Where Snakes Are Kings: Life in Agumbe, India’s Cobra Capital

Agumbe is located in the thick rainforests of the Western Ghats in Karnataka and is commonly referred to as the Cobra Capital of India. It is a small village which is known around the world because of the abnormally high number of King Cobras, the longest venomous snake that can be found in the world. Not only do locals here live together with these reptiles, but they also worship them as holy creatures associated with their folklore and traditional beliefs.

The wet biodiversity and rainy climate of Agumbe provide a good habitat for King Cobras. The area is rich in forests, water bodies, and unperturbed habitats that offer an ideal breeding environment, and hence, the sighting of these beautiful snakes is rather frequent. Agumbe considers the King Cobra a blessing and representation of ecological balance, unlike in many places where people fear the snakes. The festivals and rituals that honour the serpent god strengthen the relationship between the people and the reptilian neighbours.

Agumbe Rainforest Research Station (ARRS) has been very instrumental in the study and conservation of the King Cobra. ARRS was formed in 2003 by herpetologist Romulus Whitaker to monitor the snakes on radio telemetry and record their movements, mating behaviours and ecological significance. This study has contributed to the demystification of the King cobra as it has been revealed that it is rather shy and elusive than aggressive when not disturbed. These have also sensitised the whole world to the need to conserve the snake habitats.

So many tourists visit Agumbe because of its misty scenery, waterfalls and sunset locations, although most of them come to visit Agumbe because of its status as the Cobra Capital. They can also be guided on tours and be educated about the ecological value of the snakes and the necessity to preserve them. Although it is exhilarating to see King Cobras in the wild, it is important to observe the space and environment of the creatures to be safe and preserved.