Fake Ayurvedic spice gardens on the road to Matale
7 Answers from travellers
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.
They actually locked the pharmacy door on us until we bought a small bottle of tiger balm.
If they do that, immediately threaten to dial 1912 (Tourist Police). They will open the door instantly.
We got stuck in one. The massage was okay, but the guilt trip to buy their "miracle cure for asthma" was exhausting.
You can, but they will follow you to your car begging for tips, and your driver will be visibly angry.
If you want genuine Ayurvedic medicine, buy it from an Osu Sala (government pharmacy). They have fixed, cheap prices.
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