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March 25, 2024
Colombo, Sri Lanka: Tuk-tuk


Another view of the Colombo skyline, featuring the Lotus Tower

For our second and full day in Colombo, Sri Lanka, we were both lucky enough to get the 3.5-hour “Colombo City by Tuk-Tuk” excursion.

A tuk-tuk is best described as a small three-wheeled vehicle with an engine about the power of a lawnmower engine. The driver sits in the front; up to two passengers sit in the back. Tuk-tuks are prevalent throughout Southeast Asia, but they would probably be banned as unsafe death traps in the United States.

We were assigned to different buses, but we worked with the guides to get into the same tuk-tuk. For almost two hours, our driver weaved in and out of traffic as we explored Colombo. Setting off from Galle Face Green, we saw the Cinnamon Gardens residential area, Victoria Park, Town Hall, Independence Square and Gangaramaya Temple. By the end, we were running behind schedule, so Gail’s bus skipped the Pettah Bazaar. Russell’s bus got to see it, but only during a quick dash.


Viking’s excursion required more than 50 tuk-tuks (including backups in case any broke down). Ours was No. 26.


Tuk-tuks are tiny and cramped


Our driver did a great job of zipping us around in traffic. He often took alternate routes from the rest of the caravan.


Independence Memorial Hall (in Independence Square) commemorates Sri Lanka’s independence from British Rule in 1948


Independence Square featured snake charmers. There was also a local market (not intended for tourists).


Guests were distressed to see an elephant in a leg iron in Victoria Park. The guide told us the elephant had to be shackled because it was in a public place. When pressed, he reluctantly admitted that the elephant continues to be shackled even when not here.


Russell got a quick run-through of the Pettah Bazaar. This market is intended for tourists, but it’s almost entirely luggage and shoes. Go figure.

We did get to shop at the market stalls outside the cruise terminal, where we both bought some of the elephant garments that are so prevalent throughout Southeast Asia. (Russell bought an elephant shirt; Gail bought some elephant pants.)


The Colombo cruise terminal


The World Trippers in Colombo

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