Introduction

Just 8km from Pune city, near Bhartiya Vidyapeeth University and near to the Katraj bus depot, lies the Katraj Snake Park, which boasts of a vast collection of snakes, reptiles, birds, turtles, alligators, crocodiles and gree iguanas. Established in 1986 by the curator of the park, Neelam Kumar Khaire, an avid wildlife lover, who was ably supported by the Pune Municipal Corporation in his endeavor towards providing snakes a conserved natural setting. Today, as many as 160 different varieties of snakes can be viewed by the visitors to the park. Since 1999, the Park has become a part of the Rajiv Gandhi Udyan and recently, a zoo was also added to the complex. With snakes being one of the most misunderstood and feared animals, Neelam and his officers at the Park have taken up the onus of generating awareness about these slithery creatures, while clearing all misconceptions and simultaneously persuading people to desist from maltreating these animals. Towards this end, a number of festivals and programs are organized on a regular basis, especially during the Nagpanchami (a Hindu festival dedicated to snakes, held during the month of August). A well-stocked library inside the Park offers a number of books that provide invaluable information on snakes. With more than 500 visually impaired children from all over the state visiting the Park every year, it has come up with innovative techniques of disseminating information, such as boards in Braille. One can roam around the zoo area that houses a wide variety of animals, ranging from togers to sloths and nilgais, on a comfortable multi-seater vehicle that runs on electricity.

Special Attributes

A popular conservation park that has a vast collection of reptiles, snakes, birds and turtles, the primary attractions being a 9 ft long King Cobra and the rare Brown Palm Civet.

Nuisance

Littering, People Bothering the Animals

Dressing restrictions

Dress in whatever you find comfortable.

Connectivity

Auto Rickshaws (from Swargate), Private Taxis

Enjoyed by

Snake Lovers, Animal Lovers

Exposure

It is advisable to carry some sort of a head gear during the summers. Umbrellas should be avoided because these often startle the animals.

Avoidable Season

Weekends

Facilities

Basic, prepare accordingly.

Things Not Allowed

Throwing stones at and offering food to the reptiles and other animals.

Tip

Children often feel queasy in the presence of the reptiles. Hence, it is best to make a round of the zoo, instead, if you have children in tow.

Type of site

A wild life conservation zone dedicated primarily to snakes and other reptiles. Also houses a zoo.