[1][2] 35 km from Kodaikanal at an altitude of about 3705 feet above sea level in the foothills of the Western Ghats and Palani Hills.

One theory suggests that the name is derived from the belief of the locals that Lord Muruga, a Hindu deity, jumped from that spot and over the hill to reach Palani.

It suggests that Thandikudi, located about 47 km northeast of Vattalagundu in the lower Palani hills, was associated with chieftains named "Tondrikon and Kodaiporunan" during the Sangam Age.

The archaeological vestiges indicate that the sites are situated in an ecologically favorable environment, which facilitated continuous occupation throughout the centuries.

Cash crops like coffee, banana, jackfruit, pepper, and garlic, radish, carrot, beetroot, potato and orange are grown in abundance in this mountain village.