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Hurulu Eco Park (part of the Hurulu Forest Reserve) is a dry-zone evergreen forest located near Habarana in Sri Lanka’s North Central Province. It forms a key section of the Minneriya–Kaudulla–Hurulu Elephant Corridor, making it an important habitat for the island’s free-roaming elephant herds. Interestingly this park is managed the Sri Lanka Forest Department, while the most other parks in Sri Lanka are managed by the Wildlife Department of Sri Lanka.
Hurulu has rich birdlife due to forest, scrub, and tank habitats.
(Not as prominent but present)
The best season for safari in Hurulu Eco Park is from June to September, when large elephant herds migrate into the park from Minneriya and Kaudulla due to the drying of Minneriya Tank, making elephant sightings extremely reliable. The period from November to February is also very good, as the forest becomes lush and green after the monsoon, offering excellent photography conditions and plenty of birdlife, with elephants still present but more spread out. Hurulu remains a good year-round safari destination overall, though wildlife movements may vary during transitional months like March–May and October.
The main and most commonly used entrance to Hurulu Eco Park is the Habarana Entrance, located just a few minutes from Habarana town. This is the official Department of Forest Conservation gate and the starting point for all standard jeep safaris. Almost all visitors access the park through this entrance because it is the closest to Habarana’s hotels, provides easy access to safari jeep services, and connects directly to the main internal safari tracks. Some secondary access routes exist for wildlife officers and local forest users, but these are not open to tourists, jeeps can exist form those places. Therefore, for all practical safari purposes, Hurulu Eco Park is entered exclusively through the Habarana side entrance.
Hurulu Eco Park offers a quieter, more forested safari experience compared to Minneriya and Kaudulla National Parks, with reliable elephant sightings in smaller herds and lower visitor crowds, making it ideal for a peaceful wildlife experience. Minneriya is famous for “The Gathering,” where the largest elephant herds congregate during July–September, but it can be crowded during peak season. Kaudulla provides a good alternative, with moderate crowds and a mix of grasslands, forest patches, and water bodies, also attracting migrating elephants. All three parks have limited facilities inside—basic washrooms at select points—but food and proper rest areas are generally available only near nearby towns or lodges, such as Habarana for Hurulu, Habarana/Polonnaruwa for Minneriya, and Kaudulla village for Kaudulla National Park.
| Experience | Important Facts |
|---|---|
| Habarana village walk | Experience rural life, chena cultivation, and traditional village homes |
| Cycling tours | Flat terrain around Habarana and forest edges, suitable for easy cycling |
| Sigiriya Rock Fortress | UNESCO World Heritage Site, about 40 minutes from Hurulu |
| Pidurangala Rock | Popular sunset viewpoint with panoramic views, near Sigiriya |
| Minneriya National Park safari | Alternative elephant safari depending on migration season |
| Kaudulla National Park safari | Less crowded elephant safari option close to Hurulu |
| Birdwatching near tanks | Best in early morning; rich waterbird and forest bird diversity |
| Village tank boat ride | Traditional catamaran rides on small reservoirs |
| Cultural village cooking | Learn and taste authentic Sri Lankan village-style food |
| Nature photography | Lush forests, wildlife, and dramatic dry-zone sunsets |
We Operate Premium Safari Experiences in all National Parks
Our clients enjoy comfort of our luxury vehicles for round tours
Ariana & family from Australia, Welcome to Sri Lanka
Subho with a Snake at Telijjawila Snake Farm
Quick Lunch to save time for more safari time in Wilpattu National Park
Salby & his family from Israel visited Sri Lanka
After a Guided Bird Watching Tour in Wilpattu National Park
Lunch Break During A Full Day Safari at Wilpattu NP, Sri Lanka
Kids love the Sri Lankan sandy beaches and sun
Paul Photographing a Leopard Cub in Wilpattu National Park
Monika & Toni from Poland at Udawalawe National Park safari
Our clients use luxury safari jeeps in Sri Lanka
Our clients enjoy our premium wildlife tours, Udawalawe, Sri Lanka
Waterfalls are a main attractions of many guests coming to Sri Lanka
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Time for a Photo during Udawalawe Safari of Josh White
We Welcomed Young Wildlife Lovers, Shreya and Subho from India
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Shreya & Subho Enjoying freedom at Weheragala Dam, Yala Block V, Sri Lanka
Saskia from Tasmania at Wilpattu National Park
Small break during a Bird Watching Tour in Wilpattu National Park, Sri Lanka
Christa from Switzerland was welcomed at the Colombo Airport
Danny and his family & friends at Nine Arch Bridge, Sri Lanka
Salby & his family enjoying hiking time, Sri Lanka
Danny & his family returned to Sri Lanka after 40 years
Janice & Family from Australia were Welcomed
Phill & family spent 2 nights in Wavul Abe Wildlife Bungalow, Wasgamuwa NP, Sri Lanka
Our clients enjoying Ella Swing in Ravana Pool Club
Shreya & Subho during Safari in Yala Block V, Sri Lanka
Cultural sites of part of the round tours of Sri Lanka
Evening Peaceful Time at Galle Fort Light House, Sri Lanka
Janice at Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Sri Lanka
Pauls Second Trip to Wilpattu National Park
Guided Bird Watching Tour in Horton Plains
Our Clients Preparing for a Kumana Evening Safari, Sri Lanka
Marina & her friends from Serbia enjoying our Premium Safari
Paul And The Team During 2 Days Wilpattu Safari, Sri Lanka
Family visit to Peradeniya Botanical Garden
Julie & friends received a grand welcome