Location: Habarana, Sri Lanka
Recommended by Jennifer of Seeking Stamps
How do I know it’s ethical?
In the Cultural Triangle of central Sri Lanka, there are several ethical national parks where you can experience the majesty of elephants in the wild. If you’re visiting Sigiriya, it’s easy to get to these safaris. Hurulu Eco Park is in UNESCO’s Biosphere Reserve Program. It comprises almost 62,000 acres of land and was designated a protected area in 1977.
Elephants in Hurulu are wild and roam freely between the reserve forest areas. As deeply emotional creatures, elephants at Hurulu establish matriarchal, multi-generational herds.
During safaris at Hurulu, jeeps and tourists must stay on the roads. This allows elephants the option to retreat into the lush foliage. Importantly, humans are not allowed to feed, bathe or ride elephants here.
Safari-goers must adhere to safari safety guidelines to protect the well-being of the animals such as no drone photography, smoking, or littering.
Description of the Experience
Driven by their large appetites, Sri Lankan elephants migrate year-round between Hurulu Eco Park, Minneriya and Kaudulla National Parks. According to Huruluecosafari.com, “during the months of July to September, large groups of elephants are found in the Minneriya National Park, and then they migrate to Kaudulla National Park during the months of October to November due to high rains and lakes getting filled up. Then the elephants move on to Hurulu Eco Park for the final leg of their migration during the months of December and January.”
These national parks were established to provide sanctuary for the wild elephant herds and to protect them from poaching by local farmers. Habitat loss and human-elephant conflict are some of the main reasons the elephant populations have suffered in the wild.
Safari tours through the verdant forest reserve are offered in the morning or late afternoon. Enjoy the thrill of spotting wildlife in an open-air jeep while bumping along muddy roads.
Most tours are approximately 3 hours with an elephant tracker (guide). Your guide will help locate the herds and if the elephants want to get close, you may get some amazing photo opportunities. In the reserve, you have the chance to see giant herds of elephants in their natural habitat as well as a variety of birds, monkeys, and leopards (if you are lucky).
Company/ Cost:
Cost: Safaris cost $50/person which included jeep rental, guide, and entrance into the national park. You can book a tour online or through your hotel once you arrive.
Places to Avoid in Sri Lanka:
In Sri Lanka, it is essential you research elephant interactions to ensure their practices are ethical. Activities such as posing with elephants in photos, elephant rides, and bathing chained elephants can be found in other unethical and harmful “orphanages” in the country. Please skip them!
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This is one post on a series of ethical animal tourism posts by travel content creators. The experiences cover all seven continents and a variety of animals. Ensure that your animal experience is an ethical one.
Learn More About Ethical Animal Tourism
10 Questions to Ask to Ensure the Encounter is Ethical?
