Jayam Hotel  

In the pilgrim hub of Palani — a boutique budget hotel on Palayam-Adivaram Road en route to the Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Swamy (Palani Murugan) Temple. About a 5-minute drive (15-minute walk) to the temple; bus terminal 100 m, railway station ~1 km, rope car 900 m and the temple steps roughly 800 m away. Handy transit stop for Kodaikanal, roughly a 1.5-hour drive.

New-built in 2018 with modern, economical rooms and simple, contemporary décor. English-speaking staff, ritual blessings on request and a complimentary gift for guests add a personal touch.

24-hour front desk and 24-hour security, plus on-site car park and easy walk-to-bus-stop access. Hotel can arrange horse-cart drops to the temple and local sightseeing tours at a nominal fee — perfect for quick pilgrim stays or short transit stops.