The Drakones indikoi was a legendary being. The can be found from here. It says they came from India.
Was this creature inspired by a real animal? If so, can anyone tell what me what it is?
The only vague connection that I can think of is the rivalry between Ganesha and Skanda his brother. Skanda is often associated with and carries around several snakes and ganesha has an elephant head. There is a significant difference in degree in which these Gods are worshiped between northern and southern parts of India. Possibly symbolizing a rivalry.