Parassinikkadavu Snake Park, Kannur Overview

Regarded as one of the finest snake sanctuaries of Asia, the Parassinikadavu Snake Park is the pride of the south. It is one of the most prominent reptile preservation centres in the country and is the only one in Kerala. The Parassinikadavu Snake Park is home to over 150 different species of reptiles like crocodiles, monitor lizards and snakes- both venomous and non-venomous. Not only reptiles and amphibians, but this snake park also goes a long way to preserve and protect many wild mammals, marine creatures as well as rare avifauna- both endemic and migratory.

The establishment of Parassinikadavu Snake Park was an initiative of the Visha Chikista Kendra, a medical institution that offers diagnosis and treatment of snakebites. The main motto behind establishing this park was to clarify undue superstitions about snakes, educate the common man about these species and create the right awareness among them. Each enclosure of the different species of animals has a brief description of their habitat, moods, peculiarities and interesting titbits that educate the visitors about these exotic and truly extraordinary species. Visiting this park is an absolute treat for the wildlife enthusiasts and animal lovers. You will be stunned by the unique and admirable traits of many of the park's inhabitants and will undoubtedly be left in awe of nature's wondrous creations.

Highlights of Parassinikadavu Snake Park

Parassinikadavau Snake Park has been receiving recognition from all over the country for its exemplary job at preserving, protecting and fostering many endangered reptiles, amphibians and mammals. It boasts of housing one of the most venomous snake in the world, the infamous King Cobra. Few of the king cobras here are adult males who have grown to their maximum capacity of 30 feet!

Other striking and magnificent snakes here are the Spectacled Cobra, Russel's Viper, Pythons, Pit Viper, Rattlesnake and even Kraits. There are many different water snakes and rat snakes here too, both venomous and non-venomous. The Parassinikadavu Snake Park also boasts of a healthy population of amphibians like crocodiles and monitor lizards, including both- full grown males to newborn hatchlings. Apart from reptiles, you will also find porcupines, jackals, foxes, eagles, storks, peacocks and monkeys here. There are statues of different animals dotted along the entire park, but the most famous figure here is Steve Irwin's statue holding a crocodile.

Since the park also aims at uprooting unjust and false superstitions regarding these beautiful creatures, the staff at this park is trained to explain with demonstrations how these superstitions are void and meaningless. There are some shows conducted here by professionals who acquaint the laymen with the amazing capabilities and skills of many of these astounding creatures.

Best Time To Visit Parassinikkadavu Snake Park

Even though the Parassinikadavu Snake Park is not very vulnerable to the weather patterns in the city, it is always more enjoyable to explore this inquisitive land when the climate is amicable. The most friendly and pleasant season would undoubtedly be the winters. The winter breaks in as soon as September begins to set in and goes on till the last days of February. The temperatures hover around a pleasant 16 degrees Celsius which is the perfect weather for sightseeing and exploration. The monsoon is definitely the least preferred season to visit the Parassinikadavu Snake Park. The reptiles don't usually enjoy this weather either and usually squirm into a cosy spot.

How To Reach Parassinikkadavu Snake Park

Parassinikadavu Snake Park is located 16 kms away from the city centre of Kannur and is named after its village, Parassinikadavu. You can take the National Highway 17 (NH 17) to get here, which is barely 2 kms away from the park. Taking a cab or an auto from around the city is the speediest and the most convenient way to get to the park.

The Parassinikadavu Bus Station is also quite close to the park and is a stopover for many buses that go around the village and even for the ones that approach from nearby cities like Thalassery, Pappinisseri, Karipur and Kannur.