After a wonderful and memorable stay at Sterling Ooty Elk Hill, our journey continued to another charming destination in the hills – Kodaikanal. This was our first visit to Kodaikanal, and the excitement was unmatched! We had heard so much about this place – the misty mountains, the calm lakes, the pine forests – and couldn’t wait to experience it all in person.

Sterling Holidays ensured we had the smoothest journey from Ooty to Kodaikanal. In a private car we moved to a scenic journey filled with winding roads, dense forests, and occasional waterfalls cascading down the hills. In around 6-7 hours, we entered Kodaikanal, the air felt fresher, the skies seemed clearer, and a cool breeze instantly rejuvenated us.

It was love at first sight – Kodaikanal felt calm, serene, and absolutely magical.

Nestled away from the bustle of the main town, Sterling Kodai Valley sits quietly in the beautiful village of Villpatti, surrounded by pine, oak, and birch trees. The resort itself is a visual delight – 152 well-designed rooms overlooking lush valleys, with distinctive architecture featuring leaf-shaped accommodation blocks, lotus-shaped business areas, and dome-shaped rooms that give the entire property a unique charm.

As we arrived at the resort, we were greeted warmly by Mr. Karthik, the General Manager, who welcomed us and we were served a warm welcome drink. The hospitality instantly refreshed us. The check-in process was smooth, and soon we were taken to our room – the 2 Bedroom Thematic Suite with Valley View and Sit Out.

Our room was a perfect blend of style and comfort. The moment we entered our suite, we were left in awe. Themed around cycles, it spanned over 600 sq. ft., and featured two king-size beds, a cozy living area, and a private sit-out overlooking the misty mountains. The interiors were modern and so full of life.

We loved the creative use of cycle motifs – there was even a full bicycle decor element in the bedroom, miniature cycles as showpieces, and cycle-inspired elements in the bathroom as well. It felt playful, vibrant, and different from any hotel suite we’d stayed in before.

A lovely welcome platter with local snacks and fruits was placed in the suite. Such a lovely gesture! It was beautifully arranged with a handwritten note that said “Welcome Home.” It was such a heartwarming gesture that truly reflected Sterling’s hospitality.

We settled in, unpacked, and stepped out to our sit-out area to soak in the breathtaking valley view. The crisp air, the soft rustling of leaves, and the sight of the distant mountains — it was pure bliss.

That evening, we dined at the in-house Valley View Restaurant, which offers a multi-cuisine menu and panoramic views of the hills.

We started with Paneer Tikka and Chilly Chicken – both perfectly spiced and grilled to perfection. For mains, we ordered Dal Palak, Malai Kofta, Phulka, and Steamed Rice, along with some Fusilli Pasta. Each dish was flavourful, freshly prepared, and beautifully presented. The staff ensured we had everything we needed, and their warmth made the dinner even more special.

After a long day of travel and good food, we called it a night, excited for what lay ahead.

The next morning, we woke up to a refreshing morning with misty skies and a view to cherish. We didn’t want to miss the lovely morning and spent some quiet time at our sit-out area, sipping hot tea and enjoying the view before heading out to explore the property.

Our first stop was the Herb Garden, where we saw oregano, aloe vera, foxglove, and other local herbs being grown. The staff acquainted us to that these are often used in the kitchen and spa – adding to the resort’s sustainable charm.

After that, our buggy took us to Valley View restaurant for a delicious and nutritious breakfast. The lovely view from the open glass elevated our mood further. The spread was truly impressive — from South Indian favourites like dosas, idlis, and vadas to North Indian delights like aloo paratha and chhole. There were also eggs to order, cereals, fruits, juices, and freshly baked breads. Everything was enjoyable — especially the dishes from the live counter – Masala Omelette and crispy dosas!

We clicked a few family pictures around the property — the resort was just so picturesque that every corner feels Instagram-worthy.

After breakfast, we met Mr. Shashi Kapoor from the Activity Centre, who helped us plan our day. Since it was our first time in Kodaikanal, he suggested we take the Kodai Nature Tour, organized by Sterling.

Our driver, Mr. Gopalan, arrived right on time, and our sightseeing adventure began.

Our first stop was Coaker’s Walk, a lovely pedestrian path with stunning views of the valley below. The clouds drifted around us, and it felt like walking in the sky. From there, we moved to Upper Lake View, which offered a panoramic sight of the shimmering Kodai Lake surrounded by greenery.

