| Gulf of Mannar | |
|---|---|
 Location of Gulf of Mannar within the Indian Ocean | |
  Gulf of Mannar Location of Gulf of Mannar between India and Sri Lanka | |
| Location | Indian Ocean |
| Coordinates | 8°28′N 79°01′E / 8.47°N 79.02°E |
| Basin countries | India, Sri Lanka |
| Max. length | 160 km (99 mi) |
| Max. width | 130–275 km (81–171 mi) |
| Surface area | 10,500 km2 (4,100 sq mi) |
| Average depth | 5.8 m (19 ft) |
| Max. depth | 1,335 m (4,380 ft) |
| References | [1][2] |
The Gulf of Mannar (/məˈnɑːr/ mə-NAR) (Tamil: மண்ணார் வளைகுடா) is a large shallow bay forming part of the Laccadive Sea in the Indian Ocean with an average depth of 5.8 m (19 ft).[3] It lies between the southeastern tip of India and the west coast of Sri Lanka, in the Coromandel Coast region. The chain of low islands and reefs known as Adam’s Bridge or Rama Setu (Rama’s Bridge), which includes Mannar Island, separates the Gulf of Mannar from Palk Bay, which lies to the north between India and Sri Lanka. The estuaries of Thamirabarani River and Vaippar River of South India and the Malvathu Oya (Malvathu River) of Sri Lanka drain into the Gulf.[4] The dugong (sea cow) is found here.
- ^ J. Sacratees, R. Karthigarani (2008). Environment impact assessment. APH Publishing. p. 10. ISBN 978-81-313-0407-5.
- ^ Gulf of Mannar, Great Soviet Encyclopedia (in Russian)
- ^ Gulf of Mannar (SE India), Sea-Seek.
- ^ Kallidaikurichi Aiyah Nilakanta Sastri. (1979). South India and South-East Asia: studies in their history and culture. Geetha Book House.