Fake spice gardens pressuring tourists to buy expensive oils

Asked about 2 months agoSeen by 558 travellers30 found this helpful
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Noah D.12295 rep2
asked about 2 months ago

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

30
asked about 2 months ago
N
Noah D.12295 rep2

4 Answers from travellers

Accepted Answer

It is a high-pressure sales trap. A "doctor" gives you a quick tour, 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 massive commission. Firmly refuse to stop there.

5
answered about 2 months ago
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Dr. Nimal.8810 rep1

We got stuck in one. The guilt trip to buy their "miracle cure for asthma" was exhausting.

24
answered about 2 months ago
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Emma L.10385 rep2

I told the driver no, and he was grumpy, but we saved ourselves 2 hours of hassle.

12
answered about 2 months ago
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Noah D.12295 rep2

If you want genuine Ayurvedic medicine, buy it from a government-registered Osu Sala pharmacy.

7
answered about 2 months ago
B
Bhante S.10260 rep1

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