Karnataka Plans Tourism Push for Abandoned Mines

12 Aug 2025 CW Team

Karnataka’s tourism department is preparing to transform abandoned and closed-down mines into major tourist attractions, with curated tour itineraries in the works.

Officials have shortlisted sites including the Bharat Gold Mines in Kolar, Hutti Gold Mines in Raichur, and several closed mining locations in Ballari. Plans also include the development of a golf arena in Kolar.

A senior tourism department official said that multiple clearances will be needed from agencies such as the Mines and Geology Department, Karnataka Forest Department, Ministry of Environment, Ecology and Climate Change, and the Ministry of Mines. “Political will is also needed. We are recreating the proposal with a curated tour plan, which will be presented to the State and Central governments for approval. The aim is to launch by the end of 2025,” the official added.

The initiative coincides with the forest department’s plans to open abandoned caves in Gadag as tourist attractions under the Kappadagudda forest development and management plan. The department is also considering turning the closed mining sites of Kudremukh into tourism hubs, with existing guest houses, offices, and other infrastructure to be renovated for visitor use.

In October 2024, the state cabinet approved the 2024–29 tourism policy, which formally included mining tourism. The tourism department began identifying potential destinations shortly thereafter.

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