Sterling Launches Govardhana Malampuzha, Introducing Kerala’s Garden Valley as a Signature Getaway

Sterling Launches Govardhana Malampuzha, Introducing Kerala’s Garden Valley as a Signature Getaway

By Hariharan U

Published on October 15, 2025

Sterling Holiday Resorts, one of India’s leading experiential hospitality brands, has unveiled its newest destination, Sterling Govardhana Malampuzha. Tucked away in Kerala’s picturesque garden valley, this resort marks Sterling’s 11th property across 8 destinations in the state, reinforcing its leadership in South India’s leisure and wellness travel circuits.

Set against the scenic backdrop of the Western Ghats, Sterling Govardhana Malampuzha reimagines the popular day-trip destination into a signature short-stay getaway for families, couples, and travellers from nearby cities like Coimbatore, Kozhikode, and Kochi. The resort offers the perfect balance of accessibility, natural beauty, and the warmth of Kerala’s culture, all enhanced by Sterling’s signature hospitality.

“Sterling Govardhana, Malampuzha isn’t just a new resort, it’s the creation of a new travel node,” said Vikram Lalvani, Managing Director & CEO, Sterling Holiday Resorts. “By integrating Malampuzha into our South India grid, we are connecting markets and mindsets. This adds to our strategy, transforming high-potential locales into must-stay destinations that bridge Tamil Nadu, Central Kerala and the Nilgiris. Offering quick connectivity to Sterling in Anaikatti, Athirappilly, Guruvayur and Ooty, it comfortably ticks the requirement of a circuit travel as well.”

Nestled among lush gardens framed by the Sahyadri hills, the resort offers elegant rooms and suites suited for families, couples, and groups. Expansive lawns and stylish indoor venues make it a perfect choice for weddings, reunions, and milestone celebrations.

At Savoree, the resort’s in-house restaurant, guests can experience Kerala’s rich culinary heritage through dishes such as Paal Konchu Porichathu, Kozhi Erussery, and Paneer Kurumulaku Roast. The menu also features global comfort food and child-friendly favourites, all prepared with locally sourced ingredients that celebrate the region’s flavours.

M. Satheesan, representative of Malampuzha Hotel Pvt. Ltd., shared, “Malampuzha has always been a symbol of Kerala’s natural beauty and community spirit. Our partnership with Sterling is founded on a shared belief that thoughtful, design-led hospitality can spotlight such destinations responsibly while enriching local livelihoods. With Sterling’s decades of destination-development expertise, Malampuzha will evolve from a weekend stop to a must-stay experience on India’s leisure map.”

Beyond its rooms and dining, Sterling Govardhana, Malampuzha invites guests to discover the region’s many attractions — from the ropeway gliding over the valley and the whimsical rock gardens to the calm waters of the Malampuzha Dam at sunset. Families can enjoy the colourful gardens, lakeside walks, and cultural evenings filled with local performances, photo trails, and aromatic regional cuisines. Every experience at the resort is designed to help travellers reconnect with nature and each other.

With properties in Athirappilly, Anaikatti, Alleppey, Wayanad, Munnar, Guruvayur, Thekkady, and now Malampuzha, Sterling continues to strengthen its Kerala network. The new resort also fortifies Sterling’s drive-to circuit linking Tamil Nadu, Central Kerala, and the Nilgiris, furthering the brand’s “What-A-Trip” campaign, a celebration of discovering destinations beyond the obvious.

About Sterling Holiday Resorts Ltd.

Sterling Holiday Resorts Limited is one of India’s foremost hospitality companies, known for creating immersive experiences across diverse landscapes, from beaches and hills to jungles and heritage towns. Its extensive network spans destinations like Alleppey, Coorg, Darjeeling, Goa, Ooty, Munnar, and more.

Sterling is a 100% independently managed subsidiary of Thomas Cook (India) Ltd. (TCIL) and part of the Fairfax Financial Holdings Group.

For bookings and more information, visit www.sterlingholidays.com or whatrip.sterlingholidays.com.


Courtyard by Marriott Madurai Marks Eight Years of Hospitality and Growth

Courtyard by Marriott Madurai Marks Eight Years of Hospitality and Growth

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 25, 2026

Courtyard by Marriott Madurai is celebrating its eighth anniversary, marking eight years of hospitality, culinary experiences and strong connections with the city. Since opening in 2018, the hotel has grown alongside Madurai’s tourism, business and hospitality sectors.

The property has built a strong presence among Leisure Travellers, Temple Tourists, Corporate Guests, MICE groups and Wedding celebrations. Over the years, it has continued to adapt to changing guest expectations while focusing on personalized and experience-led hospitality.

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Mr. V. Vasudevan, Chairman, said, “Eight years in Madurai is a milestone built on trust, commitment and strong relationships. We are proud to have grown alongside the city and look forward to creating greater value for Madurai’s hospitality landscape in the years ahead.”

The hotel is also seeing strong business momentum in 2026. During the first half of the year, Courtyard by Marriott Madurai recorded 25%+ growth, with occupancy crossing 85%. Hotel revenue grew by 19.9%, while occupancy growth stood at 8.8%.

Mr. C. Muralikrishnan, Managing Director, said, “Our eight-year journey reflects our ability to evolve with Madurai and its changing hospitality landscape. The strong growth this year reinforces our confidence in the city’s potential and our vision for the future.”

