Shettihalli Church

Best time to visit

Any time of the year is a good time to visit this unique church. Post monsoons, when the water recedes, the entire church structure can be seen. However, the submerged church (during the monsoons) has an altogether different charm to it.

Shettihalli church

Constructed in the year 1860 by French missionaries, the Shettihalli Church today stands in ruins but what makes it special is the fact that it is submerged in the Hemavati River during the monsoon season. That’s right, visit it during the summer months are you’ll see an entirely different backdrop with the river receded.

The church was abandoned after the government decided to build the Gorur Dam in 1960 which led to the flooding of Hemavati River and submerging of the church. Over the years, the church has become a popular destination for people who are on the way to Gokarna. A favourite of the shutterbugs living in Bangalore and Mysore cities, the flooding offers a breathtaking reflection of the dilapidated church. Since the church is in ruins, you’re not likely to find many stalls, so do carry some food and refreshments which you can indulge in by the riverside.

Distance from Bangalore – 205 km

Top Sights



It is pretty evident now that I have stated the fact the church being half-submerged in the water; but once the water subsides, the Shettihalli church can be seen as a whole in its full magnificence. The vicinity around the church is a significant shooting spot for shooting regional movies & serials. Even after the consistent flooding of the reservoir over the past 25 years, the church stands tall For those who are photography, lovers would love this place. When the dark sky reflects on the Shettihalli church through the Hemavati River on the background of the church, it creates the most amazing panoramic view. For bird lovers and nature enthusiasts, this place would steal your eyes with its breathtaking surroundings.

Shettihalli Church Hassan: History, Haunted, How To Reach

Located 2 km from Shettihalli, Karnataka; the Shettihalli church is one of the ancient wonder of India by the French missionaries from the 1860s.

It is the finest structure of gothic architecture, and by finest I mean magnificent. However, after the Hemavati Dam & Reservoir constructed in 1960, the Shettihali Rosary church was abandoned due to the reservoir’s consistent flooding.

Know More

I

ROSARY CHURCH, SHETTIHALLI – AS IT SUBMERGES AND EMERGES

"

The thing is, the church was built on the banks of Hemavathi River near Hassan where an erstwhile village existed long ago. When the government decided the flowing river water had to be put to better use, Gorur dam was built which floods the Hemavathi Reservoir. As with any dam, the collateral damage was relocation of the villages upstream. This village was no different and the villagers were relocated to the nearby villages but the church was left behind.