Rama Setu, also known as Adam's Bridge, is located in which strait or water body?

Introduction / Context:
Rama Setu, popularly known as Adam's Bridge, is a chain of limestone shoals between India and Sri Lanka that holds both mythological and geographical significance. It is frequently mentioned in Indian epics and in modern discussions about marine navigation and environment. In geography based exams, questions often ask about the exact strait or water body where Rama Setu is located, making this fact important to remember.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Rama Setu or Adam's Bridge lies between the Indian subcontinent and Sri Lanka.
• The options list several famous straits and canals around the world: Palk Strait, Strait of Gibraltar, Kiel Canal, Bering Strait, and Bosporus Strait.
• We need to identify which of these connects parts of India and Sri Lanka and contains Rama Setu.

Concept / Approach:
The concept here is basic world and Indian maritime geography. The Palk Strait lies between the southeast coast of India (Tamil Nadu) and the northwest coast of Sri Lanka, connecting the Bay of Bengal to the Gulf of Mannar. Rama Setu is a chain of shoals and sandbars extending from near Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu to Mannar Island in Sri Lanka, essentially lying across the Palk Strait and the adjoining shallow waters. Therefore, the correct association is with the Palk Strait.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Rama Setu or Adam's Bridge is geographically located between Rameswaram in India and the Mannar region in Sri Lanka. Step 2: Identify the water body between Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka, which is the Palk Strait and the Gulf of Mannar region. Step 3: Compare the names in the options. Only Palk Strait refers to a location between India and Sri Lanka. Step 4: Eliminate the Strait of Gibraltar, which lies between Spain and Morocco, far away from India. Step 5: Kiel Canal, Bering Strait, and Bosporus Strait are all in Europe, America, or West Asia and have no connection with Rama Setu.

Verification / Alternative check:
Maps of South Asia and standard geography references confirm that the shallow sea area between southeastern India and northwestern Sri Lanka is known as the Palk Strait, adjoining the Gulf of Mannar. Rama Setu is mapped as a chain of shoals across this region. Thus, independently checking a physical map verifies that the correct water body is the Palk Strait between India and Sri Lanka.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Strait of Gibraltar between Spain and Morocco: Connects the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, not related to India.
• Kiel Canal in Germany: An artificial canal connecting the North Sea and the Baltic Sea.
• Bering Strait between Russia and Alaska: Separates Asia from North America, far from the Indian Ocean.
• Bosporus Strait in Turkey: Connects the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara and divides the European and Asian parts of Turkey.

Common Pitfalls:
Some candidates may mix up different famous straits simply because they look familiar from world maps, especially the Strait of Gibraltar and Bosporus. Others may vaguely remember that Rama Setu is somewhere between India and Sri Lanka but fail to recall the name Palk Strait. Regular revision of world map features, especially straits and canals, helps avoid such confusion.

Final Answer:
Rama Setu, or Adam's Bridge, is located in the Palk Strait between India and Sri Lanka.