No bells, no colourful glass windows: Why this 160-year-old Karnataka church almost disappears underwater every monsoon

When we think of churches, the first thought that pops into our mind is swaying bells, carols and stained glass windows. But the Shettihalli Rosary Church in Karnataka lacks these salient features. Tucked away on the banks of the Hemavathi River in Shettihalli village of Hassan district, this eerie place of worship, located just 200 kms away from Bengaluru, is now completely in ruins. But what makes the church so unique is that every monsoon, the structure gets partially submerged in water, looking like a destination straight out of a dark and mysterious horror novel.

All about Karnataka’s Shettihalli Rosary Church

The intricate Gothic architecture of the Shettihalli Rosary Church captures your attention the moment you set foot here. Built in 1860 by the French missionaries for the wealthy British estate owners, the church once boasted skilful construction, including pointed arches, curved windows, and detailed stonework, as per the official website.

Besides brick and mortar, other materials used to build the church were Belgian glass, Egyptian gypsum, jaggery and eggshells. As per CN Traveller, the fate of Shettihalli Rosary Church changed after the Gorur-Hemavathi dam was constructed over the Hemavathi River, leaving it completely abandoned.

Why the Shettihalli Rosary Church gets submerged

The dam uprooted the nearby villages surrounding the church. Since then, every year during the peak monsoon season ( June to October), floods snake through the haunting skeletal frames of the giant structure, slowly submerging it until only one-third of the church remains visible. Then again, from October to February, the water disappears, and the church grounds reappear.

Due to the phenomenon, the church has acquired names like ‘Floating Church’ and ‘Submerged Church’. Despite being in ruins, the Shettihalli Rosary Church lures tourists with its rich history, grandeur and uncanny vibe. Travellers can hire boats to take a tour on the river, admiring the church’s raw beauty. The local fishermen can also be asked for a tour of the historical site.

Final takeaway

It is difficult to locate Shettihalli Rosary Church on Google Maps, and the location is only accessible to those willing to take the isolated dirt track that leads to this oft-overlooked site. But fret not, although the church looks downright creepy, there are no ghost stories associated with it.