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Pinnawala fake orphanage guides redirecting tourists to expensive spice gardens

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M
Mia S.•5720 rep•2

We hired a driver to go to Pinnawala after a night out in Kandy. He took us to a "millennium elephant" place instead and then pushed a spice garden. Is Pinnawala closed.

21
kandywildlifebudget-traveltransportation

4 Answers from travellers

✓Accepted Answer

Pinnawala is definitely not closed. Your driver took you to a private elephant riding facility because they pay him a massive commission. The same goes for the spice garden. This is the most classic transport scam in Sri Lanka. Insist firmly on your destination using Google Maps.

28
T
Tariq W.•6630 rep•1

Those private facilities often use cruel chaining and bullhooks. By redirecting you, the driver is supporting unethical wildlife tourism.

41
K
Kamal P.•7680 rep•1

If your driver refuses to take you to the actual government-run Pinnawala site, threaten to cancel the ride and withhold his pay.

26
L
Leo D.•2580 rep•2

I hate when they do this. Do not buy anything from the spice garden, it is all fake and overpriced.

25
C
Chloe T.•2470 rep•2

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