A serpentine story – Parassinikadavu Snake Park
Snakes are revered in India. Their religious, ecological and mythological importance has attracted scores of herpetologists, environmentalists, scientists, and of course, tourists to learn about them.
Snake parks allow the government as well as ecological and wildlife societies to protect a large number of snake species. One of India’s foremost snake parks is the Parassinikadavu Snake Park near Kannur. It is about 18km from Kannur town, on the way to Taliparamba.
The park, set up by the Visha Chikitsa Kendra, has over a hundred varieties of snakes, the most famous ones being the King Cobra, Russel’s viper, Krait, Python, and many others. The centre has a venom-extracting laboratory and treats snake bite victims round the year. There are demonstrations at the centre to educate the public and tourists about snakes and to take away popular superstitions about them.
Parassinikadavu is also famous for the Sri Muthappan Temple which is close by. Buses connect Parassinikadavu to Kannur, and the nearest airport is at Karipur, Calicut.
