Fake spice gardens pressuring tourists to buy expensive oils
4 Answers from travellers
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.
We got stuck in one. The guilt trip to buy their "miracle cure for asthma" was exhausting.
I told the driver no, and he was grumpy, but we saved ourselves 2 hours of hassle.
If you want genuine Ayurvedic medicine, buy it from a government-registered Osu Sala pharmacy.
Scam Watch: kandy
TukTuk or tour drivers take you to "gem museums" or "government-certified" gem shops. They receive huge commissions (up to 40%) on anything you buy. Prices are inflated 3-10x the actual value.
Men approach tourists near Temple of the Tooth offering to be guides. After the tour, they demand large "donations" or guide fees (5000-10000 LKR).
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