Ooty, known as Mini Switzerland in India, was founded as a summer resort for the British Raj
Udagamandalam or Ooty, which was founded as a summer resort for the British Raj is known as 'Mini Switzerland' in India. The place has straight-out-of-postcard picturesque locales. And the beauty in the midst of peaks among the greenery is surely a sight for the sore eyes. The place is 7,000 feet above the sea level and is known for temples and resorts on the serene hilltops.
Located atop of one such hilltop Sterling Discoveries & Experiences (Sterling D&E) is the one place that offers a tranquil experience. Situated at the Fern Hill in the beautiful Nilgris the resort provides a memorable and unique experience.
Step into the resort and the members of the Kota tribe welcome you with their traditional musical instruments and along with a warm and soothing ginger tea.
The rooms here are cosy and spacious. The art installations from the entrance till the backyard add oomph to the ambience. Installation which is designed by the members of NIFT (National Institute of Fashion Technology) Chennai is worth looking. The sculptures of different tribes like Toda, Batukas and Kota along with the traditional things have been made with a lot of effort and showcase art of the land.
The tribes of Nilgris were the early occupants of the place and they hold significant importance in the area. To make the visitors experience the tribal life, the resort within its premises has a life-size Toda hut. One can try to impress their spouses by lifting the traditional Marriage Stone of the Toda tribe.
The best part of this place is that the usage of plastic and dumping of garbage on roads is strictly prohibited. People who commit this crime are fined heavily.
The Wheel of Nostalgia in the lobby area has interesting facts, history of Ooty and prominent people of this region. The wheel is designed in such a way that you get to spin and the colours in the wheel describe some part of Ooty. It also looks colourful and has a flower-shaped outline.
The flora and fauna around the resort are well maintained and looks beautiful. The dandelions in the garden area give a foggy beauty of the place, it is also said that these flowers are used as medicine by the tribes of this region. The sculpture of this beautiful flower is placed at the entrance of the resort.
Apart from the luxury the place also offers local and south Indian cuisine and it is such a delight to have piping hot food in this beautiful and scenic atmosphere.