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Escape into the Periyar Wild Life Sanctuary at Sterling Thekkady

Sterling Thekkady is a serene hilltop jungle resort set amid the misty mountains Kerala, offering luxury and tranquillity at close quarters to the famed Periyar National Park (20km). With 83 spacious rooms and suites and a rooftop swimming pool overlooking the Idukki Hills, it is one of the most sought-after resorts in Thekkady for family vacations and honeymoon stays for wildlife holidays into the Western Ghats.

Ideally placed close to best-loved tourist places, including the Periyar Tiger Reserve (20 km), the spice markets of Kumily (2.4 km), aromatic spice plantations (2.2 km), Elephant Junction (2.9 km), and the Kadathanadan Kalari & Kathakali Centre (700 m), the resort is a perfect base to explore this wildlife-rich hill station.

Back at the resort, unwind with rejuvenating therapies at The Spa, dine on regional and global flavours at the Cinnamon multi-cuisine restaurant, watch the sun set over the hills from the rooftop restaurant, or take a refreshing dip in the rooftop pool. Whether you’re searching for a jungle resort, Sterling Thekkady blends wilderness, comfort, and Sterling’s signature hospitality.

Sterling Thekkady
Kottayam-Kumily Rd, Opp. Holiday Home,
Thekkady,
PO: Kumily,
Idukki district - 685509
Kerala, India
Phone:07969792015
Email: [email protected]

How to get there

The closest airport is in Madurai, which is around 150 km away. The resort can arrange for transfers on request.

The nearest bus station is at Kumily which is 2 km away. The resort can arrange for transfers on request.

 

The nearest railway station is at Kottayam. All the trains to Thiruvananthapuram go via Kottayam. The resort can arrange for transfers on request.

Resort Highlights

Stay

Spacious Hill-View Accommodation

Stay in 83 well-appointed rooms and suites of up to 750 sq. ft., each offering beautiful views of the green hills and mountains, ideal for a comfortable family stay.

Activities

Rooftop Pool & Wildlife Adventures

Take a dip in the rooftop swimming pool with sweeping views of the Idukki Hills, then set out for a night jungle safari and plantation tours.

Dining

Rooftop Dining & Local Flavours

Enjoy sunset dining at the rooftop restaurant and savour regional delicacies alongside Indian and international dishes at Cinnamon, the resort’s all-day multi-cuisine restaurant.

Wellness

Wellness & Recreation

Rejuvenate with traditional treatments at the Spa, and enjoy indoor games, a library, karaoke, and bullock cart rides at the Holiday Activity Centre, making it one of the preferred resorts with activities in Thekkady.

Awards & Recognition

TA COE 2020

TA COE 2020

2020

TA Travellers Choice Award 2021

TA Travellers Choice Award 2021

2021

TA Travellers Choice Award 2024

TA Travellers Choice Award 2024

2024

travellers review awards 2026 booking com

travellers review awards 2026 booking com

2026

TA awards 2026

TA awards 2026

2026

Who It’s Perfect For

Families

Families

Create unforgettable moments with wildlife safaris, plantation tours, and quality time together, making it ideal for a family trip.

Couples

Couples

Celebrate togetherness with rooftop candlelit dinners and misty mountain views, perfect for a honeymoon or a romantic getaway.

Nature & Wildlife Lovers

Nature & Wildlife Lovers

Reconnect with nature through Periyar boat cruises, jungle treks, and bird-watching while exploring the best places to visit in Thekkady.

Friends & Groups

Friends & Groups

Bring everyone together for adventure, spice trails, and memorable evenings during an exciting weekend getaway in Kerala.

Corporate Teams

Corporate Teams

Inspire collaboration amid tranquil surroundings with well-appointed conference facilities, ideal for a productive corporate offsite.

