20 July 2023 , Dambulla
Medial Note:
NIFS-Popham Arboretum is situated about two and half kilometres away from Dambulla by the Kandalama road. This unique site was owned by an Englishman, Mr. F. H. (Sam) Popham, who gifted it to NIFS in 1989 to carry out research and educational activities.
Original site bought by Popham in 1963 was a seven and half acre-scrub jungle. Popham allowed the indigenous tree saplings in the site to emerge and establish by removing the 'weedy' shrubs around them. Consequently, the original scrub jungle was turned into a tall woodland with a closed canopy. After taking over the land in 1989, NIFS bought and added another 27 acres of adjoining scrub land and expanded the arboretum. Popham's method of "Assisted Natural Regeneration (ANR)" was practiced.
(Note: NIFS- National Institute of Fundamental Studies)
The Arboretum and Tourist’s attraction:
This arboretum is visited by many local and overseas researchers for educational purposes and ecological research. It is also a popular tourist destination owing to the presence of unique fauna such as Slender Loris, Pangolin and a rich vegetation consisting of over 300 species of plants.
It is located in between Kandalama Hotel and Dambulla town on the Kandalama Dambulla road. This is an ideal place for the foreign tourists to visit and spend some time in a very peaceful cool environment. Furthermore, following factors, facilities and available activities are the key factors important for tourist attraction.
