Hurulu Eco Park Safari: Private Jeep Tour in Habarana

Summary

Wildlife Safari Experience in Sri Lanka’s Hurulu Forest Reserve

You’ll ride through Hurulu Eco Park in a private jeep with a local guide who knows every shortcut and animal call. See wild elephants up close (but not too close), spot rare birds if you’re lucky, and get a real feel for Sri Lanka’s forests and open land. It’s quiet adventure—no crowds or fences—just you and nature.

What’s the experience like?

Right after sunrise, we hopped into a battered 4x4 at the edge of Hurulu Eco Park. The air was cool but already tinged with that earthy scent you get after a night of rain—mud, leaves, something sweet from the grass. Our driver, Sunil, grew up nearby and seemed to know every bump in the track. He pointed out a flash of blue in the trees—Indian roller bird, he said—and I barely caught it before it vanished.

The park itself is huge—over 10,000 hectares—and feels wild in a way you don’t always expect. You’ll see patches of thick forest broken up by open grasslands and old rice paddies where farmers still work. We passed a group of toque macaques squabbling over jackfruit peels near the road. Then, just as we rounded a bend, there they were: a small herd of Sri Lankan elephants moving quietly through the brush. No crowds, just us and the low rumble of the jeep engine. Sunil kept his distance but explained how sometimes elephants wander into farmland—he called it “the old argument between people and giants.”

If you’re into birdwatching, bring binoculars. We spotted green bee-eaters darting after insects and even caught sight of a crested serpent eagle perched above a dry stream bed. The whole drive took about three hours but honestly, time slipped away out there. On the way back, I noticed how the sun had dried the mud on my shoes—a small thing, but it stuck with me.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hurulu Eco Park Safari

• Game drive through Hurulu Eco Park
• Wildlife and birdwatching with safari guide

Top questions

Will we definitely see elephants?

Wildlife sightings can’t be guaranteed since animals roam freely, but Hurulu Eco Park is well known for its elephant herds—most visitors do spot them.

Is this suitable for kids?

Yes, kids usually love the safari! Just keep in mind the ride can be bumpy and there’s no restroom inside the park.

What should I wear?

Light clothes you don’t mind getting dusty are best. Closed shoes help if you step out at any point. Bring sunscreen and maybe a hat—it gets hot fast.

How many people fit in one jeep?

Each 4x4 jeep takes up to 6 passengers comfortably.

What’s included

Your tour covers pickup and drop-off within 5 km of the park gate, your own 4x4 safari jeep (up to six people per vehicle), an experienced driver who also acts as your tracker, and bottled water for each person. Just show up ready for adventure!