Karnataka to invest ₹1 crore on training guides, auto and taxi drivers to enhance tourism

To ensure a pleasant experience for tourists visiting Karnataka, the State Government will invest ₹1 crore to train tourist guides, taxi and auto drivers, and security police staff, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced on March 6.

The State Government will be introducing soft skill training courses to enhance professionalism, while selected universities will offer diploma programmes to equip tourist guides with specialised skills.  

Participants of the Walking Guided Tour Programme of the Vidhana Soudha building, organised by Department of Tourism, Government of Karnataka, in Bengaluru on May 25, 2025.
| Photo Credit:
SUDHAKARA JAIN

Furthermore, to preserve the State’s heritage, 1,000 ‘’ (firms, NGOs designated for conserving, maintaining, and developing tourist amenities at a site for at least five years) will be trained and accredited by the Tourism Department to protect 844 protected monuments and 1,000 unprotected monuments across Karnataka. 

Comprehensive Coastal Tourism Development Plan

Recognising the tourism potential of Karnataka’s coastal districts, the government plans to prepare a ‘Comprehensive Coastal Tourism Development Plan’. Connectivity to key attractions in these areas will be enhanced through ‘sea plane and heli-taxi services’, developed in collaboration with private stakeholders, while joy rides and river cruises will be promoted, Mr. Siddaramaiah announced. 

Anjanadri Hill

A ₹100 crore plan to develop Anjanadri Hill in Koppal district into a world class tourist destination will proceed after getting the required forest and environmental clearances from the Central Government, and concurrence of UNESCO, the CM said. 

The Gadag-Kappatagudda-Lakkundi tourism circuit will be developed. A ropeway in PPP mode will connect Mullayangiri,  Seethalayyagiri, and Kaimara in Chikkamagaluru district, aimed at boosting tourism in the region. 

₹10 crore has been set aside for completing the remaining infrastructure development of the Karnataka Exhibition Authority in Mysuru.