Panaji, Jul 5 (PTI): In a bid to boost religious tourism, the Goa government is showcasing gurdwaras in the coastal state to attract Sikh pilgrims from northern states.

The Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) showcased gurdwaras as tourist attractions during road shows in Jalandhar, Amritsar and Shimla recently, besides traditional attractions such as the 16th-century churches and temples.

"There is a sizeable population of Sikhs in Goa who visit these gurdwaras. Tourists from north India, too, can visit them, which are second to none," GTDC chairman Nilesh Cabral said.

Goa, which attracted 26 lakh tourists last year, is struggling to get footfalls during the rains, when it is off-season for the tourism industry.

The GTDC has been holding road shows across the country to invite domestic tourists to the state and is offering special packages for the otherwise lean monsoon season, Cabral said.

He said the GTDC had also taken to social networking sites to spread awareness about the state.

Cabral said hinterland tourism was promoted during non-peak months from April to October, when tourist swimmers cannot enter the sea due to weather conditions.

Tourists are also offered nature trails and glimpses of festivities related to monsoon during their stay here, he added.

Cabral said the state government was keen to tap the huge base of domestic tourists by promoting the state during the non-peak months.

"Similar road shows are lined up in south India in July and August. The GTDC will also participate in travel fairs to vigorously market products on offer by the GTDC," he said.