This Gothic Marvel built in 1860 calls you twice to see it's glory - once during monsoon to see it half submerged and then during winter/summer when the water recedes and you can walk up to the Church.
See the magnificent church in both its avatars.
Where on Earth is this Gothic Church?
Shettihalli is in Hassan District and 744 kilometers away from Hyderabad. I thought of going there, but didn't wanted to go either in the bus or train, which I got so bored off. Then a thought struck me, how about some Gusto moments on my Mahindra Gusto, I thought. But I was wondering if I could make it to this place on my Gusto, one because of the distance and second because the usual bike riders who traverse the length and breadth of the country prefer either Royal Enfield or Bajaj Avenger for long road trips. Mine was not such a Mean Machine to boost off, and will it endure the distance without any technical glitch.
But I had made up my mind and I didn't technically consult my Gusto if it was ready for this rendezvous with the wind on the Hyderabad Bangalore Highway. Well, let's see. Why cross the bridge before it comes.
What could at worse happen? A flat tyre? A clutch or a break issue? Or complete breakdown? Either way, I would be on the Highway and help would always be a wave away with any truck stopping and loading my Gusto to the safe portals of a mechanic a few miles away. So why worry even before I venture out.
But it is always better to leave perceptions at home, or else you would be confounded with confusion of your own thoughts conflicting with your thoughts. Come what may, just go!
It's monsoon now, I would want to see the Shettihalli Rosary Church submerged. I had seen some kannada songs picturized here and since then the itch to see it was itching me.
Going back on time, I remember how I went to Anantapur from Kurnool on my Bajaj Super, the King of two wheelers then. Both these places lay at a distance of 150 kilometers.
If Bajaj can, so can my Gusto. That was my confidence.
The road from Hyderabad to Bangalore is perfect for road trips, especially bike trips. Two major towns, Kurnool and Anantapur can be halted at, to fill both your tummy and also fill fuel into your machines.
As soon as you leave Hyderabad, on the outskirts after crossing Shamshabad you have a drive-in with Cafe Coffee Day. You can have a pit-stop for breakfast here. Lunch at Kurnool is ideal because of the number of restaurants. It hardly takes 4 hours to reach Kurnool from Hyderabad.
As you proceed further from Kurnool, the road from Gooty to Anantapur is just perfect and breezy. You will enjoy the ride. If solo, get some groovy music on your headphones and vroom on this lovely highway. You will enjoy every moment on the road.
Stay put for the night at Bangalore or you can head straight to Hassan directly and rest your bones there.
If you think you came all the distance only to see this Gothic Church, then you have something to rejoice. There are other places too, which you can see around Hasan.
It's monsoon now, I would want to see the Shettihalli Rosary Church submerged. I had seen some kannada songs picturized here and since then the itch to see it was itching me.
There are Hoysala Temples at Mosale, 34 Kilometers from Hassan. And then there is Gorur Dam at a distance of 21 kilometers and Ranganatha Temple and Ramanthapur Temples.
