Joanna James
Oman is not usually a tourist's first choice in the Middle East; however, a cursory glance at photographs of Oman is all it takes to tip the scales in this country's favour. In fact, some of the most magnificent landscapes and cities in the Middle East may be found in this country.
If you're looking to witness natural beauty in all its might, then a visit to Wadi Bani Khalid must be in your books. A wadi is a long, narrow canyon that transports water from the mountains to the lowlands. In Oman, Wadi Bani Khalid is possibly the most beautiful; made up of a sequence of green and turquoise pools, waterfalls pour down massive rocks, forming natural water slides, and dark caves open up within the rock formations. The wadi creates a green corridor, with date palms coming up from the sandy ground to shade the waters.
Less than a two-hour drive from Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar, Muscat lies waiting for a fun-filled day out. The majority of the things to do in Oman can be found in Muscat, which is an obvious choice for any traveller. The huge Al Hajar mountain range sits on one side and the glistening Gulf of Oman on the other. Muscat is fascinating in its own right and is unquestionably one of the most beautiful cities in the country. Much of Muscat's beauty may be found in the tiniest of details, from the exquisite mosaics and wood inlays in the prayer hall of the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque to the spice and henna shops inside Muttrah Souq, and the colourful Muttrah fish market.
Nizwa, Oman's second-largest city, is also a must-see. Nizwa functioned as the nation's capital in the sixth and seventh centuries, blossoming as a centre for the arts and playing an equally important role in Oman's commercial routes. Nizwa, separated from Muscat and the coast by mountains, is an old city surrounded by palm groves. It has a completely distinct air to the capital but is beautiful in its own might. The 17th-century Nizwa Fort is considered the most iconic landmark in Nizwa, Oman.
Bimmah Sinkhole will satisfy your thirst and will help you cool off on a hot day. This is one of the most popular day trips from Muscat and unquestionably one of the most beautiful spots in the country. It's located off the coastal route, 1.5 hours south of Muscat, making it an ideal pit break on your way down the coast.
More isolated than Wadi Bani Khalid, but well worth the extra time and effort to get, Wadi Shab is truly a wonder! If you're driving, enter 'Wadi Shab Parking' into Google Maps to find where you should park. If you're looking to access the turquoise waters, take a short uphill trek along the canyon wall. Once you reach the captivating turquoise waters, you can enjoy a refreshing swim in the pools or venture further into the breathtaking natural caves; this is indeed a memorable experience for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.
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.
