Nag Panchami 2018: Visit the major snake parks in India

The occasion is Nag Panchami 2018, a Hindu festival that signifies the importance of the snakes in the Hindu religion. Small and big cane baskets filled with one or more snakes on busy streets in metros attract passers-by, the snake charmers hoping to make some bread for his living and earn an extra penny on this day as many Indians worship snake. This year, Nag Panchami falls on August 15. On this day, many people from across the country go to visit snake parks which houses over 270 reptile species, including the King Cobra.

There are several snake parks in India. Here are India's five major snake parks:

Guindy Snake Park:  One of the most beautiful snake parks in India, the Guindy Snake Park, is located near the Guindy National Park in Chennai. The park houses variety of snakes, including king cobras, pythons and Russell’s viper.

Katraj Snake Park: The Katraj Snake Park in Pune was christened as Rajiv Gandhi zoo recently. The park is famous for conservation of all variety of wild animals and reptiles like Monitor lizards and crocodiles apart from snakes.

Bannerghatta Snake Park: The Bannerghatta Snake Park is one of the famous wildlife parks in Bangalore. It houses not only several snake species, but also has India’s first Butterfly Park. Apart from the snake park and the butterfly park, major attractions of the park include the crocodile farm.

Calcutta Snake Park: The lush green Calcutta Snake Park is one of the oldest snake parks in India. In fact, it is the first snake park in Eastern India, set up famous wildlife conservationist Dipak Mitra. Apart from rare species of snakes, the park also houses other reptiles, mammals and birds.

Parassinikkadavu Snake Park: This snake park in Kerala’s Kannur district attract a lot of tourists for its beauty and the variety of exotic snakes it houses. The park has a snake temple too where visitors can offer prayers.

Read | Poila Boishakh 2018: Bengalis get into celebratory mood with New Year festivity

Snake species in India:

There are several species of snakes in India running into over 270 types. About 60 of them are said to be dangerously venomous. India’s King Cobra is one of the largest venomous snakes in the world. The types of more popular venomous snakes found in India include Indian cobra or Nag, Indian python or Ajgar, krait, Russell viper, pit viper and the Saw-scaled viper.

According to the Hindu religion, snake occupies an important part of one’s life that brings great protection and good fortune. And the festival Nag Panchami is celbrated by all Hindus with offering of prayers and other rituals.