Kodaikanal, often called “The Princess of Hill Stations,” is located in the Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu. Early History The region was originally inhabited by Paliyan tribal people. Its early recorded history is limited, as it remained a remote forest area for centuries. Colonial Era In the early 19th century, American missionaries and later British administrators discovered Kodaikanal as a cool summer retreat. In 1845, American missionaries established the first houses there to escape the heat and diseases of the plains. The star-shaped Kodaikanal Lake was created in 1863 by Sir Vere Henry Levinge, then Collector of Madurai. Modern Development Kodaikanal grew during the late 19th and early 20th centuries with the establishment of schools, churches, and resorts. Today, it is a major tourist destination known for its serene landscapes, misty climate, and dense forests.