Joanna James
In the scorching Middle East, immediately evocative of sprawling deserts, barren mountains and seemingly unbearable tropical weather, Salalah is a land like no other in Arabia. Brimming with lush greenery during Khareef, the southern Omani city is an idyll on any given day of the year, nonetheless.
Picturesque Arabian Sea beaches are one of the many treasures that put Salalah on the map, and Mughsail Beach, just about 30 minutes south of the city, is undoubtedly one of the best. Dramatic mountainous headlands bound the slice of beach at both ends, imparting a majestic splendour to the seaside that’s more than just turquoise waters and sugary white sand. Jump in for a refreshing dip, embark on a hill-climbing adventure or simply unwind on the pristine sand, taking in the beautiful scene.
Where scorching deserts, droughty plains and glass-sheathed skyscrapers characterise, Wadi Darbat is where you go to savour a slice of lush greenery on the otherwise arid land. Come the months of June through August, Wadi Darbat takes an appealing charm like no other, as Salalah sees the Khareef — the country’s much-anticipated monsoon that blesses the region with oodles of nature and beauty. The picture-perfect green-clad hills, serene waterfalls, along with the main green valley that is Wadi Darbat itself, are anything but Oman-like, leaving many — even the very who call the Middle Eastern nation home — wondering if this really truly is Oman.
Nestled in the serenity of the beautiful fishing village of Taqah, the village’s eponymous ancient castle is a magnificent work of architecture that is a testament to remarkable traditional Omani architecture. Taqah Castle, while could be well described as an ancient castle, is relatively newly built, with its history dating only back to the early 19th century. The breathtaking architectural magnificence is the unequivocal crowd-puller, but the surrounding white sandy beaches also make part of the appeal, without doubt.
For anyone familiar with the vast Middle East, visiting a classic Arab souq is an unmissable experience, and Salalah in the Gulf is no exception. After a day of revelling in the many glories of southern Oman, make your way to the atmospheric Al Husn Souq for a dose of authentic retail therapy.
If there were something truly unmissable for all visitors to the city of Salalah, it would be nothing but the crown jewel, the mesmerising Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque. The largest mosque in the city is also one of the most visited tourist attractions, welcoming both Muslims and non-Muslim visitors. Treat your eyes to the mind-blowing mix of traditional Arab and modern architecture, sure to enchant ardent architecture buffs as well as others. For an equally fantastic experience, retreat to a fine Salalah resort in Oman the likes of Al Baleed Resort Salalah.
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 pas...
