Discover the tranquility of Hurulu Eco Park – Located near Habarana in Sri Lanka’s North Central Province, Hurulu Eco Park is one of the country’s best-kept wildlife secrets. Famous for its role in the elephant migration corridor, the park offers thrilling jeep safaris and a more peaceful alternative to the busier Minneriya and Kaudulla National Parks.
Hurulu Eco Park Highlights
🌳 About Hurulu Eco Park
Hurulu Eco Park is a biosphere reserve and dry-zone forest that covers over 10,000 hectares. Established in 1977, it was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve due to its importance in preserving dry evergreen forest ecosystems and endangered species.
This park plays a vital role in the seasonal elephant migration between Kaudulla, Minneriya, and Hurulu, depending on where water and food are most abundant.
📍 Location
- Region: Habarana, North Central Sri Lanka
- Nearest Town: Habarana (5 km away)
- Distance from Sigiriya: 20–25 minutes by car
- Distance from Colombo: Approx. 180 km (~4.5 hours by car)
Easy access from Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, and Dambulla makes it a convenient choice for travelers in the Cultural Triangle.
🐘 Wildlife in Hurulu Eco Park
While the Asian elephant is the star attraction, the park is also home to:
- Indian Star Tortoises
- Sri Lankan junglefowl
- Sloth bears (rare)
- Leopards (rare and elusive)
- Sri Lankan axis deer
- Endemic lizards and reptiles
- Over 120 species of birds
🚙 Hurulu Safari Experience
A Hurulu Eco Park Jeep Safari is an open-air adventure where you’ll encounter wild elephants up close—often within meters of your vehicle.
- Safari Duration: 2.5 to 3 hours
- Departure Times: Morning (6:00 AM) & Afternoon (2:30 PM)
- Best Time to Visit: May to September, during the dry season when elephants gather in large numbers
- Safari Vehicle: 4×4 jeeps with experienced local drivers/guides
Hurulu is especially popular when Kaudulla or Minneriya parks are temporarily closed due to water levels or shifting elephant locations.
🎟️ Ticket Prices – Entrance Ticket, Safari Jeep, VAT
| Visitor Type | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Foreign Adult | USD 60–70 |
| Foreign Child | USD 30–35 |
| Sri Lankan Adult | LKR 100 |
| Jeep Entry Fee | LKR 300–500 |
Note: Prices may vary based on season and operator. Some tours bundle entry and jeep hire.
🌤️ Best Time to Visit Hurulu Eco Park
- Peak Season: May to September – ideal for elephant sightings
- Off-season: October to April – fewer elephants, more bird watching
- Avoid: Heavy rainy periods, when some tracks may be muddy or inaccessible
🛌 Where to Stay Nearby
- Habarana Village by Cinnamon
- The Other Corner – Eco Resort
- Sigiriya Jungles Hotel
- Budget guesthouses in Habarana or Sigiriya
Staying in Habarana offers easy access to all three parks: Hurulu, Kaudulla, and Minneriya.
🧳 Travel Tips
- Carry binoculars and a zoom camera lens
- Wear light, earth-toned clothes
- Bring a hat, sunscreen, and water
- Morning safaris are cooler; afternoon tours offer golden light for photography
- Book jeeps and guides through reliable tour companies or your hotel
✅ Why Choose Hurulu Eco Park Safari?
- Ideal during the dry season (when other parks are less active)
- Close to Sigiriya, Dambulla, and Habarana
- Less crowded than other popular parks
- Rich biodiversity in a UNESCO-recognized forest reserve
- Affordable and flexible safari experiences
Hurulu Eco Park is a hidden gem for wildlife enthusiasts, offering authentic elephant safaris and a serene nature experience. Whether you’re traveling with family or on a photography trip, this park promises unforgettable encounters with Sri Lanka’s wild side.
Safari Packages
Private Afternoon Tour Itinerary
- 1.00 pm: Pick up from your hotel in the Hurulu Eco Park area hotels (within 4km) and transfer to Hurulu Eco Park for Safari
- 1.30pm: Afternoon/Evening Hurulu Eco Park Safari Tour you can birds like Peacock, Eagle, Pelicans, Parrot, Crane, Parakeet, Owl and many more. As well animals like Deer, Rabbits, Wild Boar, Grey Langers, Monkey, Water Buffaloes, Crocodiles etc and Elephants depend on weather and season.
- 4.30pm – Drop back to your hotel (within 4km)
NOTE: Time may be change depend on traffic and weather conditions.
Afternoon Tour Price
Rate – Adults Fee – Per Person
- Entrance ticket fee for Hurulu Eco Park Tour & Jeep: Per Person Cost Price (min 2 Person) – US$ 65 / EUR 62/ GBP 50) per foreign adult and US$ 33 / EUR 31 / GBP 25 per foreign child of age 03 – 12 years are applicable.
What is Included
- Free pick up and drop will be provided free of charge only to main entrance (within 4km) Hurulu Eco Park area hotels only.
- Private Jeep for your group and Professional Safari Driver
- Hurulu Eco Park Safari Tour Entrance Tickets
- All applicable taxes.
- Hotel Pick up and Drop Off near Hurulu Eco Park (within 4km)
Excluded
- Food & Drink
- Tips for Driver