While on our way to the next stop, we stopped for a while at a beautiful patch of tall trees. The light filtered gently through the branches, and the whole place had a calm, cinematic charm to it – so of course, we couldn’t resist taking a few walking shots amidst the greenery. It was one of those spontaneous moments that added an extra touch of joy to the evening.

Next, we visited a small local chocolate factory, where we saw handmade chocolates being prepared. We couldn’t resist buying some for ourselves and for gifting to friends and family.

Then came the highlight – Guna Caves. The atmosphere here was unreal — tall pine trees, thick mist, and silence broken only by rustling leaves. Named after the Tamil movie “Guna” that was filmed here, these caves have an air of mystery. Though the deeper parts are restricted for safety, the view from outside was mesmerizing – fog rolling in between deep crevices, giving it a surreal touch. We spent quite some time there, taking pictures and simply admiring the beauty of nature.

After some sightseeing, we made our way to Sterling Kodai Lake, another stunning property by Sterling Holidays located near the famous Kodaikanal Lake. As soon as we arrived, we were greeted warmly by Mr. Dinesh Kesevalu, the General Manager, who gave us a quick tour of the property. Spread across 6.5 acres, this charming resort is built in the style of English country homes, complete with stone pathways, landscaped gardens, and cozy corners that overlook the lake. It has a serene and elegant vibe that instantly makes you want to stay a little longer.

For lunch, we were invited to dine at Slate & Pearl, Sterling Kodai Lake’s signature restaurant – and let me just say, this was one of the most memorable dining experiences of our trip.

The restaurant is tucked away in a quiet corner by the lake, away from the crowds, offering a peaceful setting where you can truly relax and enjoy your meal. As we entered, we were captivated by the interiors — a perfect blend of vintage charm and modern aesthetics. The soft lighting, earthy tones, and tasteful décor created a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The large glass windows offered beautiful views of the surrounding greenery and lake, while the outdoor seating area was perfect for those who love dining amidst nature. The crisp Kodaikanal breeze, paired with the scent of fresh herbs from their garden, added a lovely touch to the ambiance.

What makes Slate & Pearl truly special is its creative and curated menu. The restaurant takes pride in using fresh, locally sourced ingredients — including flowers, herbs, and vegetables grown in their own award-winning garden. The menu beautifully combines Mediterranean and South Indian fusion dishes, along with some international favorites, making it ideal for both adventurous and classic palates.

We began our meal with “Ode to Madurai”, a thoughtfully presented dish that celebrated the rich culinary heritage of Tamil Nadu in a modern way. The flavors were authentic yet refined, setting the tone for what was to come. Next came the Desi Curry Bowl, a comforting dish that blended local spices with creamy textures — hearty, flavorful, and deeply satisfying.

The Harissa Chicken Pops were a delightful surprise. For those who love bold flavors, this one’s a must-try. The Chicken Kurumilagu followed which was delicious. For the vegetarians, the Balinese Paneer Satay was simply outstanding. We also tried their handcrafted pizzas, which had a thin, crisp base and were generously topped with fresh cheese and herbs.

To end the meal on a sweet note, we indulged in their Chef’s special dessert, which was not just delicious but a visual delight as well. The presentation was so beautiful that we spent a few minutes just admiring it before digging in.

Slate & Pearl is definitely a must-visit in Kodaikanal – not just for the food, but also for its ambiance and view.

After lunch, we went boating on Kodai Lake – and it was magical! The weather turned misty halfway, and we found ourselves surrounded by clouds on the water – an experience etched in our memory forever.

We also stopped by the Vintage Museum and the Petflix Indoor Petting Zone, both of which were unique and fun, especially for families.

We then headed back to our hotel – Sterling Kodai Valley. We relaxed for sometime in our comfortable and cozy suite. The weather turned out to be even more beautiful.

By evening, it started drizzling, so we ordered in-room dining at Sterling Kodai Valley. We ordered our comfort meal which included Soup, Nargisi Kofta Curry, Dal Tadka, Phulka, Steamed Rice, and Moong Dal Halwa for dessert. Everything was warm, comforting, and delicious – perfect for a rainy night in the hills.

After a hearty breakfast the next morning with dosas, uttapams, idli, parathas, eggs, and fresh juices, we set out for something truly thrilling — an Offroad Jeep Safari! Kodaikanal isn’t just about serene lakes and cozy hill views; it’s also home to some of the most beautiful, untouched trails that reveal the wilder side of the hills. So we set off in an exploration on an open jeep, riding through forests, streams, and winding dirt paths?

