The Tuk Tuk – the Work Horse of India

The Tuk Tuk (pronounced took took) or Auto Rickshaw is a motorized version of the hand pulled or cycle rickshaw.  These three-wheeled taxis are popular in India as well as other developing countries.

Over Crowded Tuk Tuk – Put the Packages on Top (Above Photo)

In this blog, I’ll discuss fun facts on Tuk Tuks, describe their use, and show you some of my favorite Tuk Tuk photographs.  Click on the photos in the blog for a larger view of the Tuk Tuks.

The Tuk Tuk serves a valuable purpose in India.  In a nation where many of the residents cannot afford their own vehicles, the Tuk Tuk provides inexpensive transportation.  When hiring a Tuk Tuk always negotiate the fare up front and don’t agree to the first fare as it will be highly inflated.

Tuk Tuks have a top speed of around of 30 MPH (48 KPH).  They have a 7 horsepower engine, about the same as a lawnmower.

Tuk Tuks have no doors or windows so you are open to the elements such as rain, smog or dust.  Riding in a Tuk Tuk can give you that up close experience of driving in Indian traffic which can feel somewhat chaotic to westerners.  I’ve experienced this first hand.

Returning from Shopping in a Tuk Tuk

I call Tuk Tuks the work horse of India because they are everywhere and usually overloaded with people and packages.

Some Tuk Tuks are fancier than others, like this Rajasthani Tuk Tuk

This was one of the most overloaded Tuk Tuks that I have ever seen and this was on a highway.  Can you count the feet on the back of the Tuk Tuk? (click the image for a larger view)

These ladies in colorful Saris seem quite comfortable riding in the back of this Tuk Tuk

Tuk Tuks are not just used as taxis.  They are also used to deliver goods.

Lets finish off with a colorful Tuk Tuk Panorama

Written by Martin Belan

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