Close by lie numerous protected areas such as the Ritigila strict nature reserve and Wasgamuwa National Park. This reserve serves as a natural habitat for the Sri Lankan elephants, and tourists can enjoy jeep safaris arranged in order to get an up close look of these giant mammals. Tourists also have the chance of seeing other endemic animals like the Sri Lankan leopard and jungle fowl.

There is a dry spell of three to six months, from around April to September, but a visit excluding these months will be promising. With a jungle corridor connecting the Hurulu Eco Park and the two other larger national parks nearby (Minneriya and Kaudulla), herds of elephants are free to move among the three places, so the chances of witnessing elephants are high for elephant enthusiasts.