Kodai, properly known as Kodaikanal, is in Tamil Nadu, in the Eastern Ghats at an altitude of about 4500 metre. Kodaikanal literally means 'gift of the forest,' in Tamil. Apt to its name, Kodaikanal is zealously guarded by dense forests on the Palani Hills. Pear orchards add a fruity romantic touch to Kodaikanal. Buildings with gabled roof dot the skyline. Apart from being a much sought after tourist resort, Kodai is also famous for its educational institutions, which are globally renowned. Kodaikanal has the distinction of being the only hill station in India to be set up during the British Raj by Americans.