Lakruka
Lakruka
2.5
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2.5
21 reviews
Excellent
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Very good
3
Average
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7
Terrible
6
Jeremy88P
Milton Keynes, UK22 contributions
Sept 2018 • Couples
Like other reviews our tour driver dropped us here for a look; we had a quick demo of the different types of wood and how they make natural dyes before being shown the sales area.
There are loads of beautiful items but they are with a doubt overpriced - which is surprising as surely a factory direct selling should be cheaper! We were only after a small elephant but they were not willing to haggle to an acceptable position - in the end we walked away and ended up buying 2 elephants and a few magnets for the same price at the official Kandy Royal Botanical Garden gift shop!
There are loads of beautiful items but they are with a doubt overpriced - which is surprising as surely a factory direct selling should be cheaper! We were only after a small elephant but they were not willing to haggle to an acceptable position - in the end we walked away and ended up buying 2 elephants and a few magnets for the same price at the official Kandy Royal Botanical Garden gift shop!
Written 15 September 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Martini-duo
Billericay45 contributions
Jan 2018 • Couples
Taken here by our driver. (Seems to be the norm so not sure if they are on commission). Found it interesting as explained the different types of wood and why they were used for specific carvings. Also explained how dyes were made from wood adding lemon etc . Took the obligatory tour of the store and ended up buying a Buddha made of ebony. To be fair there was no pressure selling and we were looking to purchase a Buddha carving anyway. We were happy with our purchase until we got home and found the base on the right hand side was slightly damaged. Annoyed we didn’t notice it at the time of purchase but we were more intent on choosing a piece for the colour etc. Have emailed them since but obviously they aren’t going to do anything about it. Did we pay too much? We can’t say. We received a 20% discount for cash (supposedly) and to be honest we didn’t want to fight the masses in the shops @ Kandy so this suited us. What I would advise is pay what you are happy with paying, double check that your item is undamaged and be prepared to just walk away without purchasing anything!
Written 7 February 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jeremykml
London, UK663 contributions
Apr 2018 • Couples
Very pushy place.
Brought here by our driver.
Quick explanation on how they work at the beginning.
The price is so much expensive, it is higher than any decoration shop in any large city in the world. And it is factory price.
If you compared with Indonesia that offers better quality, it’s is easily 4-10 times more expensive.
I feel it’s really taking tourist for stupid people that haven’t seen the world.
Yes it’s hand carved yes it’s nice wood but it doesn’t justify the price.
It’s not because I can spend 100 usd for something that I want to spend it in a elephant wood carved.
Our vendor was not happy that we lower the price of the object we bought (which I already though was really over the top but I did it because I know drivers get their cut and it’s a way to help...) but you know what, dear vendor, if you don’t think it is worth what I offer you, then maybe don’t sell it to me.
Brought here by our driver.
Quick explanation on how they work at the beginning.
The price is so much expensive, it is higher than any decoration shop in any large city in the world. And it is factory price.
If you compared with Indonesia that offers better quality, it’s is easily 4-10 times more expensive.
I feel it’s really taking tourist for stupid people that haven’t seen the world.
Yes it’s hand carved yes it’s nice wood but it doesn’t justify the price.
It’s not because I can spend 100 usd for something that I want to spend it in a elephant wood carved.
Our vendor was not happy that we lower the price of the object we bought (which I already though was really over the top but I did it because I know drivers get their cut and it’s a way to help...) but you know what, dear vendor, if you don’t think it is worth what I offer you, then maybe don’t sell it to me.
Written 30 April 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
YuhanSA
Colombo, Sri Lanka64 contributions
Mar 2022
The wood crafts are well made and finely carved and finished. The display price is inclusive of the insane commissions the shop has to pay the guide/driver/travel company, so make sure you go in unaccompanied by any local. And request 60% discount and the shop will gladly oblige.
The sales staff is very friendly. Since there are many negative ratings of the shop regarding shipping items overseas, it is best to buy something you can take away with you.
The sales staff is very friendly. Since there are many negative ratings of the shop regarding shipping items overseas, it is best to buy something you can take away with you.
