Day 3 - Spice Garden, Matale

Late in the afternoon, we visited a spice garden to view the different spices for which Sri Lanka is famous. I was introduced to different spices and shown how some of these spices are grown and processed.

Albeit, the place was a tourist trap. The tour was free and they explained all the "miracle" uses of the spices (i.e. curses for ailments). Then they insisted that I purchase some. It was a strong sell, but I could sense something was amiss. I refused. They were a little annoyed, but I didn't care.  I later read about this place on Trip Advisor. Many people stated what the purchased was misrepresented on the tour.  A total waste of money.

Pepper - turns black when dried.

Vanilla

Cardamon 

Nutmeg

Cloves

Ginger

Sandalwood

Cinnamon - this was a big wow for me. I have no idea how cinnamon looked like. 

The entire tree of cinnamon is cut off, sliced very thin and dried.  It takes about 4 years to grow back.