As the whole country will light up to celebrate the upcoming National Day of the Sultanate of Oman with music and fireworks, you can choose to celebrate the holidays in your own special way by exploring some weekend destinations around Oman. Here is a bird’s-eye view of some exotic getaways and whistle-stop destinations to enjoy the striking beauty of Oman’s diverse topography.
Al Hoota Cave
If you haven’t been to Al Hoota Cave in Al Hamra, book a visit during these holidays to experience its magnificence and visit Nizwa in the bargain. Located at the foot of Jabal Shams, it is the first and only show cave in the Arabian Peninsula with a total length of around 4.5kms (500m of which is accessible to the public). It is one of nature’s spectacular wonders in Oman, with stalactites and stalagmites as well as an underground lake, where the famous blindfish live.
Bahla
The myths and legends surrounding this place, which is close to Nizwa, make it an interesting Oman holiday destination. If you want to spend time in history you could check out the Bahla Fort, which is the oldest fort in Oman.
Jebel Akhdar
With the temperature comparatively lower than that in Muscat, a visit to Jebel Akhdar is the coolest Oman holiday getaway close to the capital. A four-wheel drive is a must to get here; but you could hire the services of tour operators or private vehicles to enjoy one of the most scenic attractions of Oman, offering a panoramic view of the areas in the vicinity. It is also one of the few places in Oman which is naturally verdant with lush farms of grapes, pomegranates, apricots, and walnuts.
Jebel Shams
Translated to mean a mountain of sun, it is the highest point in the Al Hajar mountain ranges of Oman. Located about 240kms from Muscat, it boasts cool temperatures. There are camping facilities, which will require you to book in advance, more so during holidays, to avoid disappointment.
Musandam
This visually striking destination in Oman is reachable via road or air from Muscat. It is known as the ‘Norway of Middle East’ owing to its various inlets. Khasab, the main city, is surrounded by a network of fjords that enhance its beauty. A tour on the traditional dhow will present a panorama of its beauty during the holiday.
Muscat
The temperature is perfect for a saunter on Muscat beaches and parks. Catch the sun setting across the horizon from the beach or simply soak in the fresh air at one of its parks. Muscat has several attractions if you really want to make the most of your holidays.
Nizwa
Located about 165kms from Muscat, Nizwa is one of the oldest cities of the country, famous for its historical forts and monuments. While here, you could also check out the villages of Al Hamra and Misfah Al Abriyeen to get a feel of Oman’s rustic side.
Salalah
One of the best holiday getaways is Salalah. It is a perfect destination to cool off from Muscat. 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.
Wadi Bani Khalid
This is a popular wadi in the Sharqiyah region, attracting hundreds of domestic tourists during cooler climes or when weekends turn long like the one coming up. The cool water makes Wadi Bani Khalid a delightful experience during the Oman holidays. You would need to reach early to get a vantage point closer to the water and have a memorable picnic.
Wadi Shab
Located in Tiwi, Sur, this, another popular wadi, is less than 2 hours drive from Muscat. You could hike or hire a boat to make the most of this visit. However, during holidays you might need to book in advance to avoid disappointment.
There’s more to Oman than the places mentioned above and that again goes to prove the variegated nature of this land that has something to offer every kind of traveller. The brave could venture out into the desert of Sharqiya Sands and adventure seekers can plan a diving trip. Oman’s long coastline offers myriad opportunities for tourists and visitors to pull out their diving gear and get an eyeful of the beautiful underwater scenes. There are also options to indulge in rock climbing, trekking and caving, with guidance from experts, that is.