Fake Ayurveda retreats in Kandy overcharging tourists

Asked about 7 hours agoViewed 1575 times
N
Noah D.1045 rep2
asked about 7 hours 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.

21
asked about 7 hours ago
N
Noah D.1045 rep2

6 Answers

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.

23
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answered about 6 hours ago
B
Bhante S.1020 rep1

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

25
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answered about 6 hours ago
E
Emma L.1105 rep2

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

22
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answered about 6 hours ago
E
Emma L.1105 rep2

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

19
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answered about 6 hours ago
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Bhante S.1020 rep1

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

8
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answered about 6 hours ago
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Noah D.1045 rep2

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

7
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answered about 6 hours ago
D
Dr. Nimal.480 rep1

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