As you approach the structure, the church towers appear clearly against the monsoon sky. But when you approach nearer, you see a vast river bank, and the church seems to float in its water. This mystical church stands in the middle of Hemavathi river and is a sight of wonder.
Shettihalli Rosary Church, in Karnataka, is a classic Gothic church. The history of the church dates to 1860s when it was built by the French Missionaries for the then British estate owners, on the banks of Hemavathi river. Later in 1960, when the government constructed a dam over the river, the villages were shifted upstream, leading to the relocation of the people and the abandonment of the church. Since then, the Shettihalli Rosary Church has been standing, forlorn and forsaken, for almost 200 years bearing the wrath of time.
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This church is best visited on a day’s trip from Bangalore. If you leave the city in the early morning, you have to drive approximately 200 km to reach the Hemavathi river bank, and you can be back by the evening.
The perfectly clear sky and the vast stretches of Hemavathi riverbank make this place a paradise for photographers. The church is in ruins now showcasing only the skeletal structure. There are enough remnants of the church to remind you of what it must have looked like then. Today, the church bears a mysterious glory, bestowed by the passage of time.
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The ruins have a mysterious charm to them. The church as such is relatively huge. The columns, the architecture, and few walls are preserved just so much so that one can fill in the missing pieces of the puzzle. The architecture looks very European which adds all the more Gothic charm to the setting.
You can also enjoy the rustic charm of the place, as you take a coracle ride in the Hemavathi. The coracles even take you through the ruins of the Church, and from inside the church, floating on a river, the view can be enchanting.
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But it is advised to carry your own sustenance or a lunch picnic, as there is no facility for lunch in the Church’s vicinity. You can stay overnight on the banks if you carry your tent gear.
So, plan a ride to Shettihali Church for a mesmerising experience at the floating wonder.
