Health concerns drinking toddy during Colombo Vesak festival
3 Answers from travellers
You will not find toddy at Vesak street stalls. Vesak is a deeply religious Buddhist festival, and the sale or distribution of all alcohol (including naturally fermented toddy) and meat is strictly banned nationwide. Anyone offering you a fermented drink on the street during Vesak is likely offering something illicit or unsanitary. Stick to the free Dansal food and iced fruit cordials, which are safe and monitored.
If you have a sensitive stomach, just drink King Coconut water instead. It is 100% natural and sealed by nature.
Even outside of Vesak, you rarely find real toddy in central Colombo. You have to go to the taverns on the city outskirts.
Scam Watch: colombo
Driver claims the meter is broken and quotes an inflated flat rate. Common on arrival at airport or railway stations when tourists are tired and disoriented.
Drivers wearing official-looking uniforms claim to be "government-approved" and charge 3-5x normal rates. They may have fake badges or ID cards.
Women with babies approach asking you to buy milk powder at a nearby shop (not cash). The shop is run by accomplices and charges 5-10x normal price.
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