After spending a wonderful few days amidst the serene hills of Chail at Sterling Shivalik Chail, our Himachal journey continued towards another beautiful destination – Kufri. Just a comfortable 45-minute drive from Chail brought us to Sterling Kufri, and little did we know that the next couple of days would turn out to be some of the most memorable moments of our entire trip.

Nestled amidst lush greenery and overlooking the magnificent snow-clad mountains, Sterling Kufri is spread across 3.5 acres and offers the perfect blend of comfort, luxury, and nature. Located around 20 kms from Shimla, the resort enjoys a peaceful setting surrounded by terrace farms, pine forests and breathtaking valley views. Away from the chaos of city life, it is the kind of place where one can simply slow down, sip a cup of hot tea, and appreciate the beauty of Himalayas.

The moment we entered the resort, we were welcomed in the most heartwarming way possible. The team greeted us with a traditional Himachali welcome with folk music and dance. It was so beautiful. We were also offered a local welcome drink, and watching the folk performance gave us a glimpse into the rich culture and heritage of Himachal Pradesh. It instantly made us feel connected to the region and set the tone for a truly immersive experience.

After completing the check-in formalities, we headed to our Valley View Room. Sprawling across 350 sq. ft., the spacious room was elegant and designed to make one feel completely at ease. The king-size bed promised restful nights while the large windows offered panoramic views of the valleys and hills outside. A glance around and I noticed the beautiful full-length mirrors which added a touch of elegance to the room. The interiors were warm and cosy, making it a perfect retreat after a day of sightseeing.

The luxurious bathroom was equally impressive and came equipped with all modern amenities, ensuring a comfortable and relaxing stay.

There was another surprise waiting for us inside – thoughtful welcome goodies which included fresh fruits, walnuts and some sweet treats, which immediately made us feel special.

It was time for adventure and we headed straight to Adventure Resorts Kufri for some excitement. It turned out to be an incredible decision! The place was packed with thrilling activities and we ended up spending several hours there without even realizing how quickly time flew by.

We began with go-karting, which was incredibly exciting. This was followed by an adrenaline-pumping zipline experience that gave us spectacular views of the surroundings. The Sky Swinger and Swing It rides added even more excitement, while the Bungee Ejection ride had us screaming and laughing at the same time. We also tried rifle shooting and tested our aim. The fun didn’t end there. The indoor entertainment section was equally enjoyable. We drove bumper cars at the Dashing Car arena, experienced cinematic thrills at the 5D Theatre, explored the Tunnel Ride and challenged ourselves inside the Mirror Maze. The Haunted House brought plenty of screams and laughter. Before we knew it, hours had passed and we had created countless memories.

Unfortunately, there was no snowfall during our visit to Kufri. While we had hoped to witness the magical white landscape, we found the perfect alternate – Snow Kingdom Kufri. Himachal’s famous indoor snow park turned out to be a delightful surprise. Stepping inside felt like entering a winter wonderland. We slid down giant snow slides, enjoyed tube rides, and even had a classic snowball fight. Taking pictures with snowman and soaking in the snowy atmosphere brought out the child in us. It was an experience that perfectly compensated for the absence of natural snowfall.

As evening approached, we headed back to the resort and were rewarded with one of the most beautiful sunsets we had witnessed during our trip. The golden hues spreading across the valleys and mountains created a mesmerizing sight that we simply couldn’t stop admiring.

Back at the hotel, another pleasant surprise awaited us. Sterling Kufri organizes a lovely complimentary Evening Tea experience during winters, and we found a charming cart serving hot chai accompanied by crispy pakodas and delicious cutlets. After a day full of activities and chilly weather outside, this simple gesture felt incredibly comforting and refreshing.

Little did I know that the biggest surprise of the day was still waiting.

As I entered the room, I was left speechless. Since it was my birthday, the team at Sterling Kufri had beautifully decorated the room with balloons all around. They had even created a cute towel art in the shape of a birthday cake. It was such a thoughtful gesture and instantly made the day even more special.

Later in the evening, we headed to FLAVOUR, the resort’s all-day dining restaurant, for what turned out to be one of the most memorable birthday celebrations ever. The team had reserved and decorated the entire outdoor section especially for us. Under the starlit sky, was a warm bonfire keeping us cosy and live folk performances creating the perfect ambience, the entire setting looked absolutely magical. A live barbeque station further enhanced the experience.

The meal began with a comforting bowl of Murgh Ka Soup which was warm, flavourful and perfect for the chilly mountain weather.

For starters, we indulged in a delicious spread. The Broccoli Malai was creamy and mildly spiced while the Dahi Ke Sholay were crisp from outside and soft inside. The Shikandari Bharwan Murgh Kebab was succulent and packed with flavours, and the Murgh Ande Ka Kebab turned out to be equally delightful.

