RSSEmbedded with extensive desert and spangled with the scenic beaches and mountains, Oman is no less than other famous tourist destinations around the globe. It is a place where visitors would enjoy themselves with a volley of activities such as camping, hiking, mountain-climbing and camel racing. People who love camping and hiking can head on to Jebel Shams, the country's highest peak. The awesome R'as-al-Hadd Beach, one of the most Popular Destinations in Oman, is a must visit if you travel to Oman.
Jebel Akhdar, is a place, which should be a part of your travel agenda. Jabel Akhdar means "Green Mountains" in Arabic rises 3000 meters above the sea level. The worth visiting places include the towns of Wadi Bani Habib, Saiq and Al Ayn, where local farmers raise grapes, pomegranates, apricots and walnuts. Another place of interest is the impressive view of the canyon, which was recently named as Diana's Point, for the late Princess of Wales spent time here in the late 80s. Jebel Akhdar also boasts of a fortress of Al Hazm erected in 1708. Visitors can also see the burial places of the early rulers in the town called Rostaq.
The capital town of Oman, Muscat is also a popular destination. Muscat is also the largest city known from the days of old as the ancient port. It still retains some of its ancient walls which come in the form of Portuguese forts, craftily shaped gates and many others. Muscat is described as "Arabia's jewel” and it displays a good blend of the old and the new. Old Muscat is spangled with oodles of forts, castles, mosques and towers spread across the landscape. The city has been morphed into a suitable destination for the visitors with high-rise buildings, world-class highways, upscale suburbs, elegant mosques, green parks, archaeological sites, museums and world-class hotels.
Apart from this, Muscat is also an ideal place for shopping traditional handicrafts.
Nizwa, the erstwhile capital of Oman during the sixth and seventh centuries, is the green oasis city with its blend of modern and ancient times. Nizwa inherits Oman's oldest and largest fort and was a seat of education and art long ago. Nizwa has also been an important cross road at the base of the Western Hajar Mountains connecting Muscat, Buraimi, and the lower reaches of Dhofar. The city has wonderful handicraft products such as coffee pots, swords, leather goods, silverware, antiques, and household utensils in store. Just a few kilometers away from Nizwa is the mysterious town of Bahla - home of centuries old myths and legends.
Named as a World Heritage Site, Bahla in Oman attracts a steady flow of visitors all along. Named as the third BCE town, Bahla prides itself on possessing seven miles of fortified walls, which bears testimony to the antiquity of the town. The fort is believed to have been built in pre-Islamic times and is now renovating under the aegis of UNESCO. Babla is also known for the art of pottery during the time of ancient kingdoms. Also situated hard by Babla is the scenic village, Al Hamra.
Another must see destination is Sur. A town, which scripts history with the tales of shipping adventures, Sur is the suitable place for those who find interest in the art of traditional shipbuilding. It is the coastal town with its striking traditional features and a pleasant getaway being one of the most important towns in the Eastern region. The sea faring days of Sur dates back to sixth century CE, when a trade relation with Africa was forged.
En route to Sur one can enjoy a stopover at the fishing village of Quriyat, which was a major port centuries ago. About 40 kms away from Sur are the beaches of R'as Al Hadd and R'as Al Junayz where about 30,000 turtles come to lay their eggs every year.
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