Between the bling of Dubai and the holiness of Mecca, Medina, one Middle-Eastern country that oft lies under the travel radar is perhaps Oman. Its quiet rhythm blends ancient with the modern, its over 3,100-km-long coastline is home to several beaches, and its craggy mountains make for a picturesque backdrop. After a few days of savouring Omani delicacies, wandering through souks, admiring architectural gems, and discovering its natural wonders, we left with a heart full of memories and the lingering scent of frankincense. A destination that’s less than four hours away from India via a direct flight, Oman makes the cut for a quick getaway that transports you to a land where the sea and mountains seduce you while the food and architecture offer a cultural exploration. Here’s a guide to planning a trip to Oman for your next vacation.
Muscat’s Marvels
As you drive from the airport into the capital city, brown, rugged hills jut out behind whitewashed buildings. This view changes to a glimpse of its coastline as you reach Muttrah where a souk and corniche lie on opposite sides of the road, making it apt for local shopping and walking along its waterfront promenade. But to truly admire the beauty of the Sea of Oman and the Al Hajar Mountains, head to Marina Bandar Al Rowdha where you can enjoy a traditional dhow cruise as you catch the sunset. Kicking off our shoes, some of us plonked on the carpeted seating where you could put your feet up, sip on Omani coffee and bite into dates. As the wooden vessel sailed ahead, the windswept ride offered views of not just the sea and mountains, but also old Muscat’s historic landmarks such as the Al Mirani Fort built by the Portuguese and the Al Jalali Fort with its steep set of stairs. The Al Alam Palace which is one of the royal residences of the Sultan of Oman, also came into view as we cruised along.
During the day, like us, get a taste of Muscat’s cultural and architectural wonders at the Royal Opera House and Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque. Merging Omani and contemporary style of architecture, the opera house stands as a symbol of traditional-meets-modern design, where local Omani talent as well as global performers share the stage. When here, don’t miss the guided tour that takes you behind the scenes of all the action, showcasing the venue’s technical prowess and its decorative artistry. Not only did we see its collection of rare instruments, but also observed its interiors showcasing Mughal, Islamic, Oriental and European motifs. The grand staircase with a red carpet made for a royal photo spot.
Later, covered from head to toe, we stepped inside the mosque where each aspect, be it its hand-woven Persian carpet, its Swarovski crystal chandelier, or its colourful mosaic patterns, left us amazed by its scale and intricacies. While the facade with a central dome and five minarets representing the five pillars of Islam, is impressive, it is the interiors and its detailed carvings that leave you mesmerised.
Recommended Hotels: The Chedi for its pared-back luxury and beach views; Al Bustan Palace, A Ritz-Carlton Hotel for its opulence and former palace status; W for its over-the-top, contemporary style and fun vibe.
Serene Salalah
Less than two hours away by flight from Muscat lies Salalah in Oman’s Dhofar region. While during its Khareef season (late June to early September), it transforms into a lush landscape with waterfalls and greenery all around, the rest of the year it remains arid and rugged. Despite this, there’s much to see in and around Salalah. Head to Jebel Samhan for a bird’s eye view of its deep valleys, towering peaks, and coastal plains below. This vantage point is part of the Samhan Nature Reserve which is home to unique wildlife and diverse flora, and provides a glimpse into the region’s natural beauty. En route, make a pitstop at Mirbat Fort for a lesson about the port town’s historic past, and Damar Beach for some sun, sand and sea.
While Wadi Darbat is best explored during Dhofar’s peak season for its scenic beauty, we spent a tranquil few minutes here devoid of tourists, surrounded by streams, trees, and the chirping of birds as we watched the sun go down.
As we drove around Salalah and its surroundings, the vast, deserted roads were peppered with views of turquoise waters and swaying palm trees on one side, and buildings new and old on the other. Spotting caravans of camels, stopping at cliff-edged viewpoints, and swimming at secluded beaches were other highlights of our time here. But no visit is complete without delving into frankincense, the region’s prized possession. Also called loban or luban, it is a resin obtained from the bark of Boswellia trees that are abundant here.
For an in-depth understanding of frankincense — how it is harvested, used, and its historical importance in Oman’s trade and economy, visit the Land of Frankincense Museum. Located in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Al Baleed Archaeological Park, we started our day sniffing the pleasant aroma of this natural incense and found out how it put Oman on the trading map as we stood under a Boswellia tree. Inside, the museum is divided into sections, each highlighting a different aspect of the region with its collection of antiques, artefacts, ship models and manuscripts. Known for producing the best frankincense in the world, today, Omani loban is used in essential oils, perfumes, lotions, and more for its fragrance, and is also known for its anti-inflammatory and anti bacterial properties. Making for an excellent souvenir, buy it from local shops around in its resin form that can be burnt to release its aromatic fumes.
Recommended Hotels: Al Baleed Resort Salalah By Anantara for its hospitality and a private white sand beach; Alila Hinu Bay Resort for its luxury villas and secluded location; Hawana Resort for its family-friendly vibe and beach access.
Jabal Akhdar’s Aura
Rising over 3,000 metres above sea level, Jabal Akhdar Mountains make for the perfect escape from the city of Muscat, situated around 177 km away. The scenic road trip is usually under three hours but can only be done in a 4×4 vehicle as a rule. As we reached our destination, apart from the views, the very first thing we noticed was the sudden drop in temperature. We learnt that due to its high altitude and inland position, Jabal Akhdar is usually 10-15 degrees cooler than coastal Muscat. This microclimate makes it a much-preferred destination especially during the extremely hot summers.
When here, take in the scenery of dramatic cliffs and peaks, explore local villages on foot, and admire the terraced farms growing walnuts, peaches, apricots and pomegranates. The region is also famous for its roses. For those who love outdoor activities, Jabal Akhdar provides ample hiking and trekking routes, an adventure park with zip-lining, free-fall, and more. But for us, the most thrilling of all was the guided via ferrata experience. After safety instructions and a short hike, we began the adventure that involved horizontally traversing the mountains as we stepped on steel brackets jutting out from the rocks, and clipped ourselves using a harness and special lanyards to prevent any falls. A few climbs, ropewalk and zip-line later, we admired the view from the top as we finished the adrenaline-filled experience. While you face the mountains all along, the activity allows you to pause and look at the panoramic scenery around you. For those looking to overcome their fear of heights, this sport offers a safe way to do so.
Recommended Hotels: Hotel Indigo for its luxury pool villas and spa offerings; Anantara for its viewing platform where Princess Diana once stood; Alila for its ancient forts inspired accommodation.
Providing a great blend of relaxation, adventure, nature and architecture, Oman pleasantly surprised us with its offerings, and its array of luxury resorts added to the charm.
