On the first encounter with Oman, attention is drawn to the beautiful white and clean houses of the city. Despite being a neighbor to Iran, Oman is a less known country for us. Its splendor and modernity are not like the countries in the Persian Gulf region, but it is very suitable for those seeking a tranquil country with attractions such as deserts, seas, pristine beaches, and attractive white villas. The beautiful cities and hospitable people of Oman will never let you have a bad experience in this country.
Oman is a safe country with a long history of independent rule, characterized by sunny and warm weather. Interestingly, during the times of the Parthians and the Sassanians, the name “Sea of Oman” was also used. The history of this country dates back to the end of the Ice Age, and at that time, Oman was a lush and fertile land.
During the reign of Sultan Qaboos, the beloved ruler of Oman, the country witnessed significant progress, and unlike other Arab countries, its modernization process was not accompanied by class and social disparities. Additionally, religious freedoms were evident from that time, to the extent that despite Islam being the dominant religion, churches and Hindu temples continued to function, with a government budget allocated for their maintenance.
Muscat
We head to the sights of the capital of Oman, Muscat. The most remarkable attraction of this city is the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, one of the most beautiful and magnificent mosques in the world, inaugurated in 2001. The interior design, the carpet, and the chandelier of this mosque leave the viewers in awe. The carpet in this mosque is a masterpiece woven by Iranian artisans, inspired by the art of carpet weaving in Tabriz, Kashan, and Isfahan. The mosque can accommodate 20,000 worshippers. Additionally, this location includes a fascinating library and a women’s prayer hall.
In addition to the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Muscat has other notable attractions, including the renowned Muttrah Souq, Green Mountain, Al Alam Palace, Bait Al Zubair Museum, and Al Jalali Fort.
Ras Al Jinz
The next attraction is the protected area of Ras Al Jinz, which is a key destination for guided turtle nesting tours. This place allows visitors from all around the world to witness the fascinating nesting processes of various turtle species. While our Oman tours allows visitors to observe captivating creatures up close, it also ensures that the turtles are not threatened by human interventions. This location has several steep sandy beaches where thousands of green turtles nest during specific times of the year.
Bimmah Sinkhole
From Muscat, you can reach the Hawiyat Najm Park or Bimmah Sinkhole, one of the most beautiful natural pools in the world, in about 1.5 hours. Although geographically located in the Muscat Governorate, it is actually in the Eastern region, just outside the highway to Sur, a few kilometers before Tiwi. You can take stunning photos of this marvelous sinkhole or spend over an hour swimming in its turquoise waters. According to local legends, the sinkhole was created by a meteorite impact, but in reality, the Bimmah Sinkhole has naturally formed due to erosion of limestone and the collapse of rocks you see. Apparently, the sinkhole is also connected to the sea through an underground tunnel, which may explain the unique color of the water.
Wadi Tiwi
Wadi Tiwi is located in the Eastern region and in close proximity to Wadi Shab. You can get close to the lush rainforest in the Gulf of Oman. The emerald pools, ancient villages, and lush farms have turned this experience into a memorable one. Explore the valleys and blue pools that lead to the village of Mibam. Swim, hike, and enjoy one of Oman’s most beautiful valleys. Take a refreshing dip under the waterfall in this valley and cool off. This stunning valley resembles a scene from Jurassic Park. Can you spot the dinosaurs lurking in the corners?!
Wadi Bani Khalid
Visiting Wadi Bani Khalid is one of the best things you should do in Oman. It takes about 3 hours from Muscat and 2 hours from Sur to reach Wadi Bani Khalid. The incredibly scenic road passing through villages and mountains is a sight to behold. This amazing place is located at the end of the road. After about a 5-minute walk from the parking lot, you will reach the first and largest pool of Wadi Bani Khalid. If you want to experience a free pedicure, place your feet in the water, and let the fish nibble away the dead skin! The large pool in Wadi Bani Khalid is a popular spot for jumping from the bridge and edges into the water. It has both shallow and deeper parts, so if you decide to jump into the deeper areas, make sure you are a strong swimmer.
Wahiba Sands Desert
Approximately 82% of Oman is covered by desert or semi-desert environments. The Wahiba Sands desert is a highlight of traveling to Oman. The striking orange sand dunes offer a unique experience, especially during sunrise and sunset, providing a breathtaking sight for anyone. Spending a night in this place is very tranquil and captivating. Wahiba Sands is exactly what you envision when you think of a desert; it’s a dream come true. This desert covers 180 kilometers from north to south and 80 kilometers from east to west. Apart from tourist camps, there are no permanent settlements, only temporary Bedouin camps. The sand dunes of Wahiba can reach heights of up to 100 meters.
Dhow Factory
Sur is one of the most important and historical places in Oman, famous for its wooden boat construction. It is a place where craftsmen use techniques that date back hundreds of years to build traditional Arab dhows. “Dhow” in Arabic literally translates to “boat.” This museum, located near the Al Batah Suspension Bridge in Sur, holds significant historical importance and showcases various sections. Walking through this factory provides a fascinating opportunity to witness how wooden boats were constructed in the past.
Nizwa Fortress
Nizwa Fort is one of the most attractive forts in Muscat tours, providing access to the traditional market. The history of Jabrin Castle dates back to 1670. This fort was once a beautiful palace during times of war. It also served as a learning center and housed many study rooms. The most beautiful and unique room in this fort is the Sun and Moon room. What sets this room apart is the beautiful Islamic icons and calligraphy that adorn its ceiling, especially the eye design. It has 14 windows, seven of which are located near the ceiling and seven are positioned lower. When cold air enters through the lower windows, it pushes the warm air out through the upper windows, revealing the secret of how the rooms stay cool in this place.
Jebel Shams
Jebel Shams (Grand Canyon of Oman) is the highest mountain in Oman, standing at an elevation of 3,009 meters. It is a narrow and deep gorge often referred to as the “Arabian Grand Canyon.” You can reach this plateau on a day trip or enjoy an overnight stay at one of the resorts. While most people only hike towards the peak, you can choose to trek in the valley to witness the breathtaking cliffs from below.
Misfat Al Abriyeen
Misfat Al Abriyeen is a unique mountain village located at an altitude of 1000 meters above sea level, nestled in the foothills of Al Hamra province in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate. The distinctive features of this village have contributed to its recent surge in tourism. It boasts stunning agricultural terraces filled with products such as bananas, pomegranates, papayas, mangoes, citrus trees, and date palms. The beautiful alleys and old traditional mud houses with roofs made of palm fronds, perched on rocks, enhance the beauty of this village twofold.
Balad Sayt Village
The allure of Balad Sayt lies in its ancient world charm, nestled within a collection of stone and mud buildings that cascade like a staircase along the hillside slope. Thousands of narrow pathways connect these blocks, some of which even have two or three stories. A ruined tower stands at the top of the hill, overlooking the village. The mountains are adorned with flowing water streams, ultimately feeding the village’s irrigation system. The picturesque scenes of farmers working in lush green fields and women returning to the village with pots of fresh mountain water on their heads add to the village’s attractiveness. Due to its high elevation in the Jebel Shams mountain range, Balad Sayt enjoys moderate temperatures even during summer days.
In addition to all these attractions, this beautiful country offers water activities, shopping centers, magnificent opera houses, and various other entertainment options. You can choose the best tourist attractions in this country based on your preferences. We recommend joining DanaTrips Tours to experience an exciting and memorable journey with a professional guide.
