Apr 19, 2025

10 poisonous snakes commonly found in India

TOI Lifestyle Desk

Variety of poisonous snakes

India is home to several venomous snakes, some deadly enough to kill within hours. Here's a look at ten commonly found poisonous species in the country.

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Russell's Viper

Russell's Viper is responsible for many snakebite deaths in India due to its aggressive nature and powerful venom.

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Indian Cobra

The Indian Cobra, with its hood and eye-shaped markings, is one of India’s most feared venomous snakes.

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Saw-Scaled Viper

Though tiny, the Saw-Scaled Viper is extremely dangerous and known for its hissing threat display and potent bite.

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Banded Krait

With bold black and white bands, the Banded Krait strikes at night and has highly neurotoxic venom.

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Indian Krait

The Indian Krait moves silently under the cover of darkness, injecting venom that can paralyse and kill its prey.

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Bamboo Pit Viper

Slender and green, the Bamboo Pit Viper hides in trees and bushes, striking with sharp fangs when disturbed.

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Hump-Nosed Pit Viper

This snake’s signature hump and cryptic colour help it ambush its prey. Also, its venom causes serious complications.

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Malabar Pit Viper

Found in the rain-soaked forests of the Western Ghats, the Malabar Pit Viper delivers a painful, venomous bite.

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King Cobra

The King Cobra is one of the most feared snakes. It has venom that affects the nervous system and can bring down large prey.

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Common Krait

The Common Krait is responsible for many fatal bites, often striking silently while victims are asleep.

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