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How Kodaikanal Was Founded in 1845
Before it became the "Princess of Hill Stations," Kodaikanal was a mist-covered wilderness known only to the indigenous Paliyan tribes. Its transformation into a world-class retreat began in the mid-19th century, driven by a desperate search for survival.
The timeless, mist-covered Palani Hills that welcomed the first pioneers in 1845.
In the early 1840s, American missionaries from the American Madura Mission and British officials stationed on the sweltering plains of Madurai and Dindigul faced a deadly enemy: tropical diseases. Cholera and malaria were rampant, and they sought a "Sanitarium"—a high-altitude refuge where the cool air could restore their health.
While British surveyors explored the hills in 1821, the official founding is credited to 1845. American missionaries and British administrators established the first two bungalows:
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Modern architecture at The Jacks Hilltop reflects the serene, heritage spirit of early bungalows.
The American influence extended beyond housing. By the late 1800s, the need for a school for the children of missionaries led to the founding of the Kodaikanal School (now KIS). This institution cemented the town's reputation as a diverse, international community, a trait that continues to define Kodai today.
The early settlers didn't just build; they planted. They introduced Western fruits and vegetables to the Palani Hills, including the famous Kodaikanal pears and plums that visitors still enjoy. This agricultural legacy transformed the rugged hillsides into the lush orchards we see today.
At The Jacks Hilltop Resort, we preserve the tranquility and colonial-era charm that those first 1845 pioneers fell in love with.
Book Your Heritage ExperienceLong before the first colonial bungalows were built in 1845, the mist-shrouded peaks of Kodaikanal held secrets of a civilization far older than the modern world. These hills were the sacred home of the Paliyan tribes and the silent witnesses to megalithic wonders known as Dolmens.
The timeless valleys of Kodaikanal, unchanged for thousands of years.
Hidden across the Palani Hills are the Dolmens—ancient stone structures dating back to the Iron Age. Constructed from massive slabs of granite, these "stone houses" are believed to have served as burial chambers or shelters for ancient inhabitants. They represent the very first "architecture" of Kodaikanal, predating the modern town by millennia.
The Paliyans are the indigenous people of the Palani Hills. Nomadic and deeply spiritual, they lived in harmony with the high-altitude forests, gathering wild honey, roots, and medicinal herbs. They viewed the mountains not as a tourist destination, but as a living entity that provided sanctuary and life.
The rugged heights of the Palani Hills, where the Paliyan spirit still lingers.
When the American missionaries arrived in the mid-19th century, they encountered a landscape already steeped in the wisdom of the Paliyans. While the colonial influence introduced new roads and schools, the "American Connection" always respected the pristine, untamed beauty that the original tribes had protected for centuries.
At The Jacks Hilltop Resort, we are proud to be part of the Palani Hills' long history of providing sanctuary and peace to those who seek the clouds.
Experience Our HeritageIt is impossible to imagine Kodaikanal without its star-shaped centerpiece. Yet, many visitors are surprised to learn that Kodaikanal Lake is not a natural phenomenon, but a brilliant feat of **19th-century engineering**.
The star-shaped Kodaikanal Lake shortly after its completion in the late 1800s.
The story begins with **Sir Vere Henry Levinge**, the then-collector of Madurai. In 1863, Levinge envisioned a focal point for the growing hill station. Using his personal wealth and technical expertise, he identified a marshy basin where three streams met and decided to transform it into a magnificent lake.
The construction involved damming the streams and carefully excavating the basin to create the unique **star-shaped perimeter** we see today. This shape wasn't just for beauty; it allowed for maximum shoreline access, which later facilitated the famous 5-kilometer walking path.
Following its completion, Levinge introduced the first boats to the lake, sparking a culture of leisure that defines the town's tourism. Over the decades, the lake became a hub for the **Kodaikanal Boat Club** (est. 1890) and the iconic Bryant Park.
The legacy of Levinge lives on in the misty views from The Jacks Hilltop Resort.
When you look down from your balcony at **The Jacks Hilltop Resort**, you aren't just seeing water; you are seeing the result of one man's vision to turn a wilderness into a sanctuary. Our resort honors this engineering spirit by providing a modern-day sanctuary that complements the town's historical marvels.
Book your stay at The Jacks Hilltop and experience the history and beauty of Kodaikanal from our premium suites.
Check Rates & AvailabilityWalking through the quiet, misty lanes of Kodaikanal is like stepping into a living museum. The town’s landscape is dotted with centuries-old bungalows that tell the story of a unique blend of **British, American, and local Tamil architecture**.
A classic example of Kodaikanal’s colonial architecture, featuring stone walls and high gabled roofs.
Unlike many other Indian hill stations that used timber, Kodaikanal’s earliest settlers relied heavily on the abundant local granite. These thick stone walls were designed not just for aesthetics, but to insulate residents against the biting cold of the Palani Hills. Many of these structures, built in the late 1800s, still stand today as a testament to the durability of **British engineering**.
As the settlement grew, the architecture evolved to include **Gothic revival and Victorian styles**. You can still see the influence of these eras in the pointed arches, ornate wooden eaves, and the sprawling "wrap-around" verandas designed for tea-time valley views.
The very first house in Kodaikanal, **Sunny Side (1845)**, set the standard for the hilltop bungalow. It combined the American missionary preference for functional, airy spaces with the British need for solid, fire-resistant materials. This hybrid style became the blueprint for the town’s heritage.
Modern luxury at The Jacks Hilltop Resort pays homage to these classic heritage silhouettes.
At **The Jacks Hilltop Resort**, we believe that architecture should honor its environment. Our property is designed to provide modern comfort while respecting the tranquil, hilltop spirit established by those 19th-century pioneers. When you stay with us, you are part of a continuing story of luxury and sanctuary.
Book your suite at The Jacks Hilltop and wake up to the same timeless architectural charm that has defined Kodaikanal for nearly two centuries.
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