There are proofs available about settlement of prehistoric tribes at Kodaikanal by visible artifacts such as dolmens homes of great store slabs.After the primitive tribes of Paliyans and pulyans in 14th century, Villagers of Palani foot hills fled into Kodai hills, to escape oppressive rule in plains and also from invasion of Tippusultan.
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 a neat and healthy natural surroundings near Madurai to rest and recuperate health. They were happy to find from the report of Lt. B.S. Ward about the hurtful hills with wonderful climate and easy accessibility from Madurai & Periyakulam. Many Englishman and Ameican missionary people visited Kodaikanal thro' various routes. Notable among them are J C Wroughton -Sub Collector, C R Cotton - Judge and Dr. Weight. Dr. Fane built two warehouses in 1845 in the lake road. More houses were built by British Govt. Offices on the present St. Mary's Road. Also the American Missionaries moved in and built lot of dwellings in the southern side which, is still there, now called 'Sunny side' and 'shelton'.
In the year 1860 the first church was built jointly by the Bishop clad well constructed a Church for Anglians. 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 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 army introduced Eucalyptus trees and wattle tree in the year 1867, bier leverage collector of Madurai lived in Pamhar house after his retirement. Only thro' 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 & vegetables such as Pine Forms and Pears. In the year 1872 Lt. Coacker cut a path along the after ridge of steep sough eastern side which commends a magnificant view of the plains below. The path was named after him as coacker's walk.
Travel to hills in the past:
In the very early days, most of the visitors to hills came from Madurai. They have to walk in the steep grueling climb. The popular route was from Periakulam to Kistnamma Naik tope by road through bullock carts & rom tope to the hills one has to climb 2000 metres height by big bagging foot paths. This route was called coolie Ghat Road. Those who were not able to walk and those who can afford hired dhoolies (a sort of palanquins) carried by hirers. Some went up by riding ponies. There were also risks. Some dacoits from Kalla tribes came but they soon vanished after seeing lot of protection. Also there were interruptions by appearance of wild beefs like panthers,elephants, Bensons etc., Loud noises were made to sac them away.
In the year 1875 Southern Railway extended train route from Chennai to Madurai and Tuticorin. Due to this Facility many tourists from far off places visited. They alight at Kodairoad Station and travel by bullock up to tope and then ascend the climbs.The Govt. Deputed Engineer Major Law to study and submit a plan to build a moterable road to the hills. After a long delay, the road was completed in 1914 last allowed for traffic in 1916. Public buses began to play in the road from 1916.
