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Snakes are one of the most mysterious, interesting and lethal species of all wildlife. Historically considered symbols of vice, victory and everything mystical, snakes as a species have always intrigued mankind just as much as they strike a chord of fear. Snakes hold an almost exotic status as a wildlife species, with scientists always researching them to gain more knowledge about them. As dangerous as snakes are, they are also falsely described as unequivocally aggressive. Researchers have abundantly proved that snakes attack when threatened, the same as many other wildlife species. But, this has not helped the paranoia and assumptions people have against them as a wildlife species. Embark on an eccentric vacation as we run through India's renowned snake parks.
Explore the snake parks in India
1. Chennai Snake Park, Chennai
Chennai snake park, also known as the Guindy snake park, is famous for being the first reptile/snake park in India. It was founded by Romulus Whitaker, a well-known wildlife conservationist and herpetologist, in 1976. The snake park, home to several species of snakes, venomous and non-venomous, also helps pharmaceutical agencies create snake venom antidotes. Visitors to the park can view many interesting species of snakes such as King Cobras, Russell’s Vipers, Indian Rock Pythons, Kraits, Whitaker’s Boa and many more species of snakes as well as other reptiles.
Location: Raj Bhavan post, Guindy, Chennai
Best time to visit: October-February
Timings: 9 am-5:30 pm, open all days
Entry fee: Rs 20 (for adults) and Rs 10 (for children)
2. Katraj Snake Park, Pune
An enthralling snake park in the city of Pune, it is situated on the premises of the Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park. Established in the year 1986, this snake park houses snake species such as King Cobras, Indian Rock Pythons, Vipers, etc. A mighty thirteen feet King Cobra is one of the major attractions of this park. The snake park also holds regular seminars to spread awareness about snakes and to help curb their mistreatment. Visitors to the park are always encouraged to participate in these educational programs and increase their knowledge about these mysterious beings.
Location: Satara Road, Katraj, Pune
Best time to visit: August-February
Timings: 10:30 am-6 pm, Wednesday closed
Entry fee: Rs 25 (for adults) Rs 10 (for children) and Rs 100 (for foreign nationals)
3. Bannerghatta Snake Park, Bengaluru
Bannerghatta Snake Park is a famous tourist attraction in Bangalore. With snake species such as Timber Rattlesnakes, King Cobras, Kraits, etc. this snake park will make for an interesting visit for sure. The snakes and the natural surroundings of this snake park make for ideal conditions for photographers. Bannerghatta snake park is considered one of the best snake parks in India.
Location: Bannerghatta Road, Bannerghatta, Bengaluru
Best time to visit: October-June
Timings: 10 am-5 pm, Tuesday closed
Entry fee: Rs 80 (for adults) and Rs 40 (for children)
4. Parassinikkadavu Snake Park, Kannur
Located in the Kannur district of Kerala, the park is at the forefront of the preservation programs for snakes in India. A large number of species of venomous and non-venomous snakes are housed in the premises of this snake park, making for a very interesting and educational visit. The snake park also has a dedicated research centre to study snake venom and create antidotes for snake venom. Find species such as pit vipers, rat snakes, cobra species as well as pythons. Also, participating in the live shows the snake park holds helps people increase their awareness and quell the superstitions and paranoia people hold in them against snakes.
Location: Parassinikkadavu - Mayyil Road, Dharamsala, Parassinikadavu, Kerala
Best time to visit: October-February
Timings: 8 am-5 pm
Entry fee: Rs 30 (for children below 12 years) Rs 50 (for people above 12 years) and free entry for people below 5 years and above 80 years of age
5. Calcutta Snake Park, Kolkata
Calcutta snake park was established by Mr Dipak Mitra, a famous herpetologist, in the year 1977. One of the earliest snake parks in the eastern part of India, Calcutta snake park in Kolkata is considered one of the best conservation centres for snakes in India. Housing rare and popular snake species, Calcutta snake park is famous for its smooth green snakes, and cobra species among other snakes along with other reptiles.
Location: Badu 1st Main Road, Madhyamgram, Kolkata
Best time to visit: October-February
Timings: 9 am-5 pm
Entry fee: Rs 25 (for adults) and Rs 10 (for children)
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