The Floating Church

"The Earth is what we all have in common." Wendell Berry

Hi viewers, welcome to What's around us to explore! Have you ever seen a floating church? If yes, comment the place name. This article of mine is not just about my lake marathon experience but also witnessing one of the most bizarre monument of Karnataka named "Shettihalli Rosary Church" popular by the name floating church or submerged church.

Shettyhalli Rosary Church: Shettihalli is a gothic style church built in 1860 by French missionaries in India near the banks of Hemavati River. Church became submerged after constructing Hemavati Dam, but now it is one of the most attractive tourist place of Hassan District, Karnataka. This is my second visit to Shettyhalli Church and this time as part of my "Lake Marathon".

Gracious sunset from Shettihalli Church

Where there is water, there exists biodiversity. Since it is situated on the banks of Hemavati river, a huge area of water is accumulated, which is home for many fresh water fish. Fish attracts its predator which happens to be my favorite creatures 'birds'.

Localities have opted to do fishing here and this has attracted many common crows and jungles crows to feed on their catch. There are some small islands in the back waters, where we can see some plants on it. Intermediate egret was the first spotted bird in this place, left to that, a cormorant was found.

Flora of Shettihalli

An Egret and a cormorant

Egret

Cormorants

I found few pond herons hidden between the branches and waiting for the catch. Other than this, I could even see some white throated kingfisher on the branches but couldn't capture it.

Pond Heron

A Little egret was found foraging near the grasses.

Little Egret

There are many Black kites and Brahminy kites in the premises.

Black kites

This was my short visit to Shettihalli Church (Gorur-Hemavati backwaters), there might be plenty of other species dwelling in this ecosystem, next time I will try to explore more. As per the statistics, cormorants, egrets and herons are found common in all the wetlands I have visited. Next time when you are in Hassan, do not forget to visit Shettihalli church, hire boats are available too through which you can see around the submerged church.

Thrilling Boat ride to Shettihalli Church

This place is a perfect spot for a weekend, sunset, shooting and to have a fun time with your dear ones. Next time I will be back with yet another episode of Lake Marathon, till then keep reading 'What's around us to explore"!

Scenic Beauty of Shettihalli Church