By Sudipta Dev
The Sutanate of Oman is a perfect destination for different
kind of a traveller – someone who has seen the world and now wants to enjoy a
languid vacation amidst simple people and their simpler culture.
Oman is a modern principality that holds close to its heart its heritage and
traditions – it is not a destination that symbolises development and modernity
through towering glass skyscrappers and glitzy malls. This is a country of
beautiful landscapes and sublime architecture that will not fail to fascinate
those tourists who are looking for a destination with a difference.
The capital city of Muscat still retains the charm of another
era – from the expansive architecture of several government headquarters to the
quaint villas that are ubiquitous. The grandoise Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is
one of the key architectural highlights of the city. It is in fact the emperor’s
own personal mosque that he has gifted to the people. A modern mosque, it has
separate prayer halls for men and women and can accommodate 20,000 people. The
main prayer hall has the largest single piece Persian carpet in the world.
Covering an area of 4,200 square metres, and weighing 21 tons it took almost 27
months to create the unique piece of craftmanship. People of all faith are
allowed to enter the mosque from Monday to Thursday. Another key architectural
landmark of the city is the Al Alam Palace that happens to be the official
palace of the Sultan, who however lives elsewhere in Oman. Visitors are not
allowed inside the palace, so you have to be content with taking a few
photographs of the complex. The palace that was built in 1972 is flanked by two
16th century Portuguese fortresses - Al Mirani Fort and Al Jalali Fort. Both
these forts overlook the Sea of Oman.
The recently opened Royal Opera House Muscat is the latest attraction in Oman’s
capital. Royal Opera House Muscat happens to be the only one of its kind in the
region and will give a big boost to cultural activities. This expansive
architectural feat comprises of a concert theatre auditorium, gardens, art
centre, et al, and can accommodate 1100 people for an event.
A short drive away is Marina Bander in Muscat where one can
board a speedboat or catamaran to go a few miles into the sea for dolphin and
whale watching. Muscat and Musandam are the most popular dolphin watching
locations in Oman. The rugged beauty of the coastline becomes all the more
visible from the sea – and for those interested in snorkelling there are equally
if not more beautiful vistas visible underwater to explore and appreciate.
The Mutrah Souq is one of the oldest and certainly the most
frequented market in Muscat. The lanes of the souq are lined with shops that
sell everything - a great collection of handicraft items and antiques to the
best of dry fruits. It is a hub of exotic aromatic delights - from the smell of
frankincense and traditional perfumes to herbs and spices from the Middle East
and the subcontinent. It is a place where you can spend hours browsing through
the bric-a-bracs and still want to return again to buy some more.
Enroute to Sur
The route to the resort township of Sur is through picturesque mountainous
terrain. Sur has traditionally been an important port city that was known for
shipbuilding. The two hour drive from Muscat is punctuated with many
attractions, namely fishing village of Quriyat, Wadi Arbayeen and Biman
Sinkhole. Biman Sinkhole is a limestone crater filled with blue green water.
There are steps leading to the bottom of the crater and is a unique swimming
spot for the interested.
On reaching Sur, you have to discover one of Oman's most
famous tourist attractions only at night-time. What brings hordes of tourists
here are visitors of another kind - this time from the sea - who make a short
trip to the shore with a singular purpose - to give birth to their young ones.
The beach of Ras al Jinz greenback turtle conservation in Sur is frequented by
as many as 10,000-15,000 female turtles every year, which come at night, lay
their eggs, cover them up and then dig a hole to fool predators before going
back to the sea. The whole process happens within a span of two hours. If you
are lucky you can also see in moonlight baby turtles taking their first steps to
the sea after being hatched.
The return to Muscat is through the fascinating landscapes of
Eastern Hajar mountains. Passing through quaint villages one reaches Wadi Bin
Khalid - the oasis in the mountains with its clear water and palm trees is a
perfect picnic spot. Finishing the trip is dune bashing in Wahiba Sands and a
visit to the simple but colourful home of a Bedouin tribal family.
Oman Tourism has been focused on the India market for sometime
now. Lubaina Sheerazi, India representative of the ministry of tourism,
Sultanate of Oman says, “We see a lot of potential in the Indian market for Oman
as a comfort and luxury holiday destination. Today more and more Indian
travellers are opting for luxurious destinations that are short haul and have
good air connectivity. The excellent air connectivity from 10 cities in India
and lesser travel time makes Oman an apt destination for Indian travellers.
Apart from being a short haul and good air connectivity, there is a lot of
cultural affinity between both the countries and this adds to its desirability.”
Sheerazi also points out that with the launch of IndiGo’s Mumbai-Muscat flight,
tourism of Oman will get a boost from the Indian
market.
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