Picturesque Oman

I have grown up reading stories of Arabian Nights where genies living in magic lamps grant you your heart’s desires. So, it was interesting to discover that Bahla Fort, the only one in the country to be inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List has a magical connection. Read on to find out more.

Visiting a ghost town

It’s believed that twin genies Gaitha and Maitha (leaders of the jinns) helped the leader of Bahla build the second largest wall in the world after China in a span of just two to three months. When the leader of Nizwah came to attack Bahla with his army, he was forced to turn away as they could not bring it down. It’s tales like these that have fascinated tourists and make it a must-visit attraction.

Living on a prayer

The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque was built in 2001. The main prayer hall is covered with the world’s second-largest carpet, which weighs 21 tonnes and has around 17 million knots and 28 different colours), and a 46-foot-tall Swarovski chandelier. It can accommodate around 20,000 people for prayers at a time. Witness a traditional animal auction at Nizwah fort A Friday market where you can pick up souvenirs like showpieces and keychains shaped like khanjars or daggers, shop for pottery and silver jewellery, or check out the traditional animal

l auction where men from across Oman come to purchase goats, sheep, and cows at reasonable rates. You can also pick up dates, Omani halwa and Mediterranean spices like zatar.

Turtle watching in the night

Head to Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve, and make your way in batches to a nesting site for green turtles. You can choose to join the night or early morning tours. We recommend the morning one as you can see the turtles better in day light. The place also offers accommodation and meals. Visit pomegranate garden Jabal Akhdar aka Green Mountain receives plenty of rainfall and, as a result, you will find fruits and nuts, which are not available anywhere else. These include apples, figs, pears, plums, pomegranates, walnuts and olive trees. You will also find damask roses here.

A tale of two villages

Al Hamra gets its name from the red colour of the sand. Till 90 years ago, it was inhabited but is now an abandoned village. If you want to experience rural life, make your way to Misfah Guest House. For 50 Omani Rials, you can book any of the 20 rooms and sign up for a one-hour or a four-hour trek. Fun fact: Prince Charles visited this guest house and you can still find a picture of him hanging on the wall.

Spot blind fish inside the Al hoota caves

Cameras are not allowed inside these caves that are known for their stalactite and stalagmite formations. We also stumbled upon an underground lake in the main cave, which is home to many blind fish.

Boat factory in Sur

After visiting the lighthouse in Sur, make your way to one of the 10 boat factories here. Past the Sur corniche lies the dhow factory, which also enjoys the rare distinction of having built a boat for none other than Sultan Qaboos.

Don’t miss Finns beach, Bimmah Sinkhole and Wadi Shaab 

Blue waters greet you at Finns Beach, while Bimmah Sinkhole invites you to take a dip in its mixed waters or the picturesque Wadi Shab.

Visit the Royal Opera House

The Royal Opera House will give you a chance to enjoy musical performances and experience art and culture.

Head to Corniche, Muttrah Souk

Apart from incense burners and fragrant incense, soaps, silver jewellery, showpieces and other souvenirs, you can also pick up spices like sumac from here.

Check out the National Museum

For an insight into the Omani way of life — clothes, coins, furniture, costumes, art and architecture, there’s a lot that you can take in at this museum.

Living the good life

In a modern tent

Head to Dunes by Al Nahada. Try quad biking, dunes bashing and even a camel ride here. You can laze by an infinity pool under the stars or enjoy a quiet meal for two.

Holistic treatments

Visit Al Nahada Resort that offers wellness and holistic treatments and is also a wedding destination.

For a royal connection 

Head to Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort that’s located on the Green mountain. Enjoy a breathtaking view of the mountains from Diana’s point (a favourite spot of the former royal who spent time there reading a book during her visit here with Prince Charles).

Soak in the beauty 

Shangri-La Al Husn Resort & Spa is an ideal getaway if you are looking for some fun and relaxation. You can also ask the staff to book a dolphin-watching activity.

Visit a perfume factory or a golf course

If you want to know what makes Amouage the world’s most expensive perfumes or tee off at the Al Mouj Golf Course. 

Foodstuffs on a budget

Reem Al Yamen Restaurant & Kitchen is a good spot to have traditional Omani food.

Fawanees Bahla for Turkish and Arabic food. They also serve Kunefe, a sweet and savoury Levantine cheese pastry.
  
Ice Cream Mama for interesting ice cream flavours including Frankincense.

Bait Al-Luban if you are looking for something a little fancy yet traditional.

Mumtaz Mahal restaurant, if you are craving Indian food.