Written 18 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Terry M
Hamilton, Canada4,920 contributions
Jan 2020
Went here on the way to Kandy. There was a 10M talk about the types of woods used. The big tree near the road is mara wood. How different colours were made for dyes was shown. Some rather young looking female workers were doing some wood chipping. Other chaps were painting pieces of wood. The store behind is vast in size and prices. You do nevertheless get a nice overview of woodworking. The salesmen are not pushy, pushing the matter to 4 stars rather than 3 stars.
Written 24 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mushu111
England, UK34 contributions
Sept 2018 • Family
We visited in September 2018 and ordered a hand carved table for £1100. The one on display was damaged by the salesman and the owner offered to have a similar item made for us and to send photographs of the new table before shipment to the UK. We were insistent that we did not want the repaired display model and luckily took photographs of the item. After a number of weeks we had received nothing from them. After a number of e mails they sent us photographs which were of the supposed new table but clearly showed the repaired damaged one. The owners agreed to make a new table as promised. Despite further e mails we heard nothing more from them. Luckily we payed by credit card and were able to file a claim. Today the money was returned to our account via the credit card company. Please do not take a chance on this disreputable company and avoid. They have brought shame and disrespect on Sri Lanka and have soured what was an otherwise enjoyable visit.
Written 22 February 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Neetu S
1 contribution
Sept 2018 • Family
Please never buy here. Our driver brought us here. Prices are extremely high compared to Bali and Thailand. I purchased a chair and was told ALL shipping and receipt costs included. When the chair arrived in the UK...4 months later....I was told to pay an extra £270 for import costs. The company gave me 3 days to collect (during week only) or they charge an extra £12 per day. Their response....it's in your country do ad you please. They offer no refund and refused to accept liability for the UK import costs. I still don't have the chair as the dispute is ongoing. Appalling customer service and behaviour. Please DO NOT BUY FURNITURE FROM SRI LANKA FULL STOP....total rip off. The men in the shop are conmen.
Written 17 January 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
brynspot
Kingston, NJ USA129 contributions
Mar 2019
This IS a roadside tourist trap, but it was very interesting hearing about the different types of wood and seeing how the wood from one tree could change color depending on the acidity of the solution. Woodwork is everywhere in Sri Lankan temples, and we felt it was important to learn a little bit about the handicraft. Would I go out of my way to stop here, probably not, but if it's on the itinerary, don't pass it up.
Written 10 August 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
martini74
London, UK12 contributions
Jan 2019 • Friends
We purchased several wooden items that needed to be shipped however after months of contacting Lakruka they never arrived in the UK.
Written 18 May 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
An Sophie
1 contribution
Feb 2020
We bought a teak bench here for the price of 1000 €, all incl (shipping cost as well). However, the shipping company contacted us when the bench arrived in the port: more than 500 € extra to be paid within a week or an extra cost would be added every following day. We complained about it vàv Lakruka but we never received an answer.... Really disappointed. THIS IS DEFINETELY A TOURIST TRAP.
Written 30 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Do not buy anything from this place!
This is a tourist trap. Staff here is trained to scam people. Prices are ridiculous. Everything is beyond expensive, not only for foreigners but for locals like myself as well. Don't let them talk you into buying anything from them. People who run this business are shameless. Just stay away. You Have Been Warned.
Written 20 February 2019
We visited this place in February 2020 & yes the staff are very good sales people. Not scammers in our experience.
We did though fall in love with a massive tree root which with a glass top creates a beautiful coffee table.
We negotiated what we thought was a fair price to pay for it. Considerably less than the asking price.
The hard part in our minds was the concern about the exact piece turning up at our doorstep in Australia. Would it be the exact piece we chose? Would it be in one piece Undamaged? Would it have correct fumigation certificate? You hear horror stories!!!
I am delighted to say it turned up today, delayed through covid , however we are delighted & would highly recommend this company.
Yes it’s a bit of a tourist trap - but you are a tourist in a foreign country, so get over it.
We have a beautiful & functional piece of furniture & wonderful memories of SL.
Written 19 June 2020
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