Palk Strait

Palk Strait is a marine passage between Tamil Nadu in India and Jaffna District in Sri Lanka, extending 137 kilometers (85 miles) in length. The water reaches depths of up to 100 meters (330 feet) and is dotted with numerous shoals and sandbanks that make the crossing difficult for larger vessels.

The waterway took its name from Robert Palk, who served as governor in Madras between 1755 and 1763. Around 7,000 years ago, the area remained dry land until sea levels rose following the last glacial period and flooded the region.

The waterway carries the name of a British colonial administrator and links two major regions with shared religious and linguistic roots. Fishermen on both sides share similar methods of catching and often prepare their nets following the same traditional techniques.

The shallow waters and many shoals allow only smaller vessels to pass through, while larger ships must avoid the area. Fishermen and local boats rely on knowledge of the sandbanks to move safely through the narrow channels.

Between Pamban Island and Mannar Island, stone formations run beneath the water that Hindu traditions regard as remnants of the bridge from the Ramayana epic. Geologists view these structures as natural deposits, yet the religious meaning continues to shape the local view of this landscape.