Addressing a rally in Harsil after offering prayers at the village of Mukhwa, the winter abode of Goddess Ganga in Uttarkashi district, he said visitors will get the true flavour of Uttarakhand if they come to the state in winter

"When fog envelops the rest of the country during winter, the state is bathed in sunlight," PM Modi said as he coined a new term -- "Ghaam Tapo Paryatan" (soak the sun tourism) -- in Garhwali language for winter tourism in the state

Praising the state government for its 12-month tourism vision, he stressed the need for a "360-degree approach to tourism" to create employment opportunities for the local youth throughout the year

After doing business in summer, hotels, resorts and homestays in the hills of Uttarakhand become empty during winter, slowing down its economy, PM Modi said

Tourism should be on in all seasons, there should be no off-season, the prime minister said, adding winter tourism will help Uttarakhand realise its full economic potential

Uttarakhand's unique cultural features such as its traditional dance and music, cuisine and hot springs can be showcased, he suggested

PM Modi said he feels blessed to visit Goddess Ganga's winter abode in Mukhwa. "I think Maa Ganga has adopted me. It is her blessings that took me to Kashi and gave me an opportunity to serve the people," the prime minister said

He also expressed grief at the death of eight workers in the recent avalanche at a Border Roads Organisation camp in Chamoli district's Mana village

The prime minister flagged off a trek and bike journey to the predominantly tribal village of Jadung from Harshil and said it is to help the border areas of Uttarakhand reap the benefits of tourism