Karnataka Budget 2026: Coastal Tourism Development Plan, Seaplane Connectivity and 1,000 ‘Smaraka Mitras’ Announced

The Karnataka Budget 2026 has placed a strong focus on tourism growth, with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announcing a Comprehensive Coastal Tourism Development Plan aimed at unlocking the tourism potential of Karnataka’s coastal districts.

Presenting the budget on Friday, the Chief Minister said the state government will prepare a detailed strategy to boost tourism infrastructure, connectivity, and employment opportunities in the coastal region.

Coastal Tourism Plan to Boost Connectivity and Attractions

As part of the proposed tourism roadmap, the government plans to improve connectivity to key coastal destinations through seaplane and heli-taxi services, developed in collaboration with private stakeholders. The initiative also includes joy rides, river cruises, and coastal tourism experiences designed to attract domestic and international travellers.

The plan follows earlier remarks by Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar, who had announced in January that the state would soon introduce a dedicated tourism policy for coastal Karnataka after consultations with industry stakeholders.

Shivakumar had highlighted that despite the region’s pristine beaches, rich cultural heritage, and natural resources, tourism development in coastal Karnataka has remained below its potential. He also noted that many residents migrate to other cities or abroad for work, underscoring the need for tourism-led employment generation to retain local talent.

₹1 Crore for Tourism Skill Development

To improve visitor experiences across the state, the budget has allocated ₹1 crore for tourism skill development. The funds will support training programs for tourist guides, taxi and auto drivers, and tourism security personnel.

Soft-skill training modules will also be introduced, while selected universities will offer diploma programs in tourism guidance, aimed at equipping professionals with specialised knowledge about Karnataka’s culture, heritage, and tourist sites.

1,000 ‘Smaraka Mitras’ to Protect Heritage Monuments

In a major heritage conservation initiative, the government plans to train and accredit 1,000 ‘Smaraka Mitras’—firms and NGOs tasked with maintaining and improving tourist amenities at heritage sites for a minimum of five years.

The program will help protect 844 protected monuments and 1,000 unprotected heritage sites across Karnataka, strengthening the state’s heritage tourism ecosystem.

₹100 Crore Plan for Anjanadri Hill Development

The budget also reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to developing Anjanadri Hill in Koppal District as a world-class tourist destination.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced a ₹100 crore development plan, which will move forward once the project receives necessary forest and environmental clearances from the Central Government and concurrence from UNESCO.

New Tourism Circuits and Ropeway Projects

The government also plans to develop the Gadag–Kappatagudda–Lakkundi Tourism Circuit, aimed at promoting heritage and eco-tourism in northern Karnataka.

In another major tourism infrastructure initiative, a ropeway project under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model will connect the hill destinations of Mullayanagiri, Seethalayyagiri, and Kaimara in Chikkamagaluru District. The project aims to enhance accessibility while boosting tourism in the region.

Infrastructure Push in Mysuru

Additionally, the budget has allocated ₹10 crore to complete pending infrastructure development at the Karnataka Exhibition Authority in Mysuru, which hosts major trade fairs and exhibitions that attract visitors from across the country.

Tourism as a Driver of Economic Growth

With improved connectivity, skill development programs, and heritage conservation initiatives, the Karnataka government hopes to position the state as a leading tourism destination in India while generating employment and strengthening regional economies.

The coastal tourism plan, combined with new tourism circuits and infrastructure investments, signals a broader strategy to transform Karnataka’s natural and cultural assets into sustainable tourism opportunities.