The Snouted Cobra is long and slender, becoming robust with size. Adults can grow from 1,2 – 1,8 m, but may reach lengths of up to 2,5 m. The head s distinct from the neck, becoming very large and broad with bulging temporal muscles in large specimens. The eye has a round pupil with a dark iris. The colour of the snake is dark-brown, grey, black or sometimes banded with yellow and dark bands. The throat has a dark band. The belly is paler and heavily mottled. They have smooth and dull dorsal scales in 19 rows at mid-body. The subcaudal scales are paired and the anal shield entire.