A tuk-tuk, also known as an autorickshaw, is a three-wheeled vehicle, modelled after the old-fashioned rickshaw. Driving a rickshaw was laborious work, as the driver would have to peddle the vehicle with passengers sitting behind. Later, someone had the brilliant idea to motorize the three-wheeler, and that was the origin of the tuk-tuks. Tuk-tuks have a 2-stroke engine and run on petrol, diesel, or CNG. It got the name tuk-tuk because of the sound it makes when on the move.

Tuk-tuks are one of the most popular means of transportation for the common folk in India. You will find thousands of tuk-tuks on Indian roads. Tens of thousands of men in India earn a living by riding a tuk-tuk. And a majority of people in India use tuk-tuks frequently for short as well as long trips. When foreigners visit India, they find the tuk-tuks very unique and want to experience a ride in them.

What will you experience?

Pic Courtesy: TripAdvisor

Riding a tuk-tuk is quite a crazy experience. Tuk-tuk drivers are experts in manoeuvring the small vehicle. It is almost unbelievable to see how easily they squeeze their way through narrow streets busy with pedestrians and street vendors. They can go through anything and everything. And you don't have seatbelts in a tuk-tuk. So that makes the ride all the more thrilling. Sit back, enjoy the views, feel the breeze, spot some cows and get an up-close experience of the sounds and sights of Indian gullies.

Reminders about a Tuk-Tuk ride

  • Fares vary depending on distance, time of day and sometimes even on the mood of the driver. Tuk-tuk drivers usually charge exorbitant prices for tourists. The trick is to never accept their first offer and try to reach a fair amount. If you are with a guide, you won’t have to worry about it since the guide will get you a ride at a reasonable price.
  • Tuk-tuks are ideal for short-distance trips. Riding on a tuk-tuk for long-distance trips is quite exhausting and an unnecessary ordeal during a holiday.
  • Some tuk-tuk drivers may claim to know the best shopping places or secret tourist attractions. Please do not fall for such false claims.

At Canoe Kerala, we offer tuk-tuk rides to our guests. If you'd like, we can arrange a tuk-tuk as pick and drop once during your trip. Or maybe you could visit a local attraction on a tuk-tuk on one of the evenings. Please take a look at our list of backwaters tours!