Im Basicaly from coimbatore (2 hr from ooty) and working in Bangalore. Last 8 years im a regular visitor Ooty from Bangalore. I enjoy very good stay in Sterling resorts Ooty. The best thing which attracted in sterling resort is the View. Both ELK HILL & FERN HILL are constructed in beautiful valley kind places. I agree sterling resorts are not very near to ooty centre. But Ooty centre is very much congested and will not enjoy any good hill views or atmosphere.
Ramakrishna Ashram is opposite to Sterling resort. Its a beautiful place to visit. Ramakrishna Temple is inside the ashram and it is opened for public. From sterling you can go for long walk on country side. It gives you different experience of OOTY ( other sight seeing etc..). For people who love good stay in a hill side & walk in hills this is best place.
More than anything I enjoy place because of the people who lives near by the resort. Very helpful and kind in directing for better walk to any place in ooty. From resort its only 2 km to city centre if you go by walk and in that 1.3 km will be of slope. So the walk is real pleasure.
Whenever I stay in sterling I go all places ( Botanical garden - 3km, Lake - 3, railway station/ Bus stand - 2km) by walk only. Safety is very in inside and outside of Ooty Sterling resorts. Tennis court, space for playing cricket & more indoor games are other attractions. Wish you very trip & Please dont use/ carry plastic bags in ooty