Kandy Ayurvedic massage centers vs cheap tourist spas
3 Answers from travellers
Authentic centers are registered with the Department of Ayurveda and will ALWAYS have a qualified Ayurvedic doctor consult you and check your dosha (pulse) before assigning an oil or treatment. If a place just hands you a laminated menu of "relaxing massages" and leads you straight to a table, it is a tourist spa, not real Ayurveda.
Real Ayurvedic massages are quite oily and involve a lot of vigorous, sweeping strokes. It is therapeutic, but not always "relaxing" in the western spa sense.
Avoid places where tuk-tuk drivers aggressively try to take you. They are just taking you to the spot that pays them the highest commission.
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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