Hurulu Eco Park, Sri Lanka

Hurulu Eco Park is a forest reserve near Habarana in the Cultural Triangle, and part of a wider biosphere reserve. It's linked by wildlife corridors to Minneriya and Kaudulla, so elephant herds move between all three depending on rain and grazing.

Local jeep drivers know where the elephants are from week to week. Hurulu is often the best choice around the end of the year and in the early months, when the herds have left Minneriya.

What you might see

• Wild elephants — the main reason to come, often in family groups.
• Birds — peafowl, eagles, bee-eaters and more.
• Other wildlife — deer, monkeys and mongooses. Leopards and sloth bears live here but are rarely seen.
• Scenery — dry forest, grassland and rocky outcrops.

Visiting tips

• Book through your guesthouse or a driver in Habarana or Sigiriya, and ask which park the elephants are in that day.
• A safari takes around 3 hours, and late afternoon is a favourite time.
• Stay in the jeep, keep noise down and ask your driver not to crowd the animals. See our elephant guide.
• Bring water, a hat and a light layer for early mornings.

When to visit

Herds move through the year. Hurulu is often good from around October to March, but this varies, so ask locally. See our safari guide.

Getting there

The entrance is close to Habarana, about 30 minutes from Sigiriya by car or jeep. Most safari jeeps pick you up from your hotel. Our Cultural Triangle itinerary shows how to fit it in.