriya then to Kandy. We would definitely do it again and can highly recommend tuktukceylon.Posted on floor aaldersTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The tuktuk made our experience in Sri Lanka 10 times better. The tuktuk itself was easy to ride and we had no problems in the 3 weeks of using it. When we had questions we could message them and they answered straight away. Would recommend this companyPosted on f van der steenTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Fijne ervaring gehad. Makkelijk contact via whatsapp. Tuktuk was op tijd en toen wij de inlever tijd wilde wijzigen was dit geen probleem. Wij hadden zelf de nieuwste uit 2025 en dit reed erg fijn.Posted on Justas JanušonisTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Hello, I would like to thank this company for the services provided. We rented a tuktuk for 10 days. At first I had chosen an older model, but before arriving in Sri Lanka, they offered to rent a brand new 2025 model with 100 km mileage. It was the best thing to travel with a brand new tuktuk. The service center works wonderfully and quickly. Everything is clearly explained, there are really few questions. It also helped us that they arranged a driving license in Sri Lanka, and had a Tuktuk transportation service. The Tuktuk transportation service saved us when we traveled by train from Kandy to Ella. The driver picked up the tuktuk from the station and delivered it to a suitable place in another city. Really reliable and good company!! Highest recommendations!! 👍❤️🙈Verified by TrustindexTrustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more
Book Your Tuktuk Tour Today!
Reach out via WhatsApp, call, or social media and we’ll pick you up right from your hotel, guesthouse, or beachside café.
TukTuk Ceylon Ride - Your Trusted Tuk Tuk Rental Partner in Sri Lanka
TukTuk Ceylon Ride is the leading provider of tuk tuk rentals in Sri Lanka, offering the most reliable and affordable self-drive tuk tuks for travelers. Whether you’re an adventurer looking to explore scenic destinations or a traveler seeking an authentic Sri Lankan experience, our fleet of well-maintained tuk tuks is the perfect choice. We assist with obtaining valid Sri Lankan driving permits and provide comprehensive driving lessons to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey. With multiple pickup and drop-off locations, 24/7 customer support, and unbeatable rental prices, TukTuk Ceylon Ride is your go-to partner for exploring Sri Lanka with freedom and flexibility.
hello@tuktukceylonride.com
Phone / WhatsApp
(+94) 771 777 321
Head Office
No 158/2 Rajawella , Digana , Kandy
Office 02
Negombo, Sri Lanka