The early history of Kodaikanal goes back to 14th century AD when residents of Palani foothills fled to Kodai to save themselves from the invasion of Tipu Sultan and oppressive rule of the plains. Lieutenant B.S.Ward, a surveyor, was the first European to visit Kodaikanal in the year 1821. The reason behind his visit to this place was to have a clean and hygenic place around Madurai that can save the missionaries operating in South Tamil Nadu from the summer heat. The place was accessible from Madurai and had a wonderful climate and it did not take much time for Kodaikanal to gain popularity in the immigrant population.