Inside the “Snake Village of India”; a traveller’s guide to this mysterious place of venomous cobras

Snakes are among one of the most feared and unfriendly creatures on Earth. But deep in the heart of Maharashtra’s Solapur district lies a village where we get to see an unimaginable friendship between two extremely opposite species, humans and snakes. Any first-time visitor would be shocked. This is Shetphal, also famous as the “Snake Village of India”. The village is home to some venomous snakes in India, including the deadly cobras. But what’s surprising is the fact that cobras and humans live side by side in harmony here. In normal places, spotting a cobra causes panic. In Shetphal, seeing a cobra playing with village kids is a regular show.


Let’s find out more about this unusual village in India:

Location
Shetphal is situated some 200 km from Pune in Maharashtra. Shetphal has become a global celebrity village for its unusual way of life with snakes. The villagers here treat cobras as a sacred entity linked to Lord Shiva and Naag Devta, the serpent god in Hindu tradition.

Devasthanam in every house

You’ll be surprised to see a devasthanam in almost every house in this village. It is a special resting area built specifically for snakes. But these are not caged or raised as pets but roam freely inside the houses, gardens and temples. Don’t panic if you see some of these slithering in schools.

Today, villagers have learned how to coexist peacefully with snakes. Locals have built friendship and they believe mutual respect is the reason serious snakebite incidents are extremely rare.

Species of snakes found in Shetphal
Indian cobras are common here. These are also India’s most recognised venomous snake species. But cobras are also revered in India and are often seen resting in the shaded corners of homes.

In addition to cobras, villagers and wildlife enthusiasts have reported spotting:

Rat snakes
Kraits
Vine snakes
Water snakes
Pythons (occasionally)
Why so many snakes

Solapur has a dry climate which creates a natural habitat for reptiles. Snake sightings are more common during summer and monsoon months. The village celebrates the festival of Naag Panchami with much enthusiasm. It is when they worship serpents and decorate their homes with rangoli featuring snake motifs.

The place has been attracting curious travellers from all over the world who visit here just to see the relationship between snakes and humans.

How to reach Shetphal
Reaching Shetphal requires a little planning.

By Air: The nearest airport is Pune International Airport. From Pune, taxis are available.

By Train: The nearest railway station is Solapur Railway Station which is well connected with nearby cities and towns,

By Road: Shetphal is about a 4–5 hour drive from Pune through Maharashtra’s countryside.

What makes Shetphal special for travellers

For offbeat travellers and snake enthusiasts, Shetphal is a dream come true. There is no curated itinerary or experiences and that's exactly what makes it memorable. Visitors come here to witness an unusual way of life.

However, travellers should remember that snakes here are still wild animals. Visitors are advised not to touch or irritate them. Shetphal may sound like the setting of a mystery novel, but it is as real as it gets.