The ‘Big Four’ snakes of India and where travellers can spot them in the wild

India is home to more than 300 species of snakes. But there are four particular species which dominate the newspaper headlines for being deadly. The infamous “Big Four” are the Indian cobra, common krait, Russell’s viper, and saw-scaled viper. It’s a fact that these four species alone are responsible for the majority of serious snakebite cases in India. For travellers exploring India’s forests, deserts and rural side, it is important to understand and know the home of these snakes and how to spot them safely. The “Big Four” are a major threat to the public and as per reports are responsible for thousands of deaths caused by snakebite in India every year. Their proximity to human settlements make encounters possible.

Read on to learn more about them:

The saw-scaled viper might be the smallest of the Big Four, but not any less dangerous. If you hear a distinctive “sizzling” sound, it could be the viper nearby warning sign.​
Where to spot

Vipers prefer dry, arid, and rocky regions and can be commonly found in Rajasthan, Gujarat, and parts of Maharashtra and Karnataka. But Thar Desert is its prime habitat.
What travellers should know
The snake is known for its camouflaging ability making it hard to spot and potentially dangerous.

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Russell’s Viper is the species responsible for a major number of snakebite incidents in India. The snake is known for its thick body and triangle-shaped head. It is needless to say that these are dangerous.
Where to spot

Vipers can be easily spotted in open habitats like grasslands, scrublands, and agricultural fields across Punjab, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu.

What travellers should know

It is very common to spot a viper in areas where the rodent population is high. Don’t disturb if you see as they are quick to strike.​
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Now the common krait is known as a silent killer because it hunts at night. This nocturnal species features glossy black and bluish skin and has thin white bands which makes it beautiful but that doesn’t make it any less dangerous.

Where to spot:

The snake is widespread across the Indo-Gangetic plains and peninsular India. These can be easily spotted in states like Bihar, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana.
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What travellers should know:
Kraits are active after dark, making them particularly dangerous. It is suggested to carry a torch when venturing out after dark.​
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Indian Cobra is perhaps the most iconic snake of India. It is easily recognisable by its hood and “spectacle” marking. The species thrive in a wide variety of landscapes including dense forests, wetlands and agricultural fields.

Where to spot:

It is more likely to see cobras across northern, central, and southern India at places including Maharashtra, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal. Kanha National Park and Sundarbans National Park also are known for their cobra sightings.

What travellers should know:

Cobras can adapt to any situation. These can be spotted close to human settlements, especially where rodents are.

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