Since the area of Sikkim ranges from the tropical to the alpine, the flora and fauna is unique in its diversity. Nowhere else on earth does such a small area comprise of so many species and varieties. Even the seemingly Himalayan desert landscape in the North has plethora of wild ducks and wild asses that roam the plains.

Truly a naturalist's delight, Sikkim stretches from the low lands in the south with tropical climate to the mountainous regions in the north with summits that touch the skies. With the altitude varying from sea level to mountain peaks, this allows a wide spectrum of flora and fauna. Sikkim's botanical and zoological richness is awe-inspiring, boasting of more than 4000 species of plants and 30% of all the birds found in the Indian sub-continent.

The hillsides and mountain slopes of Sikkim are strewn with bright patches of myriad colours. The lower mountain slopes are abundant with lush green bamboos and ferns. And the northern valleys are draped with wild cherry, oaks, chestnuts, pines and white magnolia. The higher altitudes are abloom with a carpet of rhododendrons with a splendour of their own. Sikkim's 600 varieties of orchids are a feast for the eye.

The natural wealth of Sikkim has been surveyed in detail by, among others, Dr J.D. Hooker in the mid 20th century and more recently by the celebrated ornithologist of India, Dr Salim Ali, who was also known as the "Birdman".

The terraced farmlands also have rice, maize and barley as the main crops. Other crops like ginger, potatoes and oranges are also grown. One of the chief cash crops of the state is large cardamom. The jungles in the south district teem with plantains, bamboo tree ferns, walnut, Sal and oak, while the north abounds in pine and silver fir. The rivers of Sikkim have trout, salmon and carp. Fishing is allowed with a permit.