5 Famous Places to Visit in Oman

Ever considered visiting Oman as your travel destination on a pleasure trip? The Sultanate of Oman shares the international borders with UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Yemen. Now you see, you have multiple entry points to this amazing country. With a long coastline along the Arabian Sea on the southeast, amazing places to visit in Oman await you in the country.

Like the rest of the Gulf countries, the summer season in Oman is something you would want to avoid. However, southern Oman around Salalah is famous for its rainfalls and ambiance resembling Kerala, South India. More than the sparkling city life, the historical and natural places to visit in Oman are worth mentioning.

Landscapes, sunsets, beaches, sand dunes, and wadis unravel amazing places to visit in Oman. My colleague Jerrin @Jerinjnickz in Oman has shared his experience through the photos and videos.

Wadi Al Hawqayn

The Arabic word wadi refers to the valley or dry riverbed. When they are filled with water, it is a sight to behold and an experience to plunge in. More or less throughout the year, they are filled with water. With trifling waterfalls and greenery on either side, the spot is enchanting enough to attract visitors all the time.

Although 150 KM away from Muscat, when you are touring the places to visit in Oman, Wadi Al Hawqayn should be on your list. Not just beautiful, being easily accessible means the location is a favorite among tourists. Waterfalls and springs make the ambiance comfortable and cool for family outings.

Plan for three hours outing to spend quality time in the water. Taking packed food, you can enjoy your food too in the open, under the palm trees.

Bimmah Sinkhole

One of the exquisite places to visit in Oman is the Bimmah Sinkhole. The natural wonder that attracts hundreds of locals and foreigners is around 90 minutes drive from Muscat. Since driving right up to the spot from the highway is hassle-free, it is a must-visit when in Muscat. Ideal spot to go on a picnic with family and spend around three hours. There is no entry fee!

Alright. Bimmah Sinkhole is a natural pool with crystal clear blue water. The entire sinkhole area is walled around on top. And the level ground on the top houses a parking lot, mini-parks, space for visitors to have snacks, and a washroom facility.

Both seawater and freshwater from mountains keep the pool healthy. the depth varies from a few feet to around 300 feet deep. Yet, those not faint-hearted visitors climb the side walls to take the plunge. It is not prohibited by the way.

The shallow sides and adjacent cave fronts keep the less adventurous water lovers busy.

You are not at a Caribbean beach, therefore mind your dress code! As you climb down the railed steps, you can see a signboard. Follow the rules for your own safety.

Al-Sawadi Beach

A 50-minute drive from Muscat, and you reach the vibrant Barka city. Certainly one of the places in Oman where you can spend a day to see around. Barka city is popular for Barka Fort, Barka Souq, Omani Halwa, and of course the Al-Sawadibeach.

The long and wide beach provides the best atmosphere for a family to spend a couple of relaxed hours. Activities on the beach include snorkeling, diving, and kiteboarding. Multiple varieties of colorful shells along the beach make it a photographers' paradise.

The rocky islands in the region are home to several species of migratory and indigenous birds.

Being one of the famous places in Oman, there are several resorts and hotels in the vicinity.

Jebel Shams

Referred to as Oman's Grand Canyon, Jebel Shams is one of the amazing places to visit in Oman. Located on the highest mountain range of the country Jebel Shams, is part of the Al Hajjar Mountains range. It is also known as the mountain of sun owing to the highest peak in the Arabian Peninsula.

Pleasant weather, cool springs, and hiking spots attract visitors throughout the year to this mountain range. Farmlands in the hills consisting of rose, pomegranate, dates, and walnuts are other sights that are worth stopping by. You don't need to be an expert hiker to reach the summit. However, trekking isn't easy nor lasting for a short duration. A deep chasm called the “An Nakhr Balcony” is an attractive point at the top. Camping and hiking are the popular activities here besides sightseeing.

Being a hilltop with several viewpoints and hairpin spots, you need at least 2-3 hours to marvel at the splendor of nature.

Bahla Fort

In thirty minutes drive from Nizwa, Oman's second-largest tourist city, you can reach Bahla Fort. Located at the valley of Jebel Akhdar mountains it is built by the local Banu Nabhan tribe during the 12th-15th century. The 12 km wall surrounding the fort makes it one of the oldest and largest forts in the country.

The formidable size of the structure is sure to stun you. And you can only wonder in amazement how it was built in the late Middle Ages. The layout of the Fort includes a small mosque and a meeting hall called As-Sabla. Structures named Bait al-Jabel, Baith al Qued, and Bait al-Hadith are around it. Among several rooms, structures like the citadel and the wind tower do stand out. Some old wall paintings can be spotted too.

The dilapidated structure has undergone several restoration attempts. Therefore, in many spots, the Fort has lost its original sheen. UNESCO listed the fort as a World Heritage site in 1987.

There is an entry fee of not more than $1.50. In about one hour, you can see around the Fort.

Quick points to round off

• Best season to visit is in winter
• International airport is at Muscat
• Muscat is the capital city
• Date-palm harvest season is in summer
• Currency is Omani rial
• With $2-3 you can have decent meal per person
• Other major cities Salalah, Sohar, Nizwa and Sur
• Respect the local culture and dress code