Exploring Popham’s Arboretum from Dambulla

An arboretum is a dedicated area where various tree species are cultivated for research and exhibition. Popham’s Arboretum, the only dry-zone arboretum in Sri Lanka, was established in 1963 by nature enthusiast Sam Popham. It is currently maintained by the Tree Society of Sri Lanka. The grounds offer peaceful walking trails and an impressive collection of semi-evergreen dry-zone flora. The surrounding woodland is excellent for birdwatching, and its famous night walk gives visitors the rare chance to spot the slender loris—one of the most elusive mammals in the world.