Which strait lies between India and Sri Lanka?

The Palk Strait lies between southeastern India and northern Sri Lanka.

It connects the Bay of Bengal in the northeast with Palk Bay and the Gulf of Mannar toward the southwest. The strait is named after Robert Palk, who served as governor of Madras from 1763 to 1767 during British rule.

The waterway is relatively shallow, and a chain of limestone shoals called Adam’s Bridge, or Rama’s Bridge, extends between India and Sri Lanka near its southern end. Because of the shallow waters and shoals, the passage is not suitable for many large ships.

The Palk Strait is sometimes mixed up with the Gulf of Mannar. The gulf lies south of the strait and is a separate marine region. The strait’s position has also made it important in fishing, shipping debates, and the movement of people between India and Sri Lanka.