Fake Ayurveda retreats in Kandy overcharging tourists

Asked about 2 months agoSeen by 1,727 travellers7 found this helpful
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Noah D.4920 rep2
asked about 2 months ago

A tuktuk driver took us to an Ayurveda spice garden in Kandy. They did a quick massage and demanded 200 USD for herbal oils. Is this a scam.

7
asked about 2 months ago
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Noah D.4920 rep2

6 Answers from travellers

Accepted Answer

This is the most common scam in Kandy. The driver gets a 50% commission for dragging you there. Real Ayurveda is a medical science involving doctors, pulse reading, and days of treatment, not a 10-minute massage in a garden. The oils they sell are usually just cheap coconut oil mixed with food coloring. Do not pay them.

49
answered about 2 months ago
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Bhante S.5890 rep1

The tourist police actually warn against these places on their website now.

45
answered about 2 months ago
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Emma L.5735 rep2

Thanks, we refused to buy anything and the driver was furious, but we stood our ground.

24
answered about 2 months ago
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Noah D.4920 rep2

Tell your driver firmly "No spice gardens" before you even get in the tuk-tuk.

5
answered about 2 months ago
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Dr. Nimal.9950 rep1

If you want genuine oils, buy them from a government-registered Osu Sala (pharmacy) in the city.

3
answered about 2 months ago
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Bhante S.5890 rep1

We walked out when they tried to put hair removal cream on my leg without asking. Total scam.

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answered about 2 months ago
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Emma L.5735 rep2

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