Amenities & Guest Facilities

Thoughtfully Curated Comforts and Services at Sterling Thekkady

Baggage Storage
Banqueting
Bar
Coffee Shop
Elevator
Gift Shop
Holiday Activity Centre
Laundry
Multi Cuisine Restaurant
Parking (complimentary)
Swimming Pool
Spa
Travel Desk
Valet Parking
Wheel Chair Access
Free Wi-Fi
LED Television
Air Conditioning
Hair Dryer
Arts n Craft
Board Games
Bullock Cart Rides
Carrom Board
Karaoke
Library
Night Jungle Trek
Picnic
Playing Cards
Treks n Trails

Rooms

Rooms

Guest Room Image

Guest Room

Guest Room

Comfortable furnishing, contemporary décor, compact yet functional

1 Bedroom Image

1 Bedroom

Regular

Well-appointed and spacious rooms with superior facilities.

Dining

Cinnamon

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is the resort’s all-day multi-cuisine restaurant in Thekkady, serving hearty breakfasts, relaxed lunches, and leisurely dinners for families, friends, and groups alike. Savour authentic Kerala specialities, aromatic spice-laden curries, and popular Indian and international favourites in a warm, welcoming setting. Every meal is prepared with fresh local produce and served with Sterling’s signature hospitality. Catch the setting sun behind the hills of Idukki from the resort’s sprawling rooftop, the perfect spot for a romantic candlelit dinner under a canopy of stars. Enjoy fine cocktails, gourmet delicacies, and unhurried evenings with panoramic views of the Western Ghats. For a quick refreshing break, the lobby Coffee Shop serves freshly brewed coffee, tea, and light munchies through the day.

Events

Events
Events

Be it Meetings, Reunions, Weddings, Conferences or any other Events, Sterling Thekkady is the ideal choice.

Know More

Sterling Safari Assistance

Make your wilderness getaway seamless with Sterling Safari Assistance. From safari bookings and permit guidance to curated wildlife experiences and local insights, our team helps you plan every detail of your jungle adventure. Whether you're seeking thrilling tiger sightings, nature trails, birdwatching excursions, or cultural experiences, Sterling ensures a hassle-free and memorable exploration of the wild.

Know more about Sterling Safari Assistance at Sterling Thekkady.

Best Time to Visit

Summer (March – May)

Summer (March – May)

Summer is a warm yet pleasant season to visit, with temperatures ranging between 15°C and 30°C. It is one of the best seasons for wildlife spotting, as animals gather near Periyar Lake, and for boating and plantation tours.

Monsoon (June – September)

Monsoon (June – September)

The monsoon season brings refreshing showers, misty valleys, and lush green Western Ghats landscapes. The scenery is at its most beautiful, though some outdoor activities and boat cruises may vary with the rainfall.

Winter (October – February)

Winter (October – February)

Winter is the best time to visit Thekkady, with cool, pleasant temperatures between 15°C and 25°C and misty mornings. This peak season is ideal for wildlife safaris and Periyar boating.

Planning Tip

For comfortable weather and the best wildlife experiences, October to February is the most preferred time to visit Thekkady. Carry light woollens for cool mornings and evenings, and if travelling during the monsoon, pack rainwear and check local conditions before planning outdoor activities.

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival & Periyar Evening

11:30 AM Arrive at Sterling Thekkady and complete your check-in.
1:00 PM Enjoy lunch at Cinnamon restaurant.
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM Visit the Periyar Tiger Reserve (20 km) for a boat cruise on Periyar Lake.
5:30 PM – 6:30 PM Watch a Kathakali or Kalaripayattu performance at the Kadathanadan Kalari Centre (700m).
7:30 PM Enjoy dinner on the rooftop under the stars.

Day 2 – Spice Trails & Wildlife

7:30 AM Enjoy Breakfast at the resort.
9:00 AM – 11:00 AM Take a guided spice plantation tour (2.2 km) through cardamom, pepper, and coffee estates.
11:15 AM – 12:15 PM Visit Elephant Junction (2.9 km) for an elephant interaction and ride.
1:00 PM Enjoy Lunch at the resort.
3:30 PM – 5:00 PM Relax at The Spa or take a dip in the rooftop pool.
7:30 PM Enjoy Dinner at Cinnamon.

