HBI Staff | Hyderabad 
Sterling Holiday Resorts has announced the launch of its property, Sterling Arunai Anantha Tiruvannamalai, in Tamil Nadu, located 3.5 hours (173 kms) from Chennai. The resort was inaugurated by Mr. Vikram Lalvani, Managing Director & CEO of Sterling, and Mr. S. Ravindren, the owner of the resort property, amidst a host of dignitaries.
Tiruvannamalai, described by Ramana Maharishi as the “spiritual capital of the world”, attracts tourists from all over the country and around the world to practice yoga and meditation in the ashrams located here. The Arunachaleswara Temple here is more than 1,200 years old and with its spread of 25 acres is arguably the largest temple to Lord Shiva in the world and represents Him in the “Fire” element. The entire Arunachala Hill is considered an embodiment of Shiva and pilgrims circumambulate the hill on full moon days. The recently concluded “Karthigai Deepam” festival saw a record 3.2 million people visiting to witness the lighting of the huge flame fueled by 3 tons of ghee on top of the hill.
Nestled in close vicinity, Sterling Arunai Anantha Tiruvannamalai is the perfect setting for seekers of spirituality, yoga, culture and heritage to unwind and revive. The resort features 30 well-appointed rooms that are spacious, aesthetically appealing and with select rooms offering breath-taking views of the sacred Arunachala Hill.
Inspired by the spiritual and cultural significance of the destination, the resort embodies various visual elements that are designed to rejuvenate body, mind and soul. The “Trikona” or triangle element representing the upward rising energy of Agni and “Padma” or the lotus symbolizing the padmasana or lotus pose in yoga adorn the interiors of the resort. These elements manifest themselves across the resort: in the form of art and décor both in the rooms and in public areas. All of this makes Sterling Arunai Anantha Tiruvannamalai the perfect retreat for peace and tranquility.
The 3.5-acre resort is filled with greenery and boasts of an open-air theatre and landscaped lawns, ideal for morning yoga sessions. With customized menus and expert in-house event planners, these lawns are the ideal venue for weddings, private and corporate events.
Also, honoring the local traditions and spirituality of the town, the resort features an all-vegetarian menu at its restaurant called “Annam” where guests can enjoy multi-cuisine fare and taste the local specialties of the region, like Madras Onion Pakoda and Milagu Perattal. The restaurant also serves Jain food on request to cater to guests who come to visit the Thirumalai Jain temple complex nearby that includes the 12th century sculpture of Neminatha, the tallest in Tamilnadu.
Commenting on the launch of the property, Vikram Lalvani, Managing Director and CEO of Sterling Holiday Resorts said, “We are proud to add our 8th resort in Tamilnadu. Entering the resort gives one a magical feel of peace and tranquility. It can be the ideal getaway from the hustle and bustle of city-life and with a fort, dam, caves and beautiful hillsides other than the temples and ashrams, there are many Discoveries and Experiences to be had here. Also, being less than 200 kms from Chennai and Bangalore, it can be an ideal destination for weddings and corporate events.”
Speaking on the occasion, Ravindren, Managing Director of Gemspark Hotels and the owner of the property said, “We are delighted to become part of the Sterling bouquet of resorts. Our resort has always attracted guests from Bangalore, Chennai and Andhra Pradesh, as well as foreigners who travel here to visit the ashrams or practice yoga. With Sterling’s pan-India reach and distribution strength, we are sure to see guests from the rest of the country coming here to enjoy the resort and the destination.”
