Uttarakhand as a year-round tourist destination: PM Modi’s vision for sustainable growth
GUEST COLUMN
KAMAL K PANDEY
Nestled in the lap of the Himalaya, Uttarakhand has long been revered as the Devbhoomi—the land of the gods. However, beyond its spiritual significance, the State holds immense potential for tourism and economic growth. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his visit to Harshil on March 6, laid out an ambitious roadmap to transform Uttarakhand into a 365-day tourist destination, emphasising its year-round appeal. This vision, if realised effectively, could mark a paradigm shift in the State’s tourism sector.
For years, the prevailing perception has been that Uttarakhand primarily attracts visitors during the summer. PM Modi challenged this notion, asserting that the State has something unique to offer in every season. The lush valleys provide respite from the scorching summer heat of the plains, while the monsoons enhance the beauty of its waterfalls and rivers. Autumn paints the landscape in breathtaking hues and winter, with its snowfall-laden terrain, makes for an ideal adventure tourism hub. By leveraging these natural advantages, Uttarakhand can dismantle the outdated concept of “off-season” and reposition itself as a destination that remains vibrant throughout the year. This shift, however, requires strategic investments in infrastructure, marketing and policy incentives to ensure that the State’s tourism industry thrives in all seasons.
PM Modi also highlighted the Vibrant Villages programme, an initiative designed to rejuvenate and develop villages along India’s borders. Historically, settlements such as Jadung and Mana were viewed as India’s “last villages”. However, under this new vision, they are being rebranded as the “first villages”—a transformation that seeks to redefine not just geographical boundaries but also socio-economic opportunities. Promoting border tourism can serve multiple purposes: strengthening national security by fostering economic activity in these remote areas, enhancing local livelihoods and creating new tourist circuits that integrate cultural heritage with adventure experiences.
A key highlight of PM Modi’s address was his emphasis on winter tourism. Traditionally, visitor footfall drops significantly in the colder months. However, the Prime Minister introduced a novel idea—‘Gham Tapo Tourism’ or sunbathing tourism—where tourists can experience the serene warmth of Uttarakhand’s winter sun. This concept aligns well with global trends in experiential tourism. European countries have long capitalised on winter travel through seasonal sports, cozy retreats and wellness tourism. If implemented effectively, Uttarakhand can attract tourists seeking winter escapades, homestay experiences and local organic cuisine, thereby boosting the rural economy.
To sustain year-round tourism, seamless connectivity is essential. Modi underscored the importance of ropeway projects in Kedarnath and Hemkund, which aim to revolutionise pilgrimage and adventure tourism. Once completed, the Kedarnath trek, which currently takes hours, will be reduced to a mere 30-minute journey. Such infrastructure developments not only make pilgrimage sites more accessible to elderly and differently-abled visitors but also provide opportunities for eco-tourism, reducing vehicular congestion and minimising environmental impact.
Tourism is more than just scenic landscapes—it is a lifeline for local economies. The PM highlighted Uttarakhand’s diverse agricultural produce, praising Harshil’s Rajma (kidney beans) and Mandua (finger millet) as valuable local commodities. Promoting these local products on a national and global scale aligns with India’s broader vision of self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat). By integrating agri-tourism, handicraft markets and eco-tourism initiatives, Uttarakhand can create sustainable livelihood opportunities that prevent large-scale migration from villages to urban centers—a challenge the State has grappled with for years.
Modi’s address was not just a policy statement; it was a call to action for Uttarakhand to embrace its untapped potential. By positioning itself as a comprehensive tourism destination, the State can attract spiritual seekers, adventure enthusiasts, cultural explorers and eco-conscious travelers alike. However, realising this vision requires a multi-stakeholder approach—the State government, local entrepreneurs, tourism boards and communities must collectively work towards improving infrastructure, digital promotion and service quality. Incentives for sustainable practices, environmental conservation and skill development in the hospitality sector will be crucial in ensuring that tourism growth is inclusive and long-term.
PM Modi’s Uttarakhand visit underscored a transformative vision—one that has the potential to reshape the State’s tourism industry and redefine its economic trajectory. By capitalising on its natural beauty, cultural richness and strategic location, Uttarakhand can evolve into one of India’s most dynamic and resilient tourism destinations. The challenge now lies in execution—how effectively can the policies be translated into action? How swiftly can infrastructure be upgraded? And most importantly, how can tourism be harnessed as a tool for sustainable development? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Uttarakhand is on the cusp of a new era—one that extends far beyond pilgrimage tourism and embraces a truly global vision.
(The author is a content strategist, technology and media analyst; views expressed are personal)
