Skip to main content
Global Animal Guide

India snakes: identification guide

Focus on the Big Four and common harmless lookalikes — always observe from a safe distance.

Learn the Big Four: Indian cobra (may hood), Russell’s viper (stout, chain blotches), common krait (glossy black with thin white bands, nocturnal), and saw-scaled viper (small, rasping scales). Long slender brown snakes in farms are often harmless rat snakes — but never handle any snake to check.

By , Founder Last reviewed Cite this page How we research & review

Safety first

Snakebite is a serious medical emergency in India. This guide supports distant recognition only. Seek hospital care immediately after any suspected bite.

Common species at a glance

SpeciesKey marksHabitatSafety
Indian Cobra May spread a hood; spectacle or monocle mark on hood in many individuals Fields, villages, forest edges Venomous (Big Four)
Russell’s Viper Stout; chain of dark oval blotches; loud hiss when threatened Farmland, scrub, near people Venomous (Big Four) — major bite cause
Common Krait Glossy black/blue-black with narrow white bands; nocturnal Near houses, fields, termite mounds Venomous (Big Four)
Saw-scaled Viper Small; rough scales; figure-eight / sidewinding threat display; loud rasp Arid and semi-arid regions Venomous (Big Four)
Indian Rat Snake Long slender non-venomous; variable brown/olive; round pupils Farms, gardens, roofs Harmless; often mistaken for cobra
Common Wolf Snake Small; banded; looks vaguely krait-like but different head and behaviour Homes and gardens Non-venomous; do not confuse with kraits

How to identify common Indian snakes safely

  1. 1

    Do not attempt capture. Most bites occur during handling or accidental stepping. Move people and pets away and call local wildlife rescue if needed.

  2. 2

    Look for hood and pattern (cobras). Spectacled/Indian cobras may raise a hood with spectacle marks; never rely on hood alone when the snake is not displaying.

  3. 3

    Check for chain and triangle marks. Russell’s vipers are stout with chain-like oval blotches; saw-scaled vipers are smaller with a rough “saw” scale texture.

  4. 4

    Note the kraits’ banding. Common kraits are glossy black with thin white bands, often found near homes at night.

  5. 5

    If bitten, get to hospital fast. Keep the limb still, do not apply tourniquets or cut the wound, and seek emergency medical care for antivenom assessment.

Frequently asked questions

What are the Big Four snakes of India?

Indian cobra, Russell’s viper, common krait, and saw-scaled viper — the species responsible for most serious snakebite cases on the subcontinent.

How do I tell a rat snake from a cobra?

Rat snakes are longer and more slender, lack a true hood display, and have a different head shape. When in doubt, keep distance — both can rear up when threatened.

What should I do after a snakebite in India?

Immobilise the limb, keep the person calm and still, and go to a hospital that can assess for antivenom. Do not use traditional cutting, suction, or tight tourniquets.

Are all patterned snakes in India dangerous?

No. Many harmless snakes have bold patterns. Pattern alone is not enough — learn local species and when unsure, assume risk and keep clear.

Sources & references

Identification marks and calls are compiled from established field guides and ornithological references for India.