India is truly the land of the cobra, with five species of cobra found there, including the king cobram Ophiophagus hannah. The spectacled or Indian cobra, Naja naja, is one of the most common cobras found in the Indian subcontinent. They are found in all parts of India exept the snowy mountains of the Himalayan range.



The average size of the Indian cobra is about 150-180, and its maximum lengthm which is rarely found, is about 220 cm. As its name suggests, it has a distinctive head with large black eyes and nostrils. When the hood is spreadm a spectacle mark is visible on the backside of the hood. This mark is subject to considerable variation and may even be absent. Body colour is yellowish, brown, dark brown, and black.

These snakes are shy by nature, and typically warn more than once before attacking. They usually raise their hood and move away from the other animals to prevent an encounter. They hiss and sometimes strike. This is their last defence mechanism before they attack.

Cobras are a universal symbol for snakes around the world. In India this cobra is revered and worshipped. For example, lord Shiva has a cobra wrapped around his neck and Lord Vishnu has a cobra with seven hoods providing him shade.

There are many myths and traditions associated with these cobras. The most common amongst them is that cobras search for vengeance if its partner is killed. It is still believed that cobras with five hoods are found in near divine places like temples as the protectors of god.

One of the funniest misbeliefs I've come across is that cobras mate with rat s nakes (Ptyas mucosa) on selected weekdays. Some of these misbeliefs are also beneficial, as people hesitate to kill cobras because they believe they are sacred to Lord Shiva and Vishnu.

Interestingly, dispelling these superstitions was one of the main motivations of herpetologists to research cobras, as they became curious after getting so many unrealistic views from people all over the country.

For me cobras are one of the most beautiful and fascinating creatures on the planet -- and equally dangerous if handled carelessly.