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Inland = you need regular transport
Living more than walking distance off the beach means you need transport. If you don’t want to depend on tuk-tuks or van taxis you’d better rent a car and drive yourself – which is the easiest and safest mode of transport.
Tuk-tuks: cost 0.30 US$ per km because there are no metered taxis in tourist areas. Tuk-tuks provide zero safety zone and only little protection against rain. Tuk-tuks are a drag on only in wet weather but also in city traffic (fumes, heat), in the night and generally when covering distances beyond 15 km. Drivers are not always available, definitely not after 9 p.m. Drivers might not drive as cautious as you desire.
Van taxis: high costs (0.40 US$ per km and more). Mostly has to be booked a day or more in advance. Usually not available for short distance. Often not even available for 50 km trips (e.g. to Galle and back). Generally have a problem with waiting for you, particularly in the evening. Many tourists seem to become slaves of their drivers. Do you want to become one.
Highly recommended: self drive rental car. 15 –25 US$ per day from a leading Colombo rental company. They pick you up at the airport, clear your international driver’s license, and bring you through Colombo to your holiday destination. I litre of petrol = 1.25 US$ = enough for a minimum of 10 km driving.
Daihatsu Charade automatic Suzuki Alto (manual)
Write to us to ask for car rental recommendations.
