From harmless worm snakes to the world’s longest venomous snake, India is home to about 300 species of snakes. For decades, snakes have occupied a very paradoxical place in the country. They are worshipped on Nagpanchami, yet they are feared and persecuted. This is exactly where serpential reserves, reptile reserves, and snake parks come into the picture. They play a very important role by bridging this division through fostering education, research, and preservation of endangered species. So here are some of the best snake parks in India that are surely doing their job well and are a must-visit for wildlife lovers.
Famous Snake Parks To Visit In India
1. Katraj Snake Park, Maharashtra
Katraj Snake Park is a premier reptile sanctuary that is located inside the Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park. Located on the Pune-Satara Road in Pune’s Katraj, this park was established in 1986. It was established by Neelam Kumar Khaire, a wildlife conservationist. This snake park has now grown to be one of India’s most well-regarded reptile conservation centers for public education and research. It houses over 22 species of snakes, including Russell’s Vipers, Indian Rock Pythons, and King Cobra (13-foot-long). They also feature a comprehensive reptile library with information plaques that are written in Braille too.
Address: Pune-Satara Road, Opposite Katraj Dairy, Katraj, Pune, Maharashtra 411046
Timings: 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM
2. Chennai Snake Park, Tamil Nadu
Officially managed by the Chennai Snake Park Trust, Chennai Snake Park is known as India’s first reptile park. Established in 1972, it is located within the Guindy National Park campus in Tamil Nadu’s Chennai. This iconic one-acre sanctuary was established by renowned herpetologist Romus Whitaker. It is a well-known and important center for public education, research, and reptile conservation. The park houses over 34 species of reptiles, which include the deadly King Cobra, vipers, varieties of kraits, and massive Indian Rock Pythons. They feature educational live demonstrations of venom extraction and safe snake-handling techniques.
Address: Raj Bhavan Post, Guindy National Park, Guindy, Chennai, Greater Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600022
Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM
3. Calcutta Snake Park, West Bengal
Also known as Badu Snake Park, Calcutta Snake Park is located in Madhyamgram’s Badu. It was established in 1977 by conservationist Dipak Mitra. The park is known as eastern India’s first dedicated snake sanctuary. Spanning across two acres, this park houses various mammals, reptiles, and birds. It has glass displays housing native snakes such as the Banded Krait (Sankha Muti), Monocled Cobra, Indian Rock Python (Moyal), and Checkered Keelback. It offers an educational getaway that is focused on teaching people about reptile conservation, rescue efforts, and snakebite awareness.
Address: Badu Main Road, near Anarpur Playground, Badu, North 24 Parganas, West Bengal, 700128
Timings: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Also Read: India’s 10 Best National Parks To Visit In September 2026
4. Bannerghata Biological Park, Karnataka
Bannerghata Biological Park is said to be one of India’s most visited biological parks. It is well known for its wildlife safari experiences and is located about 25 km from the heart of Bengaluru. The park houses a Reptile House and Herpetarium, which features a curated collection of highly significant non-venomous and venomous snake species. These snakes are native to the Western Ghats and India. This includes King Cobra, Indian Cobra, Russell’s Viper, Common Krait, Indian Rock Python, Indian Rat Snake, and Red Sand Boa. Visitors can observe these animals in habitats that are designed to resemble their natural habitats.
Address: Bannerghatta Rd, Bannerghatta, Bannerghatta Kaval, Karnataka 560083
Timings: 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM
5. Parassinikkadavu Snake Park, Kerala
Officially known as the Parassinikkadavu Snake Park & Research Centre, Parassinikkadavu Snake Park is known as one of Kerala’s premier reptile sanctuaries. It is located about 16 km from Kannur city center in Parassinikkadavu, Kerala. The park was established in 1982 under the Visha Chikitsa Kendra (Snake Bite Treatment Centre). It is known to play a vital role in rescuing displaced snakes, dispelling deep-rooted myths, and also preserving endangered species. The park features the King Cobra, Pit Vipers, Spectacled Cobras, Kraits, Russell’s Vipers and massive Indian Rock Pythons. Live awareness shows are conducted regularly by trained handlers and forest guards. (For more, Kerala Travel Guide)
Address: Parassinikkadavu – Mayyil Rd, Dharmasala, Parassinikadavu, Kerala 670563
Timings: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Also Read: Best Time To Visit Wildlife Sanctuaries In India: A Seasonal Guide
6. Reptile House, West Bengal
The Reptile House is one of the most modernized and popular pavilions, which is located inside the historic Alipore Zoological Garden in Kolkata’s Alipore. While the historic zoo was established in 1876, the Reptile House has been through various significant renovations to bring in natural microclimates that are required for the species. This park houses an impressive mix of native Indian reptiles and exotic international species. The snake species include King Cobras, Spectacled Cobras, Monocled Cobras, Common Kraits, and Russell’s Vipers. It also houses Yellow Anacondas, Indian Rock Pythons, and Reticulated Pythons.
Address: Alipur Zoo Campus Rd, Alipur Zoological Garden, Alipore, Kolkata, West Bengal 700027
Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
7. Snake House, Pilikula Biological Park
Pilikula Biological Park is a premier eco-tourism destination and a large-scale zoo. Spread over a massive lush green area, this park is located in eastern Mangaluru’s Vamanjoor region. The Snake House here is one of the most critically acclaimed and famous sections. It is known as the only zoo in India that successfully breeds King Cobras in captivity. They have a unique, cave-like indoor layout which mimics a natural rock cavern. It houses 28 distinct species of snakes behind viewing panels. This includes King Cobra, Reticulated Pythons, White Python, Common Krait, Russell’s Viper and Saw-scaled Viper.
Address: Moodushedde Road, Vamanjoor, Mangaluru, Karnataka 575028, India
Timings: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Also Read: Nampally Snake Temple Telangana: A Mesmerizing Serpent-Shaped Marvel Near Hyderabad
unstumbled Author’s Note
Snake parks are perfect to understand these reptiles in a very different light than the religious beliefs taught by society. I would honestly recommend that you take children with you to understand snakes way better than what their textbooks teach them. This will help the children not fall prey to misconceptions or myths about this reptile.
Summing Up
From Maharashtra to Kerala, India is home to a very limited number of snake parks, but it houses an amazing variety of snake species. These educational parks help in dismantling misconceptions like snake dance, snake seeking revenge, dancing to pungi, and more by exhibiting information about them. It is surely one of the enriching experiences that you must go for!
And if you want to know more about Ladakh’s wildlife sanctuary or the best wildlife safaris across the globe, do visit our website.
