Oman (officially the Sultanate of Oman) is a country in the eastern corner of the Arabian Peninsula in western Asia. The capital city of Oman, Muscat, is on the northern shores of the Gulf of Oman. Two parts of the country are separated from the mainland in the form of exclaves. One is the Musandam peninsula in the strait of Hormuz, and the other is Madha, located inside UAE between Oman and Musandam.
The country’s interior regions are mountainous and rugged, while the coastal plains near the gulf are where most of the population resides. The rest of the country, especially the southern parts, mainly consists of barren and arid landscapes, sandy dunes, and massive cliffs. There are few populated wadis in this area.
The country is home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, like the ancient Aflaj (or Falaj) irrigation system, which dates back to about 2500 BC, or the adobe Bahla Fort near the Jebel Akhdar.
India has an endless variety of cultures, traditions, landscapes, historical monuments, exciting and touristic places, etc. These features make India attractive, and tourists plan their vacations every year.
India, a thriving Asian country with unique cultural contrasts, has a lot to say. This land is exactly where the traditional and modern worlds meet, which can arouse the curiosity of tourists and adventurers.
Muttrah Souq
One of the beautiful attractions of Muscat is the traditional Muttrah Souq Bazaar. Located in the historic port market of Muttrah, The structure of the market is about 200 years old, and it is filled with many hundreds of small shops selling Omani products such as frankincense, beautiful and colorful fabrics, Omani khanjars, traditional clothing, spices, handmade silver and gold jewelry, and local souvenirs.
Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque
This is the largest mosque all over Oman, built-in 2001. It is located in the Bawshar district of Muscat, along the Sultan Qaboos Road. The combination of large golden domes, minarets, arches, engraved walls, mosaic artworks, interior decorations, and crystal chandeliers has created a wonderful and spiritual atmosphere. The mosque can accommodate about 20,000 people at once and also features a library.
Musandam
The northernmost part of Oman is Musandam Governorate. The UAE separates this region from the rest of Oman, and the peninsula separates The Gulf of Oman from the Persian Gulf. The rugged mountains in Musandam create beautiful fjords, which resemble those in Norway. They are sights to behold! You can take boat rides around here and go on snorkeling activities too. In the northernmost part of the peninsula is Kumzar village, which is isolated and accessible by boat only. There is also the Khasab Castle and Bukha Fort, which are unique cultural exhibitions, and among the best tourist hotspots in the region.
Ra’s Al-Jinz Turtle Reserve
The Ra’s Al-Jniz Turtle Conservation Area in eastern Oman is located at Ra’s Al-Had. This is a natural habitat for endangered green turtles, which also features a hotel in the form of bunker rooms and tents. There is also a restaurant with traditional food, and guided turtle-spotting tours are available too if you’re interested.
About 20,000 female green turtles come here each year to lay eggs. Amazing beaches, crystal clear waters, golden sands, and turtles digging nests and laying eggs are only part of the beautiful natural attractions you can enjoy during your visit to this resort.
Bahla
The city of Bahla is located in the north of Oman, about 200 kilometers from Muscat. It is known as the city of magic; Its pottery and silver artifacts are exquisite. Bahla Castle, one of the main attractions of this city, dates back to the 13th century. The town, along with the fort, is enclosed by a long series of walls which are part of the castle’s architecture. Native houses, palm trees, intricate and interesting Islamic architecture, markets and mosques, dolphin watching, and camel riding are the unique features of this magical city.
Masirah Island
Masirah island is located off the eastern coast of Oman. This island is covered with hills, valleys, and rocky terrain, but it is a safe, calm, and intimate destination. Many archeological sites across the island date to more than 3000 BC. Most of the island is deserted; it is only accessible by ferry or airplane.
The island is also famous for its pristine wildlife, especially the loggerhead sea turtles. Annually, over 30,000 turtles migrate to this area for hatching season. You can also partake in kitesurfing activities. Summer is the best season for kitesurfing due to the strong monsoon winds that blow. High mountains and a calm coastline are some of the most beautiful attractions on Masirah Island.
Misfat Al Abriyeen
During your visit to Oman, make sure not to forget to visit this historical village. Misfat Al Abriyeen is one of the old and scarce residential villages in Al Hamra. This small sight is located in the heart of Oman in the Jebel Sham Mountain range and is one of the places where the Aflaj irrigation system is used to maintain the terrace gardens. Stone buildings with brown and orange colors have enhanced the beauty of this historic village.
The country is located in the southeastern part of the Arabian Peninsula. In the west, the country neighbors Saudi Arabia in the Rub’ al Khali. The United Arab Emirates is the northwestern neighbor of Oman, while Yemen is its southwestern neighbor.
The northeastern coasts of Oman are bordered by The Gulf of Oman, while the Arabian Sea borders the rest. The country also features two exclaves: one, Musandam, a peninsula in the Strait of Hormuz; two, Madha, located halfway between mainland Oman and its northern peninsula.
Omani culture is linked to Islam. However, despite its similarities with neighboring countries and the middle east, Oman is more culturally diverse than its neighbors. One of the fundamentals of Omani culture is Ibadism; however, other branches of Islam, such as Shiitism and Sunnism, have also influenced the culture of this country.
Over 85 percent of Oman’s population are Shia, Sunni, and Ibadi Muslims; The rest consist of Christians and Hindus.
Arabic is the official language of Oman; Several dialects of Arabic are spoken here. However, most of Oman’s people are bilingual and understand English well. Because Oman is a destination for many migrant workers, Urdu and Hindi are also languages in the country.
