Shettihalli Rosary Church

Shettihalli Rosary Church

Shettihalli Church is located 22 km from Shettihalli, in Karnataka. Built in the 1860s by the French missionaries in India, the church is a magnificent structure of Gothic Architecture. After the construction of the Hemavati Dam and Reservoir in 1960 the church was abandoned. It has since then become a famous tourist spot where people flock to see the half submerged church during monsoon.

Shettihalli Rosary Church

Beautiful French Arches of the church

View from the Hemavathi Reservoir , Shettihalli Rosary Church

History

The Church was built in 1860 by the French missionaries for the then wealthy British estate owners. In 1960 the construction of the Hemavati Dam and Reservoir led to the abandonment of the church. Since then the church submerges in water every year during monsoon season. It attracts a lot of tourists who visit the ruins to see this spectacular sight.

Best time to visit

To enjoy the surreal beauty of Shettihalli church, one needs to travel to this place twice. Once in the month of July–October when it is partially submerged in water and next in the month of Dec- May when the water level recedes and the church emerges in all its glory.

Getting There

By Road: The distance between Shettihalli and Bangalore is 200 km and can be easily accessed through roads. Buses are available as well which drop to Shettihalli Church.

By Train: Trains frequent from Yashwantpur railway station to Shettihalli on a daily basis.