The Kalimpong district administration has started work to explore new tourism avenues to attract more visitors to this scenic hill district in the wake of chief minister Mamata Banerjee's instructions during her visit to the Darjeeling hills earlier this month.

“A few days back, a business meet was held in Siliguri with representatives from the tourism industry to seek suggestions and work out a plan,” said a source.

The meeting was attended by representatives of homestay owners, hoteliers, tour operators, transporters and flower nursery owners.

According to an official source, it was broadly agreed that efforts would be made to highlight old monasteries of the district, cultural activities of the Lepcha community, craft centres, orchid cultivation and flower nurseries of Kalimpong.

“The intangible traditional culture of Lepcha communities is not known to many people, and it can be highlighted here. There are some old monasteries located in surrounding areas of Kalimpong town, which is also an area that should be explored,” said an official source.

Kalimpong district does attract tourists, especially to places like Lava and Lolegoan, but the footfall is not on the same scale as in Darjeeling.