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If you are excited to view incredible desert landscapes, historic forts, spectacular mountain ranges and pleasant beaches, then Oman can surely be your next destination! Cradled on the edge of the Arabian Peninsula is the Sultanate of Oman, a fascinating destination filled with impressive cities and top tourist attractions.
If you are planning a holiday here, you should know that the currency used here is Omani Rial. As of November, 2022, 1 Omani Rial equals ₹ 212.22. Keep this exchange rate in mind while planning your finances in Oman.
Read this article to learn about what Oman is famous for.
Renowned for its elaborate Islamic architecture and an abode of natural beauty and grandeur, Oman attracts many tourists throughout the year. Be the gold and ornate mosques or the serene beaches fringing its coastline, every tourist place here will promise to make your vacation memorable. So, here is an overview of some of the best places you can visit in Oman:
Muscat is one of the oldest and most beautiful cities in Oman, located below rugged mountains. Leaving an indelible print on the culture of Oman, explore Muscat’s marble-clad Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque having a 50-meter wide dome. Also, visit the Al Jalali Fort, marvellous Al Alam Palace, National Museum of Oman, Bait Al Zubair Museum and the Museum of Natural History.
In the capital city in Dhofar province of Oman, you will be enthralled by the charm of natural beauty and dazzling glow of the architecture around you. Also, ensure to visit the Frankincense Land museum, which details the city's story in spice trade. For adventure lovers, one can trek to Ayn Razat, a fantastic mountain cave with several springs.
Another oldest city in the north of Oman, Nizwa, is located in Ad Dakhiliyah region and is one of the most fantastic cities here. Known for its natural charm, Nizwa has seasonal rivers and palm plantations contributing to its ethereal beauty. Nizwa is renowned for the Nizwa Fort and Falaj Daris, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Also, you can wish to take a short trip to the jebel Akhdar, known as Green Mountains and famous for fruit plantations.
Wadi Darbat is nestled in the Dhofar region of Oman and is a lush green valley with hills surrounding this area. Home to two charming waterfalls, the heart of Wadi consists of a crystal clear green lake where you can plan to go boating. Several stalls and eateries retail popcorn, ice cream and shawarmas in this valley.
Presenting a wonderful blend of tradition and modernity, Sohar faces the Gulf of Oman. Sohar is unique, scattered with vibrant souqs on the other which leave the city streets glowing with light. One of the top attractions of Sohar is the gaudy Sohar Fort, an architectural edifice. This first-century fort is renowned for its intricate Omani designs and consists of two parks – Silver Jubilee Park and Sohar Park.
Musandam borders a rustic landscape and Arabian and Omani waterbodies. Offering the title ‘The Norway of the Middle East, ’ the tall limestone cliffs of Musandam Fjord is much similar to the Norwegian fjords in its charm. Musandam also offers casual trekking and consists of one of the busiest and essential waterways – Strait of Hormuz.
Bahla is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a small oasis settlement located in the Dakhliya region of Oman. This city of legends offers a glimpse of the Bahla Fort, which reflects Islamic architecture. Additionally, Bahla houses a famous Omani souq retailing a variety of traditional sweets, locally designed jewellery and an array of spices.
A pleasant winter in Sur can be an ideal time to visit this destination. This city is well known for its traditional events, and a boat museum is a must-visit place for you. Apart from this, spend your time exploring the majestic forts such as Al Ayja, Bilad and Sinaysla. Another place worth visiting is the Ras al Jinz Turtle Reserve, located on the outskirts of Sur.
Constructed in the 17th century by the Portuguese, Khasab houses glistening sandy beaches and exquisite coral reefs and is also home to “Mountain of Women” or Jebel Harim. In addition, you can also enjoy a cruise through the wonderful ‘Fjords of Musandam’ apart from indulging in snorkelling. Adventure enthusiasts can wish to trek to rugged cliffs of Musandam and have a glimpse of the abandoned houses of the deserted cities near Khasab.
A nature lover’s paradise, Wadi Shab has hills, date palm plantations and magnificent waterfalls surrounding it. Well, it is an excellent place for adventure buffs as you have to trek approximately 40 minutes to reach here. Moreover, the trail lets you traverse through a rugged yet charming route consisting of two-three pools. The towering cliffs of little caves hide secrets and gorgeous waterfalls underneath its folds and are a must-watch scenery during the monsoon months.
Have the stories of bedouins and gypsies from The Arabian Nights thrilled you? The Wahiba Sands is named after the Bani Wahiba tribe and is one of the most beautiful desert regions in Oman. Sharqiya Sands or Wahiba Sands offers sand sports and excellent night camping activities.
