There
is proof of settlement of prehistoric tribes at Kodaikanal
by visible artifacts such as dolmens homes of great
stone slabs. After the primitive tribes of Paliyans
and Pulyans in 14th century, villagers of Palani foot
hills fled into Kodai hills, to escape from the oppressive
rule in the plains and also from the invasion of Tippu
Sultan.
The first European to visit Kodaikanal was Lt. B.S.
Ward a surveyor in the year 1821. His Head Quarters
was Vellagavi village. There were many American missions
in South Tamil Nadu. The foreigners could not bear the
oppressive heat in Tamilnadu and they faced sickness
from epidemic diseases and consequential deaths. They
wanted neat and healthy natural surroundings near Madurai
to rest and improve their health. They were happy to
find from the report of Lt. B.S. Ward about the hills
with wonderful climate and easy accessibility from Madurai
& Periyakulam. Many English and American missionary
people visited Kodaikanal through various routes. Notable
among them are J C Wroughton -Sub Collector, C R Cotton
Judge and Dr. Weight. Dr.Fane built two houses in 1845
in the lake road. More houses were built by British
Govt. The American Missionaries moved in and built a
lot of dwellings in the southern side which is still
there and now called 'Sunny Side' and 'Shelton' . In
the year 1860, the first church was built jointly by
the Bishop. American Madurai Mission built the union
church in 1895. From year 1860, there was all round
improvement due to the visit of several dignitaries.
Roman Catholics came, purchased a bungalow for Jesuit
fathers, as rest house which is now called La Providence
in upper shoal road. Governors of Madras Sir Charles
Travelyon and Lord Napier visited in the years 1860
and 1871. One major JM Partridge of the army introduced
Eucalyptus and wattle trees in the year 1867. Bier Leverage,
collector of Madurai lived in Pamhar house after his
retirement. Only through his tireless efforts and initiative
the man-made Kodaikanal lake, the foremost attraction
of the tourists was formed. He arranged boat rides in
the lake. He planned and executed several approach roads
to Kodaikanal. He introduced several foreign trees and
vegetables such as Pine Forms and Pears. In the year
1872 Lt. Coaker cut a path along the ridge of steep
south eastern side which commends a magnificant view
of the plains below. The path was named after him as
Coaker's Walk.
In Kodaikanal have many tourist places are Lake, Parks,
Coakers Walk, Kurinji Andavar Temple, Physical Observatory,
40 Miles Rounded Falls, Kukkal Caves, Pillar Rocks,
Dolphin Nose, Vembadi Peak Palani Hills, Trekking Routes.
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Tours & Travels
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Madurai - 625 001, Tamil Nadu, India
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