Located 22 km from Hassan in the small district of Shettihalli, the Shettihalli Rosary Church is a structure in ruins, but one that has also stood the test of time. Also known as The Submerged Church and The Floating Church, it has recently become a popular tourist attraction in the region. Standing tall in the middle of barren fields, Shettihalli church gets submerged in water every monsoon. A popular picnic spot and home to some birds, several tourists flock here to spend quality time with friends and family. However, you will have to carry your own food and beverage, as there are no eateries or shops in the vicinity.

The best time to visit the church is between November and May. During summer, the church stands in its full glory, whereas during the monsoon the submerged church narrates a different story. There is no entry fee. 

How To Reach Shettihalli Church?  

At a distance of 116 kms from Mysore, 169 kms from Mangalore and 204 kms from Bangalore, the Shettihalli church can be easily accessed via road and railways. 

By Road

Buses are available for Shettihalli from Bangalore, Mangalore and Mysore. Additionally, local buses regularly ply from Hassan bus station to the Shettihalli church. The bus will drop you on a road leading to the church, from there it’s a 10 min walk to reach the chapel ruins. 

By Train

The Mysore Junction Railway Station is the closest railway station to Hassan which is approximately 40 kms from Shettihalli. You can take an auto to reach the Shettihalli church. 

By Air

Mangalore Airport is the nearest major international airport. From there you can book a cab to Shettihalli church.

History Of Shettihalli Church

Built in 1860 by French missionaries for wealthy British estate owners in Alur and Sakleshpur, this ancient catholic church boasts some exceptional Gothic architecture. It is said that along with several talented architects, Fr. Abbe Dubois, a French missionary constructed the Shettihalli church in 1810 using mortar and bricks along with a mix of jaggery and eggs. It was later renovated in 1860. In the beginning, a single storeyed church was built with a tower containing two bells. Glass from Belgium, gypsum from Egypt, paintings from Scotland, palm trees from Malaysia, and decorative items from Italy and Brazil were used in the construction. 

The church was set up to serve the Christian communities residing in the areas in and around Hassan, including Changaravalli, Shettihalli, Doddakoppalu, Gaddekopplu, and Madanakopplu. The church soon acquired world fame for rendering yeoman services to the poor and needy in matters of health from all walks of life, irrespective of their religious affiliations. It is believed that many Christian scholars including Rev. F Kittel, Hermann Moggling, B L Rice, and John Hands stayed at the church during their research work.

During the 1960s, the Gorur reservoir was constructed to redirect the waters of the Hemavathi river. Subsequently, the collateral damage during the process led to the submersion of around 28 villages. The floods resulted in the villagers relocating and the church being abandoned. Prior to the construction of the Gorur reservoir, Shettihalli used to be a very rich agricultural hamlet that was known for its sunflower fields.

Digitising Of Shettihalli Rosary Church

An in-house project called #DigitalHeritage was initiated by Axesmap, a company that uses drone solutions, where important sites of cultural heritage are digitised. The Shettihalli church is one such site that’s been digitised by reconstructing a 3D model using photogrammetry technology.  

Team Axesmap captured 200 images using a DSLR camera and 800 aerial images using drones for the reconstruction of this church. The image of the church was digitised and made available to the public domain by Axesmap for viewers to experience the Shettihalli Church through virtual reality.

Facts About Shettihalli Rosary Church

Shettihalli church in Hassan is naturally blessed with a bridge across the dam, from where visitors can take in stunning views. While visiting this place you’ll notice that the entire roof of the church has caved in while part of the altar and the central nave still stand. But there are no stained glass windows or pews or even windows left in the church. Some of the villagers avoid the church at night, saying it’s haunted. 

This place remains submerged in water during monsoons, making it special and unique. Only one-third of the chapel is visible when you visit during peak monsoon season. In the afternoon sun when the retreating sun casts a shadow on the water below, this dilapidated church looks hauntingly beautiful. As the water level rises in the dam every year, the church gets lost in the underwater world. You can hire boatmen available near the dam to give you a tour of the chapel from inside when you visit the church during the rainy season. A mysterious yet very romantic picture in the backdrop, this abandoned church is a local tourist hotspot nowadays. Those who have visited the Shettihalli church in Hassan have felt a surreal experience.

For nature enthusiasts and bird lovers, this place will steal your heart. You may be able to sight different bird species such as the painted stork, little cormorant, grey heron, Indian pond heron, Brahminy kites, river tern and egrets. 

The vicinity around the church is also a significant spot for wedding photoshoots and shooting regional movies. Its hauntingly beautiful appearance and eerie charm is now a paradise for photography buffs. A panoramic view is created when the dark sky reflects on the Shettihalli church through the Hemavati river on the background of the church. 

Also read: The 40 most haunted places in India

Why Should You Visit Shettihalli Rosary Church?

Shettihalli Church has become a popular tourist destination since many shutterbugs have started capturing the mysterious church. If you visit this mystical place, ensure to preserve sanctity of this place by avoiding scribbling on church walls, and by not littering with glass and plastic bottles. Places like the Shettihalli Rosary Church are a handful and so we need to be responsible citizens when it comes to preserving such monuments.

Here Are Some Tips To Help You Make The Most Of This Trip:

• As it gets hot during summer, carry water and a decent hat with you.
• There are no restaurants nearby so have your meals before visiting this place. 
• Try visiting on a weekday as it may get crowded during weekends and so you may face some challenges in getting great photos.

A gorgeous example of Gothic architecture, there is something about this ancient church that is quite romantic and mysterious. You get to experience an unforgettable and unmatched silence and solitude while visiting. If you are someone who likes to explore offbeat destinations in India, then make sure to add Shettihalli Rosary Church on your travel bucket list. 

from Travel.Earth https://ift.tt/31E08w3