22 April 2011
When people know that their abode will be swallowed by the backwaters rising from a dam, they take everything possible with him. But lot of immovable structures still remains to submerge from the rising waters. As summer commences, the water in the reservoirs starts to recede opening up some of these secrets hidden during monsoon rains.
One such place is Shettihalli Church submerged by the backwaters of Gorur dam constructed across Hemavathy River. Built around 1860 by French missionaries, it was called as Holy Rosary Church. It is said that the Church was built using bricks mixing with jiggery and eggs.
Travel:
Instead of usual way of “ask and go”, I decided to use Google maps. As the map directed me from National highway to State highway followed by district roads and narrow village roads, I grew suspicious and asked a villager. But google was correct!! We could see the backwaters and shortly afterwards, the spire of the Church was visible. We had to cross few fields before entering into the backwaters. The water had completely receded from the Church area creating few ponds in between.
The Church:
The huge Church is in ruins now but most of the structures are still intact. The roof is gone and so are the windows and doors. Its golden days had passed long ago and now silently stood against the vast expanse of water.
I saw a small Temple similarly submerged in the backwater. That was on the other side of the backwaters. Few coracles were available but it I was not willing to bet my life on that. If explored, I am sure that more such small secrets would come out.
Unfortunately, a group of people had come on their bikes from nearby city. Few of them were busy emptying the Kingfisher bottles while the ones who consumed all were equally busy in smashing them against rocks. They did not bother us but were creating a nuisance. Somehow, I am seeing a lot of these kinds of people who just add weight to the earth.
We just moved near to backwaters and away from the gang. It was quite peaceful with only the sound being the waves gently hitting the shores. My daughter was more interested in playing in the waters. While she was busy throwing stones into the water, I just sat silently watching the backwaters. It was a nice afternoon.
How to reach:
Shettihalli Church is about 25km from Hassan. Take the road that leads to Gorur dam. After some 12 km, take a road that goes to right. Proceed on that road till you see the backwaters. The church should be visible just before a bridge constructed across backwaters.
R Niranjan Das
Lovely place and lovely pics..
http://www.rajniranjandas.blogspot.com
Team G Square
Wonderful , thanks for sharing , such an amazing place .
ರಾಜೇಶ್ ನಾಯ್ಕ
Dear Aravind,
We will exchange our cameras. Those shots are classy. loved the first picture.
Naveen
gr8 shots aravind
sandeep
the clouds make the pictures even better and the landscape is looking wet and lush green. luvly pictures.
R a n j i t
Aravind, you need to buy a 70-300mm ( if you don't have one already ) , shoot pics of people who spoil the environment and post them in our blog . With the number of readers you have, they sure will get the message one way or the other 🙂
Sandeep.K.B
Nice photos and wonderful info..
Thanks Arvind
Aravind GJ
Niranjan, G Square, Naveen, Sandeep KB,
Thanks.
Rajesh,
Hahaha!! In addition to camera, I feel the clouds and the light helped me to take some good snaps.
Sandeep,
That's Right.
Ranjit,
May be I should do that. Now, I just avoid them like plague.
The wild
Nice snaps Aravind ,lovely greenary
Aravind GJ
Thanks Arjun.
Hemmige
Lovely pictures Arvind. They have come out very well. You missed one point, You can see the back of the Gorur dam from the church. It is also shown in your picture.
Even though I have been to the church umpteen times, I have not observed the small temple. Thanks for posting that here. Will check it out next time I'm there.
There is one more shorter route from Hassan to Shettihalli. There is no need to go on Gorur road and turn right.
From Thanneerhalla on the BM road in Hassan, you have to take a left on Haluvagilu road (unofficially called Shettihalli road). This road crosses the Hassan bypass and goes directly to Shettihalli. The road, although a bit narrow, is in good shape (better than the Gorur road). The distance should be approx 20 kms on this route.
Aditya
Aravind GJ
Aditya,
Thanks for the comments. Yes… Gorur dam can be seen from the Church. And thanks for giving info about the alternate road.
magal
very nice and rare location info.
Aravind GJ
Magal,
Thanks.