The word "Sunderban" is derived from sundari and ban which means "the forests of sundari". Located in the extreme south of Kolkata, Sunderban forms one of the unique ecosystems in Indian sub-continent. Sunderban, one of world's largest estuarine delta is formed by the confluence of the rivers Ganga, Brahmaputra and Meghna. It covers an area of 4262 sq. kms in India, spreading over 54 islands and two countries namely West Bengal of India and Bangladesh. Approximately 40% of Sunderbans belong to the state of West bengal, India and 60% to Bangladesh. Sunderban is located to 21°30' to 22°15' North; 88°10' to 89°10' East.

Sunderban is the homeland of largest number of tigers in the world. According to a research it is the homeland of around 270 Royal Bengal Tigers. Sunderban is popular equally for Royal Bengal Tigers and its large mangrove forests. Covering an area of 60% of India'a total mangove area, Sunderban is the largest mangrove forest in the world. Sunderbans is one of the largest Wildlife Sanctuary and is the habitat to a number of India’s most amazing wildlife species like spotted deer, herons, white bellied eagles, estuarine and marine turtle, black-necked stork, estuarine crocodiles and a wide variety of birds. The Royal Bengal Tigers form the major source of attraction in Sunderban. The wildlife sanctuary of Sundarbans covers an area of 2,585 square kilometers. The area came under the Tiger Project in 1973 and later the core area of 1,330 square kilometers was declared the national park and UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Sunderban is a paradise for nature lovers. It is blessed with very rich and fascinating diversity of flaura and fauna and is one of the biggest assets of India. The beauty of flora and fauna of mangrove ecosystem is a delight to the tourists visiting Sunderban.