Promote tourist spots online: Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday asked people to visit the seven best tourist destinations in their state and promote them by posting pictures from there with hashtag 'Incredible India' on social networking sites.

Urging people to travel like a student and observer, Modi, in his monthly radio programme Mann ki Baat, shared his own experiences. He said he had visited more than 500 districts in the country which helped him in understanding things better.

"In order to promote tourism, every Indian must know about the best tourist destinations in your state," Modi said.

Lakhs of photographs received from every corner of India will actually become a treasure for the tourism sector, Modi said.

He also asked people to write good travelogues post information about architecture, natural beauty and daily life of various places.

Based on the inputs received, the government will conduct scrutiny and prepare publicity material, Modi said.

Observing that October to March was a suitable time for tourism, he asked people to travel to different parts of the country as it is full of "myriad diversities" instead of visiting foreign countries.

"It is a matter of concern when we do not see our own country, we do not know about its diversities nor do we understand them. Impressed by mere superficial glitter we have started enjoying touring foreign countries.

"I have no issues if you travel around the world but have a look at your own country too."

He said Mahatma Gandhi, Lokmanya Tilak and Swami Vivekananda travelled widely in India. This developed their understanding of the country.

"Can we make an effort as a student to learn, understand and try to live as per the traditions, culture, attire, eating habits and beliefs of different states, different societies, different groups of our country?" Modi asked.