Joanna James
Oman is a country of blended ecosystems, the dusty deserts and the lush mountains. This is a guide to the best of both the worlds that Oman has to offer.
Oman architecture is simply amazing. One look at an Oman resort and it'd be evident that this skill of architecture has been passed down through generations. The Royal Opera House, designed by the same architects who were behind the awe-inspiring Grand Mosque, has been a popular attraction since it opened to the public in 2011. The productions performed at the Opera House are of high quality and standard, often being at the receiving end of international praise and acclaim. The performance season at the Royal Opera House is between September and May.
The mountainous terrain of Jabal Akdhar has long and lively history. It is the home ground of damask roses, and the trail through the mountain itself is simply breathtaking. There are a few accommodation options available on the mountain range like Alila Jabal Akhdar Oman, though most of the land is taken over by the wildlife and the local communities. Jebel Shams and the Al Hoota caves are must-explore places too. Exploring the wonders of the Jabal Akdhar mountain requires at least three or four complete days.
Oman is home to a number of Forts, the Nizwa Fort being prominent among them. It is both a Fort as well as a castle, which is more or less intact to this date. The 34m tower can be scaled by those willing and able to take up the stairs. The view from the top of the tower is one of the best views to be had in Oman. The castle premises have now been converted into a souq or a marker, which is a place for great cultural interaction. The Fort was built in the 17th century. While the entire place has been preserved, some rooms and halls are open to the public and have been arranged to show the way of life of days gone by.
As strange as it may sound to visit a Middle Eastern country and go to the beach, Oman has some great beaches with great variety in them. There are flat stretches of sand that extend as far as eye can see, and there are sandy coves wedged between mountains, and other beaches which are surrounded by the dusty desert. Al Sawadi beach is one unique beach which is covered not in sand, but in seashells. This makes walking on the beach barefoot a little difficult. Nonetheless, it is a wonderful experience to have.
Of course, no trip to Oman would be complete without visiting the deserts, as the majority of the country is nothing but the desert. The Wahiba Sands is the most popular desert to visit, where overnight camping and assorted activities like sand dune bashing and camel rides are arranged for the visitors.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
