Fake Ayurvedic spice gardens on the road to Matale

Asked about 12 hours agoViewed 3116 times
M
Mia S.2340 rep2
asked about 12 hours ago

Our driver insists on stopping at an Ayurvedic spice garden near Matale for a "free educational tour". I have heard these are tourist traps. What actually happens inside.

31
asked about 12 hours ago
M
Mia S.2340 rep2

7 Answers

Accepted Answer

It is a high-pressure sales trap. A "doctor" gives you a quick tour of a few plants, then offers a "free" shoulder massage. Finally, they herd you into a closed pharmacy room and try to sell you generic creams (like aloe vera or hair removal cream) for exorbitant prices, sometimes 100 USD or more. The driver gets a 50% commission. Firmly refuse to stop there.

10
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answered about 12 hours ago
A
Amali D.3530 rep1

You can, but they will follow you to your car begging for tips, and your driver will be visibly angry.

41
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answered about 11 hours ago
A
Amali D.3530 rep1

If they do that, immediately threaten to dial 1912 (Tourist Police). They will open the door instantly.

38
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answered about 11 hours ago
K
Kamal P.3610 rep1

We got stuck in one. The massage was okay, but the guilt trip to buy their "miracle cure for asthma" was exhausting.

30
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answered about 12 hours ago
L
Leo D.2555 rep2

They actually locked the pharmacy door on us until we bought a small bottle of tiger balm.

22
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answered about 11 hours ago
L
Leo D.2555 rep2

If you want genuine Ayurvedic medicine, buy it from an Osu Sala (government pharmacy). They have fixed, cheap prices.

20
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answered about 11 hours ago
K
Kamal P.3610 rep1

Can we just do the tour and not buy anything.

10
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answered about 11 hours ago
M
Mia S.2340 rep2

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