History of Kodaikanal
The earliest known inhabitants of the surrounding areas of Kodaikanal were primitive tribesmen who left prehistoric artifacts scattered throughout the region. These were recovered by anthropologists who dated some of the remains to as far back as 5000 BC. Such artifacts include dolmens homes which are made of giant slabs of stone and kistaven’s or burial sites.
The major development in Kodaikanal was the emigration of the Kannuvar Vellalans from the Coimbatore plateau during the 14th century. The Kannuvar Vellalans were industrious farmers who used the existing tribesmen as slaves for agriculture. This rule was later exchanged with the Maratha and Muslim rule during the 17th and 18th century. During this time, many people were suffering from the economic sanctions and hardships placed upon the people, forcing large numbers to migrate into the hills. This migration led to the first settlement of Vellagavi in Kodaikanal. This place can be reached by going further down Dolphin's nose trail.
In 1821 the first European set foot in Kodaikanal. He was Lt. B.S. Ward who was a surveyor for the British government. His central quarters were in the Vellagavi village. The first group of westerners to stay in Kodaikanal were missionary people from Europe and America who wanted to escape the heat in Tamil Nadu which was creating many types of disease and death for the foreigners.
The first notably English residences were built in 1845 by a Dr. Fane along the lake road. This was followed by more construction by the British government. American missionaries also began to settle in the area, and in 1860 the first church was constructed in Kodaikanal.
This settlement lead to further development, eventually turning Kodai into a place of tourism and retreat for foreign visitors. In 1916, the road from the plains to Kodaikanal was opened after years of planning by the British government.
The major development in Kodaikanal was the emigration of the Kannuvar Vellalans from the Coimbatore plateau during the 14th century. The Kannuvar Vellalans were industrious farmers who used the existing tribesmen as slaves for agriculture. This rule was later exchanged with the Maratha and Muslim rule during the 17th and 18th century. During this time, many people were suffering from the economic sanctions and hardships placed upon the people, forcing large numbers to migrate into the hills. This migration led to the first settlement of Vellagavi in Kodaikanal. This place can be reached by going further down Dolphin's nose trail.
In 1821 the first European set foot in Kodaikanal. He was Lt. B.S. Ward who was a surveyor for the British government. His central quarters were in the Vellagavi village. The first group of westerners to stay in Kodaikanal were missionary people from Europe and America who wanted to escape the heat in Tamil Nadu which was creating many types of disease and death for the foreigners.
The first notably English residences were built in 1845 by a Dr. Fane along the lake road. This was followed by more construction by the British government. American missionaries also began to settle in the area, and in 1860 the first church was constructed in Kodaikanal.
This settlement lead to further development, eventually turning Kodai into a place of tourism and retreat for foreign visitors. In 1916, the road from the plains to Kodaikanal was opened after years of planning by the British government.
