Pune360 | Katraj Snake Park | Park, Snake, Snakes, Katraj, Reptiles

Poona, India

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Pune

Parks

Katraj Snake Park

For those planning a day trip filled with both education and entertainment, the Katraj Snake Park is a good choice. The Katraj Snake Park is a well-known conservation park which is home to a variety of reptiles, snakes and even birds. It is a well-known tourist spot and any one visiting Pune is sure to include this place on his travel plans.

The Katraj Snake Park was set up in the year 1986 by Shri. N.K.Khaire and was later incorporated into the Rajeev Gandhi Udyan in the year 1999.

The Snake Park is located a little out of the city, approx 8 kms from the main city, on the Pune Satara highway and is closer to Bharti Vidyapeeth University. One can take a bus up to Katraj Depot which is close to the Park or can easily find a six seater auto rickshaw from a main city area like Swargate.

Although this place was set up primarily with a view to conserve snakes, reptiles, turtles and birds, and impart education about them, tourists find this place worth spending a good day to take a look at the snakes and also visit the zoo that has been added recently in the vicinity. There is also a small lake nearby where one can hire pedal boats. A play park in the vicinity is an added attraction for small children.

Out of a collection of almost 150 plus variety of reptiles, the prime attraction is a nine-foot long King Cobra. The zoo has a baby leopard, crocodiles and other animals besides the varied collection of exotic reptiles.

The Katraj Snake Park holds many snake festivals and awareness programs to make the common people aware of the myths and mysteries surrounding snakes and their existence. The authorities make optimum use of the festival of Nagpanchami to dispel superstitions about snakes as well as discourage the wrong treatment meted out to snakes by many people. This has resulted in creating a great deal of awareness among the people regarding the lives of these reptiles and has made them less intimidating.

Many naturalists and snake catchers are called for lectures and workshops here. Many schools also organize educational visits for the school children besides picnics that include a visit to the zoo and a boat ride.

The Park is open on all days except Wednesdays between 10.30 am to 5.30pm. The entry charges for a visit are a nominal Rs.2 for children and Rs.3 for adults.