budget-travel

Fake guides demanding money at Bambarakanda Falls base

Asked 7 months agoSeen by 2,349 travellers

Oliver B.•6080 rep•2

We drove to Bambarakanda Falls (the tallest in SL). A local teenager jumped on our tuk tuk, pointed the way, and then demanded 3000 rupees for "guiding" us. How do we avoid this.

budget-travel transportation

asked 7 months ago

Oliver B.•6080 rep•2

4 Answers from travellers

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This is an annoying scam at Kalupahana. The path to the base of Bambarakanda is a single, clear road that you literally cannot miss. You do not need a guide. If someone jumps on your vehicle, stop immediately and firmly tell them to get off. Do not let them walk with you, or they will insist they provided a service.

answered 7 months ago

Amali D.•3820 rep•1

I just gave the kid 200 rupees to leave us alone. It was easier than fighting about it.

answered 7 months ago

Sophia M.•3365 rep•2

Thanks, I will be much firmer next time I visit a waterfall.

answered 7 months ago

Oliver B.•6080 rep•2

If you want to hike to the UPPER falls (Lanka Ella), you actually might want a legitimate guide, but hire them from the eco-lodges nearby, not off the street.