Hurulu Eco Park, located near Habarana in Sri Lanka’s North Central Province, is a pristine dry-zone forest reserve that offers an immersive wildlife experience away from the crowds. Part of the larger Hurulu Forest Reserve, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the park serves as an important corridor connecting Minneriya and Kaudulla National Parks, making it a crucial habitat for elephants and other wildlife. Visitors often have the chance to see herds of wild elephants grazing along the forest edges, especially during the dry season when water is scarce.
The park is also home to a rich variety of other animals, including axis deer, wild boar, monkeys, and star tortoises, as well as over 120 bird species such as peacocks, junglefowl, and colorful parrots. For those interested in spotting rare wildlife, sloth bears and leopards inhabit the park, although sightings are uncommon and require patience.
Exploring Hurulu Eco Park is best done on a jeep safari with knowledgeable local guides who lead visitors through the forest at times when wildlife is most active, usually in the early morning or late afternoon. The park’s proximity to the Cultural Triangle makes it easy to combine a safari with visits to Sigiriya, Dambulla, or Polonnaruwa. Unlike busier national parks, Hurulu Eco Park provides a tranquil and authentic wildlife experience, where nature thrives with minimal human disturbance, making it an ideal destination for families, photographers, and nature lovers alike.