Day 3 – Viewpoints & Spice Shopping

7:30 AM Enjoy Breakfast at the resort.
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM Drive to Pandikuzhi (10 km) for streams, greenery, and photographs.
10:30 AM Return to the resort and complete check-out.
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM Shop for cardamom, pepper, tea, and homemade chocolates at the Kumily spice market (2.4 km) before your onward journey.

Why Guests Love It

Guests choose Sterling Thekkady for its scenic hilltop location, warm hospitality, spacious rooms, and standout rooftop pool with sweeping views of the Idukki Hills. Well-maintained accommodation, flavourful dining, and attentive staff consistently earn appreciation from travellers seeking a memorable jungle holiday in Thekkady. As one guest shared,

““Absolutely lovely stay at Sterling Thekkady! From the moment we arrived until check‑out, the service was warm, attentive, and very professional.The room was clean, well‑maintained, and offered a beautiful view of the surrounding greenery.” - Monk ”

Frequently Asked Questions

Sterling Thekkady is located on a hilltop close to the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary and Tiger Reserve, with the Periyar Lake boat landing around 1.1 km away. The resort’s travel desk and Sterling Safari Assistance can help arrange boat cruises, safaris, and permits.
All rooms and suites offer beautiful hill views. Choose the Mountain View Privilege Suite with Balcony (458 sq. ft.) or the Privilege Suite with Balcony (458 sq. ft.) for scenic vistas, while the 1-Bedroom Family Room with Balcony (245 sq. ft.) and the 2-Bedroom Family Suite with Balcony (647 sq. ft.) are suitable for couples, families, and larger groups.
Sterling Thekkady offers 83 spacious rooms and suites of up to 750 sq. ft., set on a hilltop amid the misty Idukki mountains near the Periyar Tiger Reserve. The peaceful jungle surroundings suit families, couples, honeymooners, and groups alike.
Check-in begins at 2:00 PM, and check-out is by 11:00 AM. Early check-in and late check-out may be possible, subject to availability on the day, and may incur additional charges.
The nearest airport is Madurai, about 153 km away, while Cochin International Airport is around 163 km away. The nearest railway station is Kottayam, roughly 106 km from the resort, from where trains to Thiruvananthapuram pass.
Yes, transfers can be arranged on prior request. They are chargeable and depend on the vehicle type and distance, so confirm the applicable rate at the time of booking.
Thekkady is roughly 156 km from Kochi, about 153 km from Madurai, and around 106 km from Kottayam. The final stretch winds through the Western Ghats, so allow extra time and travel in daylight where possible.
The Kumily spice market (2 km), Kadathanadan Kalari Centre (700 m), spice plantations (2.2 km), and Elephant Junction (2.9 km) are suitable for quick outings. Pandikuzhi (10 km), Chellarkovil Viewpoint (16 km), and Mangala Devi Temple (11 km) make easy half-day trips.
Guests can relax at the rooftop swimming pool, unwind with therapies at The Spa, and enjoy board games, carrom, a library, karaoke, and bullock cart rides at the Holiday Activity Centre. Night jungle treks and nature trails can also be arranged.
Thekkady is known for Periyar boat cruises, jungle safaris, bamboo rafting, guided plantation tours, and bird-watching. Sterling Safari Assistance helps with safari bookings, permit guidance, and curated wildlife experiences
October to February is the most popular season, with pleasant 15°C–25°C weather ideal for safaris and boating. March to May is warmer and suitable for wildlife spotting, while June to September brings misty, lush green monsoon landscapes.
Yes, complimentary parking is available for guests arriving by private or hired vehicles, along with valet parking. The resort is wheelchair accessible and equipped with an elevator.
Yes. Families are welcome, with spacious Family Rooms, a 2-Bedroom Family Suite, and activities for children. Elevator and wheelchair access can make the resort more convenient for elderly guests. Those with specific accessibility needs should request a conveniently located room at the time of booking.
Cancellation terms depend on the room type and rate plan selected. Refundable rates may allow free cancellation up to a specified period before check-in, while promotional or non-refundable rates may carry charges. Child rates, extra-bed charges, and complimentary-stay age limits vary by room category.