Last week at Vishwak we had our manager’s retreat in Sterling Swamimalai. This is a beautiful heritage hotel owned by Sterling Resorts, situated in a peaceful locality with no city-life disturbances. For those like me who have been born and brought-up in City, this gives a good glimpse into the life of a South Indian household of those days. The hotel has been constructed on and around a 110 years old Villa earlier owned by a Brahmin family.  It has few Suites and about 25 Double-Room Cottages and serves only Vegetarian food.
The lobby area in Sterling Swamimalai

The lobby area in Sterling Swamimalai

Six of us, we left around 1:30 PM from Chennai by Road in a Tempo-Traveller and reached Kumbakonam in about five-and-half hours. We stopped near mid-way in outskirts of Neyveli in a Hotel called “Archana” and had some snacks and coffee. On Day 1, when we reached our rooms it was about 7:30 PM. We were welcomed by melodious Carnatic music, coming from the veranda near-by. A music troupe of high-school going students were playing Violin and accompanists. Since we were the only audiences, we requested them to switch off the amplifiers and speakers and listened to the music in a natural way. It was a very memorable experience.

The famous Lord Siva - where the TeleSerial ஆடுகிறான் கண்ணன் was filmed

The famous Lord Siva – where the TeleSerial ஆடுகிறான் கண்ணன் was filmed

Sterling can certainly improve the taste of the food served and improve the service to 5-star levels. Considering the authenticity and the interior details and the price it is worth visiting. If you are Sterling member remember to register for a voucher with Sterling-Chennai, you will get nearly 30-40% on the normal room rents (like Rs.750 against Rs.1400) and in Ayurvedic Massages.

Swamimalai-Office-Tour2

Categorized in:

Tagged in:

, ,