Talking about Kodaikanal, we first need to tell you that it is a wonderful hill station with breathtaking scenic beauty and much desired charm. Some of the important information about Kodaikanal are discussed below:

FAST FACTS

Area	21.83 sq km
Population	27,423
Altitude	2343 m above sea level
STD Code	04542
Languages	Tamil, English

LOCATION

Kodaikanal is nestled in the southern crest of the upper Palani Hills, in the Western Ghats, 120 km from Madurai at 2133 m above sea level. The name literally means �gift of the forest� in Tamil

HISTORY

The early history of Kodaikanal dates back to 14th century AD when occupants of Palani foothills flew to Kodai to escape the invasion of Tipu Sultan and dominance of the plains. Lieutenant B. S. Ward, an inspector, was the first ever European to come to Kodaikanal in the year 1821 with a view to develop a hygienic and sanitized place around Madurai in order to save the missionaries working in southern Tamil Nadu from the scorching heat and sporadic epidemic diseases. The place was easily reachable from Madurai and it enjoyed a pleasant climate and eventually gained popularity among the immigrants.

In 1834, the Madurai Collector built a small bungalow at Devadanapatti. By the second part of the 19th century, churches and other colonial structures started coming up in and around Kodaikanal. The Union Church built in 1895, La Providence, Church for Anglicans in 1860, and many bungalows were among them. The lake at Kodaikanal was formed in 1863 by Sir Vere Hendry Levinge, who was the collector of Madurai during that time. He later retired and settled in Kodaikanal. He also brought the first boat to the lake and began a boating club here.

In the year 1875 Kodaikanal saw its first steam engine. A railway line from Chennai was extended to Tirunelveli (598 km) and a station was built at Ammainayakkanur. This station was subsequently renamed as Kodai Road and served several tourists who visit Kodaikanal. The Kodaikanal main town is about 80 km by road from Kodai Road Station.

In the early part of the 20th century, some Indian upper class members traveled to this place, bought property, and added different colors to the place. Today, Kodaikanal is a wonderful hill station often visited by people from all over the country and the world.

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