Ranai Estuary

The western shore of the Gulf of Khambhat borders the eastern side of Saurashtra. The gulf narrows inland, and its exceptionally strong tides move across broad areas of mud and shallow water. Rivers carry sediment into these waters, shaping a coast of estuaries and tidal flats. For vessels approaching Gujarat, the changing depth and powerful currents made the timing of a passage through the gulf a matter of careful attention.