Popham's Arboretum Tourism

Type of destination: Arboretum/Nature Reserve

Ideal visit duration: 2-3 hours

Popham's Arboretum is a natural sanctuary dedicated to the preservation and study of Sri Lanka's indigenous trees and shrubs. It is located near Dambulla, a town renowned for its rich cultural heritage and historical significance with cave temples dating back to the 1st century BCE. Named after its founder, Sam Popham, who started the arboretum in 1963, it extends over 7.5 hectares of tropical dry-zone forest. This arboretum is a haven for nature lovers, researchers, and anyone interested in the biodiversity of Sri Lanka. Unlike manicured botanical gardens, Popham's Arboretum offers a unique, natural experience where visitors can appreciate the beauty of an untouched dry-zone forest ecosystem. Walking trails meander through the dense collection of flora, which includes a variety of endemic and endangered species, offering a glimpse into the complex interrelationships within the forest. Alongside flora, the arboretum is also home to an array of fauna including birds, butterflies, and small mammals, making it an ideal spot for birdwatching and wildlife observation. The arboretum continues to serve as an educational resource that emphasizes the importance of conservation and sustainable interaction with natural environments.

Top 5 Reviews on Popham's Arboretum

Explorer09078612136

Wrote on 13th Apr, 2024

"loris at night" walking tour was really fun

We popped in during the day to see the house that Geoffery Bawa designed (pretty cool) and to see a 400+ year old ebony tree. Then learned about the night safari led by the facility coordinator and c..

306amaw

Wrote on 19th Jan, 2024

Great service

Didn’t have an opportunity to visit at night. So that tour might be much interesting. Foods are delivered by a nearby house which is really delicious.

G2385PYsophiak

Wrote on 16th Sep, 2023

Unexpected cheap gem of a find- many lorises!

This is an excellent government-run small reserve with local guides, one of whom had worked on the project since inception in the 80s. Our homestay host found it for us as a MUCH cheaper and more ethi..

lorenzgabrielb

Wrote on 12th Mar, 2022

Jungle and Architecture

A friend recommended this beautiful hidden jungle-garden. We walked there for more than an hour and saw so many different trees and bird. For architects it‘s very nice to see the main building by the ..

Sandya-and-Erik

Wrote on 18th Feb, 2022

Great for naturalists

Well the daytime walk for us was worth the Rs 1000 (USD5), but as we're not naturalists and more used to botanical gardens it was on the edge. By being deliberately as natural and basic as possible, w..

Popham's Arboretum Tourism

Popham's Arboretum Tourism

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