September 2025

AIRDA Member Story

Immersive Cultural Journeys with Sterling Holiday Resorts

Imagine walking through a bustling spice market, where the aroma of cardamom and cloves fills the air, as a local chef unveils age-old culinary secrets. Or picture yourself weaving fabric alongside artisans whose families have preserved the craft for generations. These are not just vacations—they are journeys into the soul of a destination.

“With 74% of Millennials and Gen Z valuing authentic cultural experiences, we’ve crafted unique journeys—from local culinary trails to cultural workshops—that let travellers taste, touch, hear, see, and feel the heritage, culture, cuisine, history, and geography of a place. Our focus on ‘Discoveries & Experiences’ is designed to engage all five senses, offering guests a deeper connect to the very soul of every destination,” says Harinath Mohanasundaram, Senior Vice President, Marketing and Communications, Sterling Holiday Resorts, in a recent media interview.

Transforming Resorts into Experience Hubs
Sterling Holiday Resorts understands that the true spirit of travel lies in living the culture. Whether through culinary adventures, traditional craft-making, or local storytelling, guests are invited to interact meaningfully with communities and surroundings.

Beyond iconic sights, multisensory engagement enhances every experience—the rhythmic beats of folk music, the cool, textured clay of handcrafted pottery, and the aromatic allure of indigenous spices all play a role in shaping travelers’ emotional connect with a destination.

For instance, at Sterling Brookstone Coorg, guests can embark on an immersive coffee plantation tour, learning about the region’s famed beans while experiencing harvesting and processing firsthand. Signature experience: Enjoy a local Kodava-style lunch served on banana leaves after your plantation walk.

At Sterling Aravalli Udaipur, a traditional cooking masterclass invites visitors to prepare authentic delicacies under the guidance of local chefs, offering an unforgettable culinary journey. Signature experience: Participate in a lantern-lit dinner beside a heritage stepwell under the stars.

Seasonal and festival-based experiences allow guests to celebrate major cultural events firsthand. Whether witnessing Durga Puja in Darjeeling, participating in Diwali with a local family in Coorg, or joining Holi revelers in Mussoorie, these experiences create deep connections to India's festive spirit.

Supporting Local Communities and Artisans
Sterling Holiday Resorts actively collaborates with local communities and artisans, ensuring that each experience supports sustainable tourism while benefiting regional economies. Through partnerships with local guides, artists, chefs, and historians, guests gain an authentic understanding of indigenous traditions and practices.

For families and young travelers, interactive learning experiences make cultural immersion educational and fun. Children can enjoy storytelling sessions with local historians, attend eco-awareness workshops, and take part in craft and cooking classes, ensuring that these journeys foster lasting knowledge and appreciation.

A Responsible Approach to Immersive Travel
Sterling Holiday Resorts stands out in the hospitality industry with its commitment to sustainability and cultural heritage preservation. From supporting indigenous craftsmanship to eco-friendly resort operations under their ESG Initiative – Sankalp, the company ensures that tourism contributes positively to communities and the environment.

By integrating sustainability into its approach, Sterling ensures that local artisans thrive, environmental conservation is prioritized, and conscious travel choices are upheld. This commitment includes sourcing organic ingredients for resort kitchens, reducing the carbon footprint of the resorts, supporting ethical trade initiatives, and partnering with local organizations to preserve traditions.

With personalized service, expert-led experiences, and exclusive access to regional culture, Sterling Holiday Resorts invites travelers to immerse themselves in India's diverse heritage. Whether engaging in traditional craft-making, savoring local delicacies, or exploring hidden gems, every journey is designed to create unforgettable connections with the heart of a destination.

60 Ways to Discover India’s Cultural Heritage
Sterling Holiday Resorts Limited stands as one of India’s premier hospitality brands, managing over 3,000 keys across a portfolio of over 6o resorts, hotels, and retreats spanning over 55 unique destinations.

The company serves a wide spectrum of travel occasions—from leisure vacations and destination weddings to corporate meetings (MICE), reunions, group getaways, and picnics. Operating under its flagship brands, Sterling and Nature Trails, the company’s properties are strategically located across the country—right from hill stations, beaches, jungles, waterfronts, and adventure zones, to heritage sites, religious centres, and popular drive-to escapes.