The species is endemic to South India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

[2] Like all members of its genus, L. anamallensis is a nocturnal species that is commonly found in and around human habitations, apart from natural habitat.

It is partly arboreal and feeds primarily on geckos, skinks, & other small animals.

[2] Previously, a population of this species, under the name Lycodon osmanhilli, had been thought to be endemic to Sri Lanka, until 2018 when its nomenclature, classification, and distribution were resolved by S.R.

The specific name, osmanhilli, is in honour of British anatomist William Charles Osman Hill.