Popham Arboretum
A dry-zone woodland near Dambulla grown by an Englishman from scrub, using a method of selective clearing.
Updated 2 September 2026
Sam Popham bought seven acres of degraded scrub near Dambulla in 1963 and set about growing dry-zone forest on it by a simple method: cutting back the scrub around whatever tree seedlings appeared and letting them go, rather than planting. It worked, and the arboretum now covers around thirty-six hectares of mature dry-zone woodland with labelled trails. Night walks are run to find slender loris, which are reliably seen here.
What's there
- The regrown forest - dry-zone woodland raised from scrub by selective clearing.
- The slender loris - reliably found on guided night walks.
- The labelled trails - paths through the woodland with tree identification.
- Popham's bungalow - the house he built and lived in on the site.
When to go
January to April is the driest. Night walks run through the year and are the main draw. Early morning is best for birds.
Things to know
The arboretum is small and the daytime walk takes an hour. Night walks must be booked and the loris are not guaranteed. Facilities are simple.
Nearby
Dambulla is nearby, and Sigiriya is northeast.
What to pack for Popham Arboretum
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
- Broken-in walking shoes or boots - Grip and ankle support matter more than looks; never hike in brand-new boots. Find on Amazon
- Layers + a waterproof shell - Mountain weather turns fast; a packable rain jacket saves the day. Find on Amazon
- Daypack with rain cover - 20-30 litres holds water, snacks, layers and a first-aid kit. Find on Amazon
- Offline maps + a power bank - Download the trail before you lose signal; carry backup charge. Find on Amazon
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Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
