Which gulf on the west coast of India is known for its extreme tidal range?

The Gulf of Khambhat on India’s west coast is known for its extreme tidal range. Also called the Gulf of Cambay, it is an Arabian Sea inlet in Gujarat, separating the Kathiawar Peninsula from mainland Gujarat.

Its funnel-shaped, shallow basin amplifies incoming tides as water moves toward the gulf’s narrower northern end. Near Bhavnagar, spring tidal ranges can reach roughly 10–12 metres, among the largest on India’s coastline. Strong tidal currents also expose broad intertidal mudflats and influence the movement of river sediments.

Several major rivers—including the Narmada, Tapi, Mahi and Sabarmati—drain into the gulf. The Gulf of Kutch, another Gujarat inlet, also has substantial tides, but its typical ranges are lower; that is the common mix-up. The Gulf of Khambhat’s exceptionally large tides also shaped historic coastal settlements such as Lothal, where tidal access helped support maritime trade.