Bays in India: The Complete List

India’s coastline touches a wide variety of landscapes, from rocky headlands to sheltered estuaries, and those coastal contours create dozens of distinct bays that matter for ports, wildlife and local communities. A clear list helps you see where each bay sits and why it matters without digging through scattered sources.

There are 26 Bays in India, ranging from Bheemunipatnam Bay to Vizhinjam Bay. The list below is organized with the columns Coast/Region,State(s),Coordinates (lat,long) so you can quickly locate each bay on a map, compare regions and check administrative details — you’ll find these details below.

How are these bays distributed along India’s coasts?

Most bays fall along the eastern (Bay of Bengal) and western (Arabian Sea) seaboards, with clusters near major river deltas and peninsulas; island territories add a few remote examples. Distribution reflects geology, river input and coastal shape, so nearby bays often share similar ecological and navigational characteristics.

How can I use the coordinates and regional data in the list?

Use the provided Coordinates (lat,long) to drop points into Google Maps or GIS for route planning, research or fieldwork; the Coast/Region and State(s) fields help you identify jurisdiction, access routes and local regulations before visiting or citing a bay.

Bays in India

Images and Descriptions

Gulf of Kutch

A large, rugged gulf on India’s west coast famous for tidal flats, coral patches and port towns like Kandla. Vital for shipping, salt production and biodiversity; visitors spot flamingos, mudflats and traditional fishing communities along dramatic rocky shores.

Gulf of Khambhat (Cambay)

A wide funnel-shaped gulf known historically as Cambay, opening into the Arabian Sea. Strong tides, rich fisheries and major ports define the area; its muddy shores and estuaries are important for coastal ecology and regional trade.

Gulf of Mannar

A biologically rich gulf between India and Sri Lanka, protected by the Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park. Famous for coral reefs, pearl fisheries and whale sightings, it’s a conservation hotspot and a culturally significant fishing region.

Palk Bay

Shallow bay between Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka forming part of the Palk Strait complex. Known for fishing, sandbars like Adam’s Bridge nearby, and complex currents; the area’s seascape is important for local livelihoods and coastal navigation.

Visakhapatnam Bay

A deep natural harbour at Visakhapatnam (Vizag) with naval and commercial importance. Long sandy beaches, shipyards and the eastern naval base make it a busy coastal hub and a popular stop for beachgoing travelers.

Bheemunipatnam Bay

A historic coastal bay near Bheemunipatnam (Bheemili) north of Visakhapatnam, known for colonial-era ruins, long beaches and fishing communities. It’s scenic, quieter than nearby Vizag, and popular for weekend beach trips.

Kakinada Bay

A broad coastal inlet where the Godavari’s distributaries meet the sea. Important for the Kakinada port and nearby aquaculture industry, the bay supports fisheries and mangrove habitats and acts as a gateway to offshore energy activity.

Machilipatnam Bay

Bay off Machilipatnam (Masulipatnam) on the Krishna delta, historically a trading anchorage. The shallow waters support coastal fisheries and local beaches; the bay is tied to riverine sediments and regional maritime history.

Chennai Harbour

Also called Madras Harbour, a long-used port and protected inlet on the Coromandel Coast. Combines industrial docks, shipping traffic and nearby Marina Beach; it’s a focal point for Chennai’s maritime economy and historic waterfront.

Covelong (Kovalam) Bay

A tranquil bay south of Chennai near the fishing village of Covelong (Kovalam). Known for calm waters, surfing lessons, a historic fort and crescent beaches, it’s a popular short-break spot for Chennai residents.

Ennore Bay

Shallow industrial and fishing bay north of Chennai, home to Ennore (Kamarajar) Port and thermal plants. Important for regional trade and coastal livelihoods though industrial development has altered habitats and shoreline character.

Mumbai Harbour

A deep, natural harbour off south Mumbai that has shaped the city’s maritime history. Packed with docks, ferry routes and skyline views, it’s essential for trade, naval operations and offers famous waterfronts like Colaba and the Gateway of India.

Mahim Bay

A well-known bay between Bandra and Worli in Mumbai with sandy beaches and mangrove-lined shores. Historically important for fishing communities, it’s now framed by dramatic urban development and offers local beach access and fishing activity.

Vengurla Bay

A scenic bay near Vengurla in southern Maharashtra known for clear waters, palm-fringed beaches and traditional fishing villages. It’s a quieter west-coast destination popular with coastal travelers seeking relaxed beaches and local seafood.

Malvan Bay

Bay near Malvan and Tarkarli in Sindhudurg district, renowned for clear waters, coral reefs and historic Sindhudurg Fort. Popular for diving, snorkelling and Malvan’s seafood cuisine, the bay is a tourism and marine biodiversity spot.

Karwar Bay

A broad bay on the Karnataka coast at Karwar, with a mix of naval presence, fishing harbours and scenic headlands. Known for rocky promontories, estuarine islands and quieter beaches compared with busier Goa to the north.

Mangalore Bay

The coastal embayment off Mangaluru (Mangalore) that hosts a busy port and commercial fishing. Sandy stretches, lively seafood markets and coastal culture characterize the bay area, which is an important gateway for Karnataka’s western seaboard.

Kochi Harbour

A historic natural harbour (Cochin) formed by a network of islands and backwaters. Busy with shipping, ferries and cruise calls, Kochi Harbour blends colonial forts, maritime trade and access to Kerala’s backwater tourism.

Vizhinjam Bay

A rocky-sand bay near Thiruvananthapuram with an ancient fishing harbour and a new deep-water port project. Vizhinjam’s strategic location, traditional fishing village and nearby beaches make it important for commerce and coastal tourism.

Colachel Bay

A protected bay on Tamil Nadu’s southern tip near Colachel, historically a trading and fishing harbour. Today it’s valued for sheltered waters, local fisheries and proximity to Kanyakumari’s coastal attractions.

Port Blair Harbour

Natural harbour that serves as the administrative and travel gateway to the Andaman Islands. Port Blair Harbour combines naval facilities, ferry terminals and scenic anchorages, and is the starting point for island tourism and marine excursions.

Diu Bay

A sheltered bay beside Diu Island with sandy beaches, colonial-era forts and a small port. Popular for relaxed beach tourism, fresh seafood and scenic coastal walks, Diu Bay is a low-key seaside destination on India’s western edge.

Daman Bay

Coastal bay by the town of Daman with estuarine backwaters and long sandy beaches. Historically a Portuguese enclave, Daman Bay offers a mix of forts, churches and quiet shoreline suitable for short coastal breaks.

Porbandar Bay

The bay off Porbandar, birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi, combines sandy beaches and fishing harbours. It’s culturally significant, supports local fisheries, and offers access to nearby marine and coastal cultural sites along Gujarat’s Saurashtra coast.

Paradip Bay

The coastal embayment around Paradip port on Odisha’s coastline, vital for bulk cargo and industry. The bay’s wide beach fronts and port infrastructure make it important for trade, fisheries and as a staging point for coastal travel.

Gopalpur Bay

A quiet bay at Gopalpur-on-Sea known for long, tranquil beaches and a historic lighthouse. Once a trading harbour, it’s an emerging coastal getaway valued for calm sands, sunsets and nearby fishing villages.

Bays in Other Locations