We show that a number of problems of modern cosmology may be solved in the framework of multidimensional gravity with high-order curvature invariants, without invoking other fields. We use a method employing a slow-change approximation, able to work with rather a general form of the gravitational action, and consider Kaluza-Klein type spacetimes with one or several extra factor spaces. A vast choice of effective theories suggested by the present framework may be stressed: even if the initial Lagrangian is entirely fixed, one obtains quite different models for different numbers, dimensions and topologies of the extra factor spaces. As examples of problems addressed we consider (i) explanation of the present accelerated expansion of the universe, with a reasonably small cosmological constant, and the problem of its fine tuning is considered from a new point of view; (ii) the mechanism of closed wall production in the early universe; such walls are necessary for massive primordial black hole formation which is an important stage in some scenarios of cosmic structure formation; (iii) sufficient particle production rate at the end of inflation; (iv) the possible existence of spatial domains in our universe with a macroscopic size of extra dimensions. We also discuss chaotic attractors appearing at possible nodes of the kinetic term of the effective scalar field Lagrangian. © 2007 IOP Publishing Ltd.