Hurulu Forest Reserve of Sri Lanka was designated as a biosphere reserve in January 1977. The forest reserve is an important habitat of the Sri Lankan elephant. Hurulu forest reserve represents Sri Lanka dry-zone dry evergreen forests. There are many other protected areas situated around Hurulu Forest Reserve viz. Ritigala strict nature reserve, Minneriya-Girithale and Mahaweli flood plains nature reserves, Wasgamuwa National Park and Kahalla-Pallekele sanctuary. Carved out at the edge of the Hurulu Forest Reserve is the Hurulu Eco Park which offers jeep safaris.

There is no record of the number of people who live in the forest reserve. Shifting cultivation is their main means of living. The Sri Lankan elephant is known for its migratory behavior and does so especially in the dry season between the forests situated around the area.

The weather and Physical features of Hurulu Eco Park

The annual mean temperature is 27.3 °C. and the area receives 1,600 mm of precipitation annually. A distinct dry season of three to six months persists during the months April/May to September. The elevation ranges from 90 m to 150 m above sea level.