Dambulla is an eminent town in Sri Lanka known for its rich cultural legacy, historical significance and nearby tourist locations. One such location is Popham’s Arboretum, an abode of biodiversity and is Sri Lanka’s sole dry zone consisting of diverse fauna such as birds, butterflies, and mammals. Every nature lover’s dream, Popham’s Arboretum is the ideal spot for tourists wanting to escape the busy mainland and immerse themselves in a relaxing environment.
Overview Of Popham’s Arboretum
Image Credit: Public Domain for Wikipedia
Popham’s Arboretum is nestled on the Dambulla- Kandalama Road in Sri Lanka, and a wide array of trees, dragonflies, flora, and other wildlife can be seen here. The area offers a one-of-a-kind experience to its tourists where they get the opportunity to stroll around the scenic hiking trails, surrounded by never-ending greenery and a calming atmosphere. There are footpaths constructed in the area where wooden bridges are built upon little streams and travellers get the chance to immerse themselves in the picturesque setting with birds chirping in the background.
A spectacular collection of these birds can be seen, and it is a paradise for all birdwatchers as diverse species of these birds, such as Flower Peckers, Paradise Magpie Robbins, Crimson backed Woodpeckers, and so on, make their habitat in this area. Besides being a tourist spot, it is well known for being a research and conservation centre. To achieve their goals of sustainable land management and biodiversity conservation, they have collaborated with local and international researchers to study this topic in depth.
Must Read: Most Beautiful Places In Sri Lanka
Things To Do At Popham’s Arboretum
Discover exceptional things to do at Popham’s Arboretum for a mind-blowing experience. These include:-
1. Night Safari
Image Credit: By Kalyan Varma (Kalyanvarma) for Wikipedia
Perhaps the most interesting treat for adventure enthusiasts is the Popham’s Arboretum night safari. The night safari is known for showing tourists the two most distinctive species, the grey slender loris and the scaly anteater. Spotting the former has been the primary attraction for tourists who come to the area from all over the world. The night safari begins at approximately 7 p.m., and groups of travellers are led into the dense forest by a professional naturalist.
The naturalist uses a red light while walking along the trails and advises the tourists to use only a few white flashes to avoid rocks, roots, or animals that may come in the way. The Loris are most likely to be found in the area, and the night safari continues until at least one of them is seen by the tourists. Because of their arboreal and nocturnal nature, these creatures are more likely to be seen only during the night.
2. Sightseeing At The Arboretum
Image Credit: By Shukran888 for Wikipedia
In the rock outcrop of the arboretum, visitors can take in the spectacular sight of moving fireflies, the clear air and beautiful night sky that acts as a backdrop for these fireflies truly makes it an unforgettable experience.
Suggested Read: Activities To Do In Sri Lanka
3. Other Activities
Besides this, tourists can partake in other activities such as bird watching, photography, picnicking, and so on. The area offers lodging facilities and camping areas once researchers and visitors are informed prior to their visit.
How To Reach Popham’s Arboretum
Due to its central location at Dambulla in Sri Lanka, Popham’s Arboretum can be visited through different modes of transport from locations such as Colombo, Kandy and Dambulla.
From Colombo
Image Credit: XKillSwitchXxx for Wikimedia Commons
By Car/Taxi
Visitors can take the A1 highway from Colombo that goes to Kandy and from Kandy, the route can be continued on the A9 highway that connects to Dambulla. The distance from this route is approximately 150 kilometres and the travel time is three to four hours. Once reached to the town of Dambulla, the arboretum is a few kilometres away. The precise location can be found through a GPS.
By Bus
Buses are available at the Colombo Fort Bus Station, and a direct bus can be boarded from there to reach Dambulla. Travel time on this route is approximately four to five hours, and visitors can hire a taxi or a tuk-tuk from the bus stop to reach the arboretum.
