Kodaikanal, 'Switzerland of the East', Western Ghats, Tamil Nadu

In the very early days, since its discovery by the American Missionaries, most of the visitors to the hills came from Madurai. They had to walk in the steep grueling way. The popular route was from Periakulam to Kistnamma Naik Tope by road through bullock carts & Rom Tope through the hills. One has to climb 2000 metres height by foot paths. This route was called "Coolie Ghat Road". Those who were not able to walk would hire "Dhoolies" (a sort of palanquins) carried by hirers. or by riding ponies. There were many risks. Some dacoits from Kalla tribes came but they soon vanished after seeing the high level of protection. Also there were interruptions by appearance of wild beasts like Panthers, Elephants, Bisons etc. Loud noises were made to chase them away.

In the year 1875 Southern Railways extended train route from Chennai to Madurai and Tuticorin. Due to this facility many tourists from far off places visited. They alight at Kodai Road Station, after Dindigul and before Madurai, travel by bullock up to Tope and then ascend the climbs. The government deputed Engineer Major Law to study and submit a plan to build a motorable road to the hills. After a long delay, the road was completed in 1914 and at last allowed for traffic in 1916. Public buses began to ply in the road from 1916.

A place of great antiquity, Kodaikanal finds mention in the Tamil Sangam literature of which dates back to the early Christian era. The area near the Palani Hills was inhabited by the primitive tribes of Paliyans and Pulyans. Kodaikanal was established as a hill station in the year 1845 by the British. Who used it as a summer retreat from the heat and dust if the city life.

Kodaikanal is sometimes referred to as the "Princess of Hill stations" and is a popular tourist destination. Much of the local economy is Hospitality industry based on national and international tourism. Kodaikanal was established by American missionaries around 1845, as a refuge from the high temperatures and tropical diseases of the plains.

There are at least 50 hotels of all classes and over 30 South and North Indian, Vegetarian and Non-vegetarian, Continental, Western and Chinese restaurants, not counting many bazaar shops and tea stalls. There are six banks: Canara Bank, Central Bank of India, Indian Bank, Kodaikanal Urban Bank, State Bank of India and Union Bank of India. The two medical facilities are The Van Allen and Government Hospitals. Places of worship for Hindus, Muslims and Christians include the Kurinji Andavar, Mariamman, Vinayagar and Murugan Temples; Ellis Villa and Munjikal Mosques; and the Sacred Heart, Munjikal, St. Francis Xavier, Gorapur, St. Mary's, La Salette, St. Joseph's, Luthern Mission and Lake End Churches.

Established social clubs in Kodaikanal are the Kodaikanal Lions Club Established 1985 under the jurisdiction of Lions Clubs International Dt. 324B., Kodaikanal Boat Club Established 1890 has nearly 650 permanent members. Kodaikanal golf Club (1895) has 18 holes, spread over 143 acres and The Indian Club (1915) on Poet Thyagarajar road.

Kodaikanal Nature at her most beautiful. Where the ochre earth sayly covers herself in emerald silk-That is studded with gems of sheer, glittering water. The mist is her shawl, covering her with mystique and magic. And amidst all this is you, nature's own creation. The place is Kodaikknal, secludely situated 2100 meters above sea level, in the beautiful palani Hills.

Kodaikanal is 120 Kms from the bustling city of Maudrai and at least tens and thousands of Kilometers from the mundane. Perhaps why those who visited this hill station have come back enchanted and thrilled.

The wooded slopes of Kodaikanal are filled with surprises. Kurinji a plant special to that region, turns the slopes into a sea of purple- once in 12 years! Step out of your room and right onto a star shaped sheet of glittering water. Yes, the Kodaikanal lake dominates this sleepy hill station. But wait a minute, the lake is actually man-made. Go on, take that boats and paddles away.

A short walk from the lake (yes, walking is the best way to reach any place interesting in tiny Kodai) and you can enjoy a magnificent display put by nature at Bryant's perk.

Those with stars in their eyes, can catch a glimpse of the heavens (literally speaking) at the Solar Observatory and from Kodai's two telescope houses.

Extensively visited by tourists and yet very serene, the beauty of virgin nature could be best witnessed in the breathtakingly beautiful hill station of Kodaikanal. Situated 2133 m above the sea level in Tamil Nadu, the magnificent hill station was developed by American missionaries in 1845. On arrival, the tourist is greeted by orchards of pear trees with extended branches.

In 1845, Kodaikanal was started as hill station in the Palani hills at 7375 ft. The Palani Hills were first surveyed by British Lieutenant Ward in 1821.The first people lived in the hills were dolmen-boulders, who have left here several visible artifacts, whose age is not still clear. In the Palani Hills Tribes are of two kinds; the Paliyans and Pulaiyans. Kukkal Caves, which in 20 km. away from kodaikanal, show traces of Paliyan occupation. Paliyans are tribes. Next to Paliyans, Pulaiyans were settled as agriculturists at later stage. The survey report of 1821, reveals Pulaiyans were the aborigines of the Palani Hills and followed Tamil Culture.

British Lieutenant Ward had climbed up from the Kunnavan Village of Vellagavi to Kodaikanal first in 1821 to survey the area. In 1834, Madurai collector climbed up from Devadanappatti and built a small bungalow at the head of Adukkam pass near Shenbaganur Dr.Wight visited Kodaikanal in 1836 and recorded his observations which were very useful to botanists later. In 1844, Mr.Fane, an Englishmen built godowns in kodaikanal and familiarized with hill area. In 1845, the first two bungalows "Sunny-side" and "Shelton" were built by American Mission people with the help of Englishmen Mr.Fane. Then, six American families came up and stayed first at Kodaikanal. Following this, British houses also appeared. In 1864, Colonel Halmilton recorded his opinion in his report that Berijam lake area was the best site in the Palani Hills for a Military Cantonment or Sanitarium. The hill station Kodaikanal was created to serve the needs of the British and Europeans in India. In the 20th century the Indian Elite visited Kodaikanal and purchased property and utilized the facilities of British and Americans. Thus Kodaikanal has a complex and varied culture.