A unique Arboretum in Sri Lanka's dry zone established 1963 on 7.5 acres of thorny scrub jungle and abandoned ‘Chena’ land in Dambulla which is in the geographical center of our island, where history and culture merge amidst a natural landscape of water and mountains. In 1999 further 27 acres were acquired and added to the arboretum. Come and experience the wonders of the dry zone forest, meander
along marked walking trails with our well informed guides, spend a while at our visitor center and museum housed in Sam Popham's cottage designed by Geoffrey Bawa. What to see at the Arboretum
• Timber Trees: 102 species
• Medicinal Plants: 72 species
• Flowering Plants: 20 species
(All together 282 plants belonging to 67 families with Herbaceous, climbers and parasites)
• Mammals including bats:
• Birdlife: 83 species with migrants
• Butterflies: 67 species
• Dragonflies: 12species
Accommodation
Rooms are available for those nature lovers who wish to have a little comfort. Tents are available for those who prefer the outdoors. A night safari is also offered as part of the package, where, depending on your luck you could see the shy Mouse deer, Pangolin, False vampire bat, spotted deer, Rusty-spotted cat, and the Loris as they come out to feed in the early part of the night, as well ideal place for Bird watching....
Meals
Inexpensive meals could be ordered locally
Eco tours to the Menikdena, Sigiriya, Pidurangala, could be organized with a trained guide. The Popham Arboretum is run for educational purpose for our future generation. Your valuable donation/contribution for its upkeep is welcome