We hopped into a rugged 4×4 jeep, geared up for the adventure, and soon left the main roads behind, venturing deep into the countryside.

As soon as the jeep began its ascent into the offbeat trails, the air grew cooler, and the hustle bustle of the city faded away. The route took us through narrow, winding mud roads flanked by dense forests and lush greenery on either side. Every few turns opened up to spectacular views – vast valleys, hidden waterfalls, and mist slowly floating across the mountains.

The safari acquainted us to some stunning offbeat spots like Pallangi Waterfall, Pepper Waterfall, and Combai River Shooting Rock – each more beautiful than the last. We trekked closer to the waterfalls to take pictures and enjoy the cool mountain air, surrounded by nothing but the sound of rushing water and chirping birds.

We even visited a campsite where we stopped for some Maggi and chai – Hot Maggi in the hills hits differently!

The entire experience lasted a few hours, but it showed us a completely different side of Kodaikanal – peaceful, raw, and full of hidden natural beauty. If you’re visiting, the Offroad Jeep Safari is an absolute must-do for anyone who loves a mix of adventure and scenic charm.

After coming back to the hotel, we visited the nearby market and made a stop at Choco Delight to pick up some more chocolates for home.

Back at the resort, we relaxed with chai and pakoras, then headed to Discovery Central – the resort’s gaming and recreation zone. From pool and table tennis to VR games, arcade machines, and even PlayStation setups, there was something for everyone. Whenever I stay at a Sterling hotel, I visit Discovery Central. It’s a place which brings alive the kid in me. Though, they have games for adults as well.

Later in the evening, we joined the bonfire and DJ session, dancing and laughing under the starlit sky – it was the perfect way to end the day.

Dinner that night was extra special – a special Barbeque Experience under the stars arranged exclusively for us.

We were welcomed with a traditional shawl. The evening started with Kurkuri Naan with Spiced Tomato Chutney, Vegetable Crudites with Smoked Yogurt Dip, Makai Shorba and Roasted Papad Cigar.

The tandoori spread was outstanding – Paneer Jahanjiri, Tandoori Dingri, Tangri Kebab, and Fish Amritsari Tikka, all bursting with flavour. For mains, we had Patiala Sabzi and Lucknowi Murg Korma served with assorted breads. Dessert was a healthy yet indulgent Rose & Chia Seed Panna Cotta and a chef’s special cake – the perfect end to a perfect meal.

We headed back to the room to retire for the day.

Our next morning which was our last morning in Kodaikanal began with another lavish breakfast spread – Chhole Bhature, Parathas, Dosa, Vada, Fresh Juices, Eggs, and more.

We then visited Subuthi Spa, Sterling’s premium wellness center. Another place not to be missed when at a Sterling hotel. The spa was beautifully designed, with a calm and luxurious ambiance. We opted for the Aromatherapy Massage, and it was the most relaxing experience ever. The therapists were professional and gentle, and the attached steam room added to the rejuvenation.

The spa’s name “Subuthi” comes from Sanskrit — Su meaning good and Buthi meaning mind — and it truly lived up to it.

After the massage, we checked out the Upper Lawn and Conference facilities, which were spacious and beautifully set up, perfect for events or weddings.

Before checking out, we had our last lunch at Valley View Restaurant – Kadai Paneer, Kadai Chicken, Dal Tadka, Mixed Veg, Steamed Rice, Phulkas, and Raita. The food, as always, was top-notch.

Finally, it was time to bid goodbye to this stunning property. Our time in Kodaikanal with Sterling Holidays was nothing short of magical. From the serene setting of Sterling Kodai Valley to the lakeside charm of Sterling Kodai Lake, every experience was memorable. The staff, the food, the activities, the comfort – everything exceeded expectations.

Kodaikanal is truly a paradise for nature lovers, and staying with Sterling made it even more special.As we left the hills behind, we carried not just beautiful pictures but a heart full of memories of misty mornings, starry nights, and the warm hospitality of Sterling Holidays.

On our way back, we stopped at Silver Cascade Waterfalls – cascading beautifully along the roadside and a perfect final touch to our Kodaikanal journey.

If you’re planning a trip to Kodaikanal, I highly recommend staying at Sterling Kodai Valley! It’s the perfect mix of comfort, adventure, and unforgettable views.