Spice gardens in Sri Lanka - which ones are genuine vs tourist traps?
Every driver seems to want to stop at a spice garden. How do I know which ones are authentic and not just overpriced tourist shops?
3 Answers from travellers
Most roadside 'spice gardens' are tourist traps with high-pressure sales. If you want a genuine experience, visit a working spice plantation like those around Matale or Kandy that supply exporters. Or ask a local guesthouse owner to take you to a small family spice garden where they actually grow and process for local use. You can buy good quality spices in supermarkets or dedicated shops in Colombo (like at Good Market) without the tour.
Avoiding the driver-recommended ones then. Will ask at our guesthouse.
The ones attached to big hotels or on the main tourist routes are usually the worst. Small village ones are better but hard to find without local connections.
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