From Kandy
Image Credit: RuchiraRandana for Wikimedia Commons
By Car/Taxi
Visitors can take Highway A9 to reach Dambulla town. The distance is around 72 kilometres, and the travel time is one and a half to two hours.
By Bus
A bus can be boarded from the Kandy Central Bus Station to reach Dambulla and over 2 hours of travel time is added. A tuk-tuk or a taxi can then be taken to reach the sanctuary.
From Dambulla
Golden Temple of Dambulla
Image Credit: By Lankapic for Wikimedia Commons
Straightway, taxis and tuk-tuks are available to reach the destination.
All in all, reaching the attraction is an experience in itself no matter what route or mode of transport you choose.
Suggested Read: Places To See In Dambulla
3 Places To See Near Popham’s Arboretum
Besides the stunning arboretum, there are a few other places to visit when visiting the town of Dambulla.
1. Dambulla Cave Temple
Image Credit: Philip Nalangan for Wikimedia Commons
It is a magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest Buddhist Pilgrimage centre in Sri Lanka. Tourists can visit the five prominent caves that are a part of this temple, which are lined up with over 150 marvellous statues of Lord Buddha. The intricately designed cave paintings and vibrant murals are a must-see when visiting the Dambulla Cave Temple.
Timings: 7:00 am to 7:00 pm. The ticket counter will close at 5:00 pm
Entry Fee: INR 600
2. Sigiriya
Image Credit: Binuka poojan for Wikimedia Commons
Sigiriya is one of the most prestigious and important landmark locations that boasts the rich history and cultural legacy of Sri Lanka. The Sigiriya Lion Rock is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a stunning fortress resting atop a volcanic plateau. The palace interiors are surrounded by lovely gardens and murals.
Timings: 7:00 am to 7:00 pm
Entry Fee: Per adult, LKR 5000
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Sri Lanka In 2 Days
3. Jathika Namal Uyana
Image Credit: Chethiyanidushan for Wikimedia Commons
It is a quaint offbeat place, a paradise for all nature lovers. The largest ironwood forest in South Asia, this place allows tourists to bask in the gorgeous views offered by its surroundings, stroll around the alluring trails and observe a diverse range of wildlife.
Timings: 7:00 am to 5:00 pm
Entry Fee: INR 500
Further Read: Best Places To Visit In Colombo
Make a trip to Sri Lanka and visit Popham’s Arboretum in Dambulla, offers tourists a chance to escape the daily hustle and bustle of life. The scenic views, breathtaking biodiversity, and magnificent night safari are sure to leave everyone in awe. They will allow tourists to build a connection with nature and enjoy with their loved ones.
For our editorial codes of conduct and copyright disclaimer, please click here.
Cover Image Credit: Arpingstone for Wikimedia Commons
Frequently Asked Questions About Propham’s Arboretum
Is there an entry fee necessary to visit Propham’s Arboretum?
Yes, an entry fee of INR 600 is charged when visiting the arboretum.
What is the best time to visit Propham’s Arboretum?
The best time to visit Popham's Arboretum is from the month of May to the month of October when the weather is pleasant.
Are there any restaurants located near the arboretum?
Yes there are quite a lot of options for visitors wanting to take a break and eat near the area. Some of the most prominent restaurants are Sandra restaurant, Athula restaurant, Golden Palace restaurant, King’s Cafe, Mango Tree restaurant and so on.
What are the busiest days of Popham’s Arboretum?
The busiest days are Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
What is the average time that people tend to spend at the arboretum?
It usually depends as per the individual’s choice but the average time that a traveller spends at the arboretum is roughly an hour to an hour and a half.
People Also Read:
Places To Visit In Badulla Temples In Andhra Pradesh Best Temples In Colombo
Embrace the essence of surreal places around the world through perfect narratives with a touch of imagination. As a content writer, I weave my ideas and words together to create a vivid picture of alluring destinations. Embark on limitless adventures as you read thrilling travel stories.
