The early history of Kodaikanal goes back to 14th century AD when residents of Palani foothills fled to Kodai to save themselves from the invasion of Tipu Sultan and oppressive rule of the plains. Lieutenant B. S. Ward, a surveyor, was the first European to visit Kodaikanal in the year 1821.
Popular places in Kodaikanal
Kodaikanal Lake.
Lutheran Church.
Coaker’s Walk.
Bryant Park.
Green Valley View.
Pillar Rocks.
Chettiar Park.
BearShola Falls.
Pambar Falls.
RatTail Falls.
Kukkal Caves.
Located in around to kodaikanal- 15 kms
The reason behind his visit to this place was to have a clean and hygienic place around Madurai that can save the missionaries operating in south Tamil Nadu from the summer heat and occasional epidemic diseases. The place was accessible from Madurai and had a wonderful climate and it did not take much time for Kodaikanal to gain popularity in the immigrant population.
In 1834, the Madurai Collector climbed up from Devadanapatti and built a small bungalow at this place. By the second half of the 19th century, churches and other colonial architecture started to come up in and around Kodaikanal. The result was a series of beautiful structures like the Union Church built in 1895, La Providence, Church for Anglicans in 1860, and many bungalows. The lake at Kodaikanal was created in 1863 by Sir Vere Hendry Levinge, who was the collector of Madurai at that time. He latter retired and settled in Kodai. He was the same person who brought the first boat to the lake and started the boating club here.
The year 1875 was a watermark in the history of Kodaikanal. This was the year when Kodaikanal saw its first steam engine. A railway line from Chennai was extended to Tirunelveli (598 km) and a station was created at Ammainayakkanur. This station was later renamed as Kodai Road and facilitated hordes of tourists to visit Kodaikanal. The distance between Kodaikanal main town and Kodai Road Station is about 80 km by road.
In the early 20th century, some Indian elite class members visited this place, purchased property, and provided different colours to the place. Today, Kodaikanal is a regular hill station visited by people from all walks of life; still the place has not lost its charm and sylvan environs.
Location : Located in Tamilnadu,near to Madurai(120kms).
Area : 21.45 sq. kms.
Population : Approx. 32,931.
Tourist Spot »
From Kodaikanal Town(Bus Stand) – All the below are located between 5 to 15 kms
How to reach Kodaikanal ?
: Roadway :Kodaikanal, located near Madurai and Erode, is well connected by national highways with cities like Madurai,
and Chennai.
: Railway :The main railway station is located at Madurai and Erode.
: Airway :The nearest airport is the Madurai Airport.
