Traffic on National Highway 66 came to a sudden halt on Saturday night as an unusual visitor made its way across the busy road near HiLITE Mall in Palazhi, Kozhikode. The attraction? An Indian Rock Python, estimated to be several feet long, slowly slithered across the highway, leaving bikers, truckers, and travellers in awe as they paused their journeys to let the reptile pass safely. The highway, known for its heavy traffic and frequent jams, was briefly transformed into a stage for nature’s spectacle.

The python, likely on the move following an evening of heavy rain, appeared from the nearby hills of the Western Ghats. This stretch of NH 66 runs through the Malabar region, an area renowned for its biodiversity. With the ongoing expansion of the highway, it’s not uncommon for wildlife to make these unexpected appearances.

Onlookers, many of whom were initially startled, quickly reached for their phones to capture the moment. The snake’s presence was a reminder of the rich ecological diversity of the region, where the Western Ghats provide a habitat for many species, including the Indian Rock Python.

It can be assumed that the snake was likely seeking shelter or moving to a safer location after the rainfall. The Western Ghats, particularly in Kerala, offer an ideal environment for reptiles. This includes not only the non-venomous Indian Rock Python but also species such as the Malabar pit viper and king cobra.

While pythons are often misunderstood, they play an essential role in controlling the population of smaller animals, ensuring ecological balance. The incident, though unusual, underscores the importance of respecting and protecting wildlife, even in areas undergoing rapid urbanisation like Kozhikode.

As the python made its way safely across, traffic resumed, leaving travellers with an unforgettable glimpse of the wild amidst the concrete of NH 66.