A good stay is great. But great food makes it even better.
Jhore Jole Jongole, a resort built by Techno India around two years ago, ticks all the boxes for a comfortable getaway for those visiting the Sunderbans and the wild beauty of its mangroves.
But, what is out-of-the-box is the food made from the fresh catch, from river crab to bagda chingri (tiger prawn), and in these winter months, the menu at the property’s restaurant reels in some topse, pabda, parshe, pomfret and amudi, found abundantly in the rivers of the Sunderbans.
The unique ecosystem of the Sunderbans thrives where the Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers meet the Bay of Bengal. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is home to the world’s largest mangrove forest, shared with neighbouring Bangladesh.
It is no surprise then that the cooking style is often influenced by Bangladesh in nearby homes, with liberal use of onions, garlic and chillies. At Jhore Jole Jongole, a sous chef has recently joined the head chef, extending the variety of the Bengali menu to tandoori items and Chinese; but if you enjoy seafood, you are likely to get hooked to the crab, prawn and fish items available at prices more pocket-friendly than Kolkata restaurants.
Crab Kosha, Sorshe Ilish and Chingri Malai Curry
Karo Christine Kumar“Most of our guests are Bengali so we have tailored the menu accordingly. However, we can customise to guests’s preference,” shares Soham Mitra, general manager of the resort.
Winter bonfire, baul and barbecue
The eco-heritage resort houses 35 rooms spread across six buildings, including an additional five non-AC rooms for the season, that will be converted to AC after the winter months. The rooms are modest and comfortable, and equipped with a TV. Most of the rooms are in the premium category, while four are executive rooms with balconies.
The view from the balcony of Room 106
Karo Christine KumarThe six building blocks are surrounded by waterbodies and connected by pathways. In fact, water and greenery is the dominant theme of the landscape around this resort located behind the Tiger Rescue Centre.
Sunset falls on the resort
Karo Christine KumarSheetkal (winter) means that the evenings come alive with the crackling warmth of bonfires, serenaded by the soulful notes of baul music, and live barbecue sessions. Tables on the lawn have been covered with large umbrellas to keep the mist at bay.
The homely atmosphere is what makes Jhore Jore Jongole feel like home. Don’t expect express service, but treat it more like a large family home. There is a games room, activities like paddle boat, cycling and angling and even a boardroom for meetings for corporate bookings.
As the sun sets, the evenings awaken with the cosy crackle of bonfires, accompanied by the soul-stirring tunes of baul music
Courtesy: Jhore Jole JongoleIn his six-odd months at the property, the guest-friendly Mitra has become a sort of expert on the area himself, and he throws in a tip for those planning to visit the mangroves soon, in search of a sighting of the elusive tiger. “Recently, maximum of the sightings have been reported at Deul Bharani, which is the smallest khari or river lane. A tigress has given birth to cubs there,” he reveals.
Travel details for Jhore Jole Jongole
A view of the mangroves from a safari boat ride organised by the resort
Karo Christine KumarHow to get there: The nearest airport is Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Airport in Kolkata. The resort is directly accessible by a motorable road, though the last stretch is a bit bumpy. It takes around three-and-a-half hours to drive here from Kolkata.
Tariff: Double occupancy in premium rooms starts at Rs 3,499 (plus GST), inclusive of a breakfast. Upgrade to the executive category, featuring a balcony, for Rs 3,999. Dial +91 87775 40226 to book your stay. Explore further property details on the website here.
Nearby excursions: Visit the Sundarban Wild Animal Park, Jharkali. A full or half-day local boat safari can be arranged by the resort for sightseeing. Take a walk to the jetty and explore the local stores.
Within the premises: Activities include cycling, paddle boat rides, angling, and there is a modest children’s play centre.
Carry: Warm clothes (in winter months), mosquito repellent and (optional) binoculars for bird- and wildlife-watching along the mangroves.
Don’t carry: Plastic!
