Hurulu Eco Park Safari

Hurulu Eco Park is the unsung hero of Sri Lankan safaris. While Minneriya and Kaudulla take the spotlight during the dry season, Hurulu is the vital sanctuary for the herds when the other parks are flooded (typically November to March). It offers a different, wilder forest experience.

What You’ll See

Unlike the open plains of Minneriya, Hurulu features dense scrublands and tall forests. This means tracking elephants here is a thrilling, authentic wildlife experience. You can spot:

• Resident elephant herds (typically 50-150 individuals)
• Leopards and rusty-spotted cats (rare but occasionally seen)
• Endemic birds like the Sri Lankan junglefowl and brown-capped babbler
• Giant squirrels swinging through the canopy

Itinerary

• 13:30 - Pickup from your hotel in Sigiriya, Dambulla, or Habarana. (Morning safaris at 05:30 are also available).
• 14:00 - Arrive at Hurulu Eco Park and begin tracking.
• 14:30 - 17:30 - Navigate the forest trails. The dense vegetation makes every turn a potential surprise, requiring sharp eyes and an expert tracker.
• 18:00 - Drop-off back at your hotel.

A Note from Our Guides

“Hurulu is fantastic for those who love the thrill of tracking in a real forest environment. It is our go-to recommendation from November to March when the big lakes in the other parks are too full for the elephants to gather.”