Kodaikanal's history is intertwined with the arrival of European and American missionaries in the 19th century. Seeking refuge from the plains' heat and disease, they established settlements and contributed significantly to the town's development. The American Madura Mission played a crucial role in establishing schools and churches. Sir Vere Henry Levinge, the then Collector of Madurai, is credited with developing Kodaikanal by building a bungalow and creating the lake by damming three streams. The British also developed the area as a popular holiday destination. Over time, Kodaikanal transformed from a remote forest area into a thriving tourist destination, retaining its natural beauty and charm.