As per every year this year too the Dhofar Governorate has confirmed that the annual Khareef Festival will continue to beckon tourists to its lap this season. Tourists can look forward to awe-inspiring visuals of nature’s abundance in the mountains and waterfalls. While Cyclone Mekunu had brought global attention to verdant Salalah a few years back, it also threw the spotlight on its distinct weather conditions during this time of the year and its nature-rich vistas that are unique to the region. While the Khareef season runs until September, the Festival brings in tourists from Oman and elsewhere in the region to savour the delights of this fascinating destination.
For regulars, the pristine beauty of Salalah is ever beckoning. The magical coastline, undulating mountains, the green blanket of foliage spread on all things earth, the picturesque wadis, the historical sites and the pleasant weather are truly magical. Add to that an unprecedented flow of springs and waterfalls, and the picture that Salalah inspires will be enough lure to bring in a horde of new tourists too.
For first-timers from the capital Muscat, Salalah is a thousand-odd kilometre from here with a strong road network linking it to all parts of the country. There are bus services and flights to go to Salalah from Muscat, but residents might prefer to travel in their cars. It takes approximately 12 hours by road. Visitors can avail of a host of accommodation facilities in Salalah; in addition to a range of hotels, including luxury ones, there are hotel apartments and homes that double up as holiday homes during this season. Here are a few places to visit in Salalah.
Wadi Darbat
Wadi Darbat is the most picturesque destination in Salalah. There are several picnic spots in the area that would provide vantage points to see the waterfalls from close quarters.
Mirbat
Located 66kms east of Salalah, Mirbat is famous for picturesque bays and caves as well as the Mirbat Fort, which is also a major attraction for visitors.
Taqah
Boasting stunning white sandy beaches, Taqah Beach is the perfect destination to catch sight of birds flocking the area. Taqah is the third-largest town in Salalah and has several picturesque spots for photography and has an interesting fort for visitors to enjoy.
Ain Razat
It is a source of several natural springs and has several spots for picnickers. The area turns lush and green, pampering the senses with an overdose of nature’s bounty.
Ain Homran
Like Ain Razat (located 22 km away), this place also boasts scenic natural springs that are enclosed by a garden. It is also popular as an excellent spot for bird watching.
Mughsayl
Mughsayl Beach is a must-visit destination for all visitors, thanks to its unique blowholes. It is 40kms west of the town of Salalah and is, by far, one of the biggest attractions of Salalah, with mountains standing as sentinels on either side of the route leading to the beach. Along this beach are the famous natural blowholes, which turn up an impressive performance.
Khor Rori
This is an inlet where fresh water and water from the sea come together. It is a protected area where migratory birds can be found.
Magic Road
The magic road or the anti-gravity point never fails to draw visitors to get their cars to move up when left idling on neutral gear. This is a point near Tawi Atair/Mirbat and provides a dramatic touch to the trip.
Nabi Ayoub’s Tomb
This shrine is perched high on the Jebel Atteen Range, 20 miles from Salalah. A beautiful mountain road leads you up to the pilgrimage spot, also known as Prophet Job’s Tomb.
Tawi Atayr
This place has the region’s largest sinkhole. It is made special by the birds who add to the charm with their constant chirping.
Rakhyut
It is a spectacular spot to visit with hairpin bends around the mountain. The view from the top is awe-inspiring.
Ittin
Ittin, like the rest of Salalah, has many attractions: Ittin Cave located above a mountain, the walkway of Ayn Jarziz, and the Ittin Park.