Nevertheless, Enjoy dune bashing tour, desert safari and stargazing too. The glistening sands here often change from golden to orange and yellow as the sun sets across the horizon.
One of the largest islands in Oman, Masirah Island is a popular weekend destination for the locals and a lovely vacation stay for tourists. This island consists of some dazzling white sand beaches offering excellent water sports.
That is the reason people call it a “paradise for kitesurfers”. Housing an array of turtles from various species, you can watch several species of birds here. Enjoy viewing the dhows and boast swiftly flowing by the sea as the fishermen work in the pleasant waters.
Hot and sunny throughout the year, Barka is an amazing beachside town in Al Batinah province. What makes this destination unique is its traditional bullfighting events and the lovely Omani Halwa.
Further, enjoy a perfect day trip to the nearest resort destination to spend your day amongst the Omanis. Do not miss the impressive Braka Fort, An Naman Fort and the Braka Souq, major tourist attractions here.
Rustic, small-town charm is what attracts most tourists to this destination. Casting an ancient glow, Ibri has several archaeological ruins which speaks a lot about the history of Oman.
Moreover, you might find several deserted areas and unexplored trails allowing you to camp and trek here. In addition you can visit the Bat Necropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage site, Ibri Castle, Al Aswad Castle and Al Sulaif castle.
A serene coastal town in Al Batinah, Al Suwaiq means “Market” in Arabic since it was a major trading hub for the residents of the surrounding towns and cities.
The scenic countryside offers a historical charm as you visit the forts here. Explore Al Sawaiq Fort, Al Hilal Fort and the Al Tharmad Fort before heading to the exquisite Oman Coast to enjoy snorkelling into the crystal clear waters.
If you wish to go offbeat in Oman, visit the mesmerising village of Misfat Al Abriyeen. Here you can enjoy many open gardens, beautiful trails and traditional houses here. Apart from that, each cottage here is made from carved rocks and offers unique sights such as oil pots and water hanging from households.
This village is named after the first settlers here, Abri and some buildings are almost 200 years old, reflecting the sturdiness of the construction. Every house has its unique design, which helps to differentiate.
Al Hoota Caves, nearly 2 million old, nestles at the foot of Jebel Shams mountain. You will find two lakes here, home to an excellent ecosystem such as anthropoids, bats, mollusks and snails. In these water bodies, you might find a rare fish Garra Barreimiae which is only found in Bahrain, UAE and Oman. A mystical and adventurous 45 minutes trail to the cave, you must not miss out on a fascinating experience here.
Souqs are fantastic traditional marketplaces extending for kilometres. You will find various items ranging from handmade crafts and Oman delicacies to jewellery. The most prominent souqs are Muttrah souq, Nizwa souq, Al Husn souq and Hibri souq. Therefore, do not forget to add these places to your must-visit list.
Apart from the popular tourist destinations that ooze with history, Oman is well-known for its culture and the culinary delights that it offers. Here is a list:
A list of what Oman is known for would be inadequate without mouth-watering traditional cuisine. Be it dates or coffee, ‘Qahwa’ or ‘Mashai’, every dish in Oman is a must-try item.
Enjoy the traditional rice dish of Saudi Arabia, Majboos or grilled meat from Arab Shuwa. Do not miss out on several Omani breads, Omani ‘Qawah’, marinated beef Meshkak, Omani Laban and Harees. If you are a fish lover, you will surely fall in love with Mashuai!
The list of famous things in Oman will not be complete without the mention of Omani Halwa. A symbol of Omani hospitality and a favourite for the sweet tooth, you can pair it with coffee as well. Visit any Omani house to attend a wedding or a birthday, and they will offer you Omani Halwa.
Oman contributes largely to the world's production of frankincense, a major ingredient in perfumes. Since it has medicinal benefits and a mild fragrance, people love to buy them. Further, you can buy these in loose quantities from any of the marketplaces allowing a boom in the economy of Oman.
Oman is home to famous shipbuilders who have stood the test of time and mastered this skill. You will find various naval ships Omanis have made with intricate details perfectly reflecting versatility. One of the leading nations in seafaring, the 18th and 19th century was a golden age of shipbuilding in Oman. These shipbuilders added rows of tiny windows to the dhows and used shark fat and gypsum to seal the gaps between boards.
Reflecting the heritage, history and beauty of the Sultanate, the annual Muscat Festival is a dream event for many! It takes place around January and is one of the largest events celebrating Oman’s culture, art and cuisine at their best. Therefore, it pulls tourists from across Oman and the adjoining Gulf countries as well.
So, now you have a list of what Oman is famous for! So, plan your vacation earlier to enjoy a lovely tour of this destination. If you wish to enjoy pleasant weather, try visiting Oman during winter.
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