Fake spice gardens pressuring tourists to buy expensive oils

Asked about 3 hours agoViewed 232 times
N
Noah D.2270 rep2
asked about 3 hours 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.

31
asked about 3 hours ago
N
Noah D.2270 rep2

4 Answers

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.

21
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answered about 3 hours ago
D
Dr. Nimal.1610 rep1

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

50
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answered about 3 hours ago
E
Emma L.1885 rep2

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

37
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answered about 3 hours ago
B
Bhante S.1180 rep1

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

37
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answered about 3 hours ago
N
Noah D.2270 rep2

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