The celebration became even more special during my birthday cake cutting. I was surrounded by my family and the warm, cheerful staff of Sterling Kufri. Their hospitality and affection truly touched our hearts.

The lavish dinner continued with an elaborate salad spread featuring Layered Garden Vegetable Salad, Pink Oliver Salad, Russian Salad served in Parmesan baskets and Asian Crunch Vegetable Salad. We also enjoyed the Chargrilled Broccoli Herb Kebab which was wonderfully smoky and flavourful.

For the main course, the Mutton Handi Dum Biryani stood out with its aromatic spices and tender meat. The Smoky Murgh Curry was rich and comforting, while the Dal Handi and Paneer Methi perfectly complemented the meal. Paired with steamed rice and assorted Indian breads, every dish was prepared beautifully.

Ending on a sweet note were the Turkish Roll and Mango Tart, both of which were light, delicious and the perfect conclusion to an unforgettable dinner.

Sterling Kufri curates such special experiences like private candlelight dinners and celebration setups for birthdays, anniversaries and surprise moments, making every occasion truly memorable.

The next morning we woke up to magical Himalayan views after which we headed for a lavish breakfast at FLAVOUR. Calling it a feast would not be an exaggeration. There were fresh fruits, oats, sautéed vegetables, fluffy pancakes, croissants, donuts and refreshing juices. Indian favourites like Chhole Bhature, parathas, idli, upma and dosa were also available alongside milkshakes and various other beverages. The live counters serving fresh omelettes, uttapam and dosas ensured everything was made exactly to our liking. The presentation was beautiful and every item tasted delicious. It truly felt like a breakfast fit for royalty.

One of the experiences I was most excited about was the Guided Village Tour organized by Sterling. Their Discovery and Experiences programme offers unique activities that go beyond regular sightseeing, and this turned out to be one of the highlights of our stay.

We first embarked on a short hike through enchanting forests that looked straight out of a fairytale. Walking amidst towering trees and breathing in the crisp mountain air was incredibly refreshing. We then explored beautiful apple orchards and learnt about local farming practices.

Soon we arrived at the home of our village guide where we were welcomed by the sweetest little child. The warmth and simplicity of village life instantly touched our hearts.

What followed was perhaps one of the most authentic culinary experiences of our trip. We were served a traditional homemade meal that included Himachali Siddu, a local delicacy which was soft, comforting and absolutely delicious. This was accompanied by flavourful rajma, homestyle aloo sabzi, rice, fresh salad and creamy kheer. Every bite reflected the love and warmth of home-cooked food, and it remains one of my favourite memories from Kufri.

Later, we spent some leisurely time exploring Shimla’s famous Mall Road. From shopping and strolling around to capturing beautiful sunset pictures, it was a relaxing and enjoyable evening.

Back at the resort, another extraordinary experience awaited us.

This time, it wasn’t just the meal that was special but also the entire experience. The team dressed us in traditional Himachali attire and made us have an authentic Himachali Dham dinner. Wearing the local attire made the experience feel even more immersive and memorable.

The traditional meal included Sepu Wadiyan, Kadu Ka Khatta, Rongia Madra, Mix Sabzi, Kadi, Kachori and Chawal. Each dish carried the authentic flavours of Himachal and offered a glimpse into the culinary traditions of the region. The meal ended with Badane Ka Meetha, a delicious dessert that beautifully completed the experience.

Our final morning in Kufri started with another delightful breakfast. We enjoyed fresh juices, fruits, masala oats, grilled tomatoes, chicken sausages, boiled eggs, muffins and croissants. We also ordered freshly prepared Paneer Parathas which turned out to be soft, flavourful and absolutely delicious.

Before checking out, we treated ourselves to an Aromatherapy Spa session at Subuthi Spa. The soothing massage instantly relaxed us and helped us unwind completely. The spa offers both individual and couple rooms along with steam and sauna facilities, making it a wonderful place to rejuvenate.

We also spent some time at Discovery Central where we played pool, carrom, chess and several other indoor games. It was a fun and relaxing way to spend our last few hours at the resort.

Another impressive aspect of Sterling Kufri is its large banquet facilities. In fact, it is one of the biggest hotels in Kufri and hosts big weddings, celebrations and corporate events.

As we bid farewell to Sterling Kufri, we carried with us countless beautiful memories. From luxurious accommodation and heartwarming hospitality to unique cultural experiences, delicious food, thrilling adventures and an unforgettable birthday celebration, every moment here felt special.

Kufri itself captivated us with its beauty, tranquillity and charm, while Sterling Kufri made sure that our stay became much more than just a vacation.

It became an experience.

And as we drove away from the mountains, one thing was certain – we simply cannot wait to return to Sterling Kufri and relive these magical memories all over again.

No Comments