Food and beverage continues to be an important part of the hotel’s offering, with Madurai Kitchen becoming a prominent dining destination for both hotel guests and local diners. Its buffet, food festivals, brunches and curated culinary experiences have added to Madurai’s growing premium dining culture. The hotel has also strengthened its presence in the weddings and MICE segment, having hosted 25+ medical conferences, including national and global associations.

Mr. V. Akshay Ram, Executive Director, said, “Hospitality is ultimately about creating experiences that guests remember. Over the past eight years, we have continually evolved our offerings while staying committed to personalized service and meaningful guest experiences.”

Guest loyalty remains an important part of the hotel’s journey, with repeat guests returning year after year. The property also recorded record guest satisfaction in the first half of 2026. Alongside technology-led convenience, the hotel continues to focus on the human connection that remains central to hospitality.

Sustainability has also become part of the property’s daily operations. Its glass-bottle water plant and energy-efficiency initiatives have helped bring annual electricity consumption down from 2,980,550 kWh to 2,908,447 kWh, saving 72,103 kWh despite an 8.8% increase in occupancy and 19.9% growth in hotel revenue. Engineering-led operational practices have also helped reduce HLP costs from 9.4% to 8.4%.

Mr. Mahesh Padala, General Manager, said, “Our eighth anniversary is a celebration of our guests and our associates who make every experience special. The loyalty of our guests and record satisfaction this year inspire us to raise the bar even further.”

As Courtyard by Marriott Madurai enters its ninth year, the hotel will continue to focus on guest experience, F&B innovation, weddings, MICE, technology and sustainability, while growing alongside Madurai and contributing to the city’s evolving hospitality landscape.


Taj Agra Invites Guests to Embrace the Monsoon with Special Staycation Offer

Taj Agra Invites Guests to Embrace the Monsoon with Special Staycation Offer

By Hariharan U

Published on August 23, 2026

Taj Agra is inviting guests to make the most of the monsoon season with a specially curated Monsoon Staycation, combining comfortable accommodation with dining and wellness benefits for a relaxed getaway in the historic city.

The staycation offer provides guests with savings across key aspects of their stay, including accommodation, food and beverages, and spa and salon services.

Guests can avail 25% savings on breakfast-inclusive stays, along with daily breakfast at the designated dining venue. The offer also includes 25% savings on food and beverages and 25% savings on spa therapies and salon services during the stay.

Speaking about the offer, Bikram Pradhan, Revenue Manager, Taj Agra, said, “The monsoon season offers a wonderful opportunity to slow down, reconnect and enjoy a more leisurely getaway. Through our Monsoon Staycation, we are delighted to welcome guests to Taj Agra for a relaxed and enriching experience, with thoughtfully curated dining and wellness benefits.”

Additional benefits under the offer include up to 8% NeuCoins on eligible bookings and spends, along with standard Wi-Fi throughout the stay.

Key Offer Details:

  • 25% savings on breakfast-inclusive stays
  • Daily breakfast at the designated dining venue
  • 25% savings on food and beverages
  • 25% savings on spa therapies and salon services
  • Up to 8% NeuCoins on bookings and eligible spends
  • Standard Wi-Fi during the stay

The Monsoon Staycation is available for bookings from 18 July to 23 August 2026, with stays valid from 18 July to 30 September 2026.

Located in Agra, Taj Agra offers guests a blend of contemporary hospitality and the cultural heritage of the destination, making it a setting for leisure escapes, celebrations and business stays.

Booking:

Guests can book the offer through Taj Hotels' official booking platform.


The Leela Ambience Gurugram Curates New Luxury Retreat Experience

The Leela Ambience Gurugram Curates New Luxury Retreat Experience

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 22, 2026

The Leela Ambience Gurugram Hotel & Residences is inviting guests to slow down and enjoy a more relaxed city escape with its new Luxury Retreat Reserve, an experience created around leisurely mornings, unhurried afternoons and memorable evenings.

Set within the luxury urban sanctuary, the stay offers rooms overlooking a sprawling 1,000-acre forest, giving guests a peaceful setting while still being in the heart of the city.

The experience begins with breakfast at Spectra, the award-winning all-day dining restaurant, followed by a three-course lunch at Diya. Known for its contemporary take on Indian cuisine, Diya brings together traditional flavours and a refined dining setting.

Guests can then spend a relaxed afternoon at The Courtyard Garden, where afternoon tea is served among lush greenery and private cabanas. The setting offers a quiet break from the pace of everyday city life.

For guests who prefer to spend their leisure time outdoors, the experience also includes access to activities at The Leela Ambience Golf Greens and The Leela Cycling Trail, available at an additional charge. The 9-hole golf course offers views of the surrounding landscape, while the cycling trail features curated routes for guests looking to explore the outdoors. After an active afternoon, guests can unwind at the spa with an exclusive credit, which can be used towards personalised therapies.

As the day comes to an end, Zanotta offers an Italian dining experience with panoramic Pearl and Ruby views overlooking Gurugram’s skyline. The restaurant combines Italian cuisine, elegant interiors and a curated beverage selection for a refined evening. The experience also includes round-trip transfers within a 10-kilometre radius and a bottle of house wine, adding to the ease of the stay from arrival to departure.

Available for bookings from 1 September 2026, Luxury Retreat Reserve is designed for guests looking to step away from busy schedules and simply enjoy a slower pace, good food, outdoor experiences and the comfort of having nowhere else to be.

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