World Tourism Day: Check out these black and white pictures of popular tourist haunts in Karnataka

On the occasion of World Tourism Day, which is celebrated annually on September 27, the Government of Karnataka has released some previously-unseen, old, black and white photographs of some famous heritage sites and tourist-friendly places in the state of Karnataka. Scroll down to see how these places looked years ago. (Photos: From the archives of the Department of Information and Public Relations, Government of Karnataka)

Seen here is the Mysore Palace, which is also known as the 'Amba Vilas Palace'. It is a tourist place and also a royal residence. It was, once upon a time, the seat of the Kingdom of Mysore and the official residence of the Wadiyar dynasty. It continues to be one of the most important and popular tourist sites in India, and people from all over the country come here to witness the beauty of the palace. (Photo: From the archives of the Department of Information and Public Relations, Government of Karnataka)

Next, the Hoysaleshwara Temple in Halebidu, Karnataka, which was recently proposed to be listed under UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Also called ‘Halebidu’ temple, the Hoysaleshwara Temple is a 12th-century monument dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is said to be the largest monument in Halebidu, a town in Karnataka and erstwhile capital of the Hoysala Empire. It was sponsored by King Vishnuvardhana. The temple follows the Shaivism tradition, but includes themes from Vaishnavism and Shaktism, too, along with images from Jainism. (Photo: From the archives of the Department of Information and Public Relations, Government of Karnataka)

Jog Falls, as the name suggests, are waterfalls on River Sharavati in the Shivamogga district of Karnataka. They are said to be the third-highest plunge waterfall in the country, which draws tourists from many different states. (Photo: From the archives of the Department of Information and Public Relations, Government of Karnataka)

Seen here is the Gol Gumbaz monument, which is also known as Gol Gumbad. This 17th-century mausoleum is situated in Bijapur, and is the resting place of Mohammad Adil Shah, the seventh sultan of the Adil Shahi dynasty. (Photo: From the archives of the Department of Information and Public Relations, Government of Karnataka)

According to Karnataka.com, the Elephant Stable in Hampi used to be the shelter place for the royal elephants of the Vijayanagara Empire. This structure is located just outside the 'Zenana Enclosure'. A major tourist attraction, this is among the very few structures to have survived the Mughal attack on Hampi, which led to the downfall of the Vijayanagara Empire in 1565 AD. (Photo: From the archives of the Department of Information and Public Relations, Government of Karnataka)

The Ugra Narasimha Statue -- also known as the Lakshmi Narasimha statue -- is located among the ruins of Hampi. According to Karnataka.com, it is the largest monolith statue in the area, situated on the southern side of the Hemakuta group of temples that stand on the Hemakuta Hill. A famous tourist attraction, the Lakshmi Narasimha statue was built in 1528 AD, during the reign of Krishnadevaraya, one of the greatest rulers of the Vijayanagara Empire. (Photo: From the archives of the Department of Information and Public Relations, Government of Karnataka)

Sree Virupaksha Temple in Hampi is dedicated to Lord Shiva. According to Karnataka.com, the temple was constructed with the assistance of the commander of King Deva Raya II, Lakkana Dandesha of the Vijayanagara Empire. The temple has survived the onslaughts that led to Hampi's ruin, and continues to attract tourists. This structure has been constructed in the manner of the Deccan architecture, with a tapering top and intricate carvings on the facade. (Photo: From the archives of the Department of Information and Public Relations, Government of Karnataka)