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KODAIKANAL HISTORY: 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.

KODAIKANAL GENERAL INFORMATION

HOW TO REACH KODAIKANAL

The most convenient way to reach Kodaikanal is from any of the following 3 places.

Kodaikanal is located on the Western Hills of the State of Tamilnadu. Kodaikanal can be easily reached From the cities of Tamilnadu as well as from other Parts of the country. Swetha Travels is Located in the heart of The Kodaikanal city and 5 minutes away From the Kodaikanal Lake, the major land Mark within Kodaikanal.

By Air : The nearest airport is Located at Madurai, which is 125 km away. The Madurai Airport is well Connected with Chennai, the major international Airport located in South India from Madurai, Kodaikanal can also be reached from these cities by road (3 hours, 125km, includes 48km of Hill road).

By Rail: From Chennai/Bangalore many trains are passing through kodai Road, which is closest Railway Station to Kodaikanal .From kodai Road to Kodaikanal is about 2 hours drive by road (80km) From Chennai and Bangalore, the train facilities are also available to the other closest cities like Madurai, Coimbatore, Trichy and Dindugul. Kodaikanal can be from these cities by Road.

By Road/Car: