KODAIKANNAL

Here is a story Lieutenant Ward, an Englishman, who climbed up from the Kunnavan village of Vellagavi to Kodaikanal in 1821 to survey the area on the hilly ranges of Palani. In 1834, the Madurai collector climbed the hill from Devadanapatti and built a small bungalow at the head of Adukkam pass near Shenbaganur. In 1836, Dr.Wite visited Kodaikanal and recorded his observations, and these were very useful to botanists later. In 1845, American Missionaries built the first two bungalows “Sunnyside” and “Shelton”. Later, six American families came up the hill and stayed for the first time in Kodaikanal. Following this, the British also built houses here. The hill station Kodaikanal was created to serve the needs of the British and Europeans in India.
 

The Lake : The 24-hectare lake skirted by a 5 km long black tar road, is the focal point in Kodai. This lake was created in 1863 by Sir Vere Hendry Levinge (1819-1885). He was previously the Collector of Madurai, who retired and settled in Kodai. He constructed the bund to form a lake and stocked the lake with fish. He brought the first boat from Tuticorin. In 1890, a boat club was formed and members of the club set sail. In 1910 a new boathouse was constructed. The boat service was opened to the public and tourist as well in 1932
 

The Pillar Rocks : Three boulders stand here, shoulder-to-shoulder, vertically measuring 122 mtrs, providing a majestic sight. Pillar rocks are located 7.4 kms from the lake. It has a garden with lovely flowers.