Joanna James
Oman is a land that has steadfastly stood the test of time and offers its visitors a safe holiday location with sound infrastructure to enjoy the cool wadis, gleaming beaches, well-preserved historical sites and centuries-old souqs among other unique things in its chest of attractions.
Although there are many exciting souqs in Oman, Muttrah Souq is unique as this is one of the foremost souqs of the entire Arab Peninsula and is one of the best places to visit In Oman when you stay at Oman Hotels. An ideal opportunity to get a feel of Omani culture and the local vibes. Additionally, this is also a place to browse to your heart's content and pick up souvenirs and handicraft items for your loved ones apart from picking up spices, local sweets, and many other intriguing things here. Although originally built in the 1820s, this souq was rebuilt in the 1970s maintaining the important traditional features including a palm frond roof.
Wadi means valley or ravine in Arabic, and Wadis in Oman are either enormous canyons or smaller crevices on a rock face with a source of water close by. Some may be dry except during the rainy season, but others such as Wadi Shab have water throughout the year enticing visitors from many Oman Hotels for a welcome dip. Once you arrive at the location of Wadi Shab, you need to use a short boat ride which costs 1 Omani Riyal both ways. A quick hike up over rocks and boulders gets you to the Wadi in 45 minutes. Greeted by clear blue water swim across into the valley to discover a picturesque waterfall.
Situated in the capital city of Muscat, this grand Mosque was inaugurated in May 2001 to celebrate the 30-year reign of Sultan Qaboos. It is indeed a Mosque of grandeur being the second-largest mosque in the world and having the second-largest chandelier in the world located in the men's prayer hall. With a capacity to have 20,000 worshippers at a time. A single piece of handwoven carpet by a team of artisans adorns a 4200-square-foot floor area. This a unique and awe-inspiring mosque that must be witnessed as it permits even non-Muslims to appreciate the building. However, be mindful of modest dress for females as well as covering the hair.
Hawiyyat Najm or Bimmah Sinkhole in English is a depression in the limestone which occurred when a section of the cave collapsed and is now filled with water making an inviting pool for locals and visitors to enjoy. With the surrounding area of the Sinkhole improved with facilities such as a park, playground and picnicking areas, and plenty of parking space, visiting Bimmah Sinkhole is an unusual yet exciting experience.
Pale gold in colour at noon, the huge piles of sand at Wahiba are like an ocean shifting between rich yellow to deep coppery orange as the sun starts setting. It is worth doing a tour to the Wahiba Sands, a 3-hour journey from Muscat with an overnight stay to experience the magical feeling of sleeping under the stars in the desert and seeing the piles of sand as you rise in the morning, a unique memory to last a lifetime.
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.
