Rosary Church in Shetihalli is an abandoned church on the banks of river Hemvathy. This church was built in 1860 by French Missionaries. In 1960, after the Hemavati Dam was built, during monsoon season, the Shetihalli church was submerged in water. When the water levels rise very high, all except the spire gets submerged.

Shettihalli Rosary Church View from the Hemavathi Reservoir, near Hassan.

The Shetihalli church was constructed by a French missionary named Abbe J A Dubois in 1860. This church was built with bricks and mortar along with Egyptian gypsum, jaggery, and eggshells. Belgium glasses were also used, which got damaged over time. This church is in ruins with a skeletal frame. It is in the Gothic style of Architecture.

The magnificent church ruins are very popular with tourists, who flock to the area during the Monsoon season. The beautiful French Arches of the church, with the dam reservoir waters around, will make you spellbound. The church is one of the most beautiful churches in India.

This church is also known as Floating Church.

How do I go To Rosary Church near Shetihalli?

Rosary Church is situated at a distance of 22 kilometers from Shetihalli near Hassan in Karnataka state. Bangalore is around 200 kilometers from Shetihalli. Shetihalli town is well connected by roads. Some buses drop you near the Shetihalli church area.

When to Visit the Shettihalli Church?

This church gets submerged in waters normally from July to October. You can go at that time to view the submerged church. The church at Shettihalli normally emerges in all its glory from December to May when the water level recedes. It’s best to visit the church twice, once during each season.

You may hire a boat from the local fishermen to go close to the submerged church when it gets flooded.