What is the special about Minneriya National Park? Minneriya National Park | The Ancient Cities, Sri Lanka ... Dominated by the ancient Minneriya Wewa, the park has plenty of scrub, forest and wetlands in its 88.9 sq km to also provide shelter for toque macaques, sambar deer, buffalo, crocodiles and leopards (the latter are very rarely seen, however). There are rarer animals for groups to spot in the park, such as the Sri Lankan leopard and Sri Lankan sloth bear, however both are elusive and more difficult to see. Conditions in the park provide a well-suited habitat for up to 160 bird species, including water birds such as pelicans, storks and herons.