National Reptile of India | Symbols of India

King Cobra is the official National Reptile of India. It is found in the forests of India and Southeast Asia. It is the world’s longest venomous snake which is capable of growing up to 19 ft and may live up to 25 years. Ophiophagus Hanna, the King Cobra is the largest venomous snake in the world. Growing to around 3m in length, the King has the ability to inject up to 6ml of venom in a single bite.

A resident of dense rain forests and thick jungles, this shy animal is very rarely seen. The female of these solitary creatures is usually much larger than the male. They are called “Susu” locally due to the distinct sound that they make when they breathe. King Cobra has its own cultural significance, in Hinduism King cobra is also known as Nagas and are considered as divine and worshiped Lord Shiva is often depicted with a cobra coiled around his neck.