Myagdi, May 31 Todke of Kunhu VDC in Myagdi has become a new centre of attraction for tourists. Todke lies in a dense forest which borders Kunhu, Pulachaur, Ghatan, Patalekhet and Jhin VDCs. It is now being developed as a new tourist destination in the district. Both domestic and foreign tourists are visiting Todke these days. The village is rich in bio-diversity including 16 species of rhododendron and more than 50 species of herbs. It provides pasture land for domestic animals. Scenic views of the Himalayan range and sunrise are other attractions of Todke. Todke sits 3000 metres above sea level. Tek Bahadur Ramjali, the chairperson of local Lal Youth Club, said that tourists are also lured by the cultural diversity of different communities like Magar, Brahmin, Kshettri and dalits in Patlekhet, Kunhu and Pulachaur villages. Different birds and wild animals like lophophorus, kaleege pheasant, leopard, monkey, deer and wild boar are found in the jungle around Todke. Hindu devotees consider it a the branch of the Swargadwari area of Pyuthan. According to Ramjali, some 30 to 50 tourists visit Todke daily. The tourists come from France, America, Japan, Germany, Britain and India including different cities of Nepal like Kathmandu, Baglung, Parbat, Kaski and Chitwan. A viewing tower has been built in Todke after tourists started flocking the area. People of the area offer hospitality to them. The rhododendron festival organized in March-April also contributed to the rise in tourist arrivals in the area. Govinda Paudel, CA member from the area, said initiatives are being taken at the government level to develop the area into a major tourist destination. Todke can be reached after a five-hour walk from Beni Bazaar, the district headquarters. It is expected that the increase in tourist arrivals will boost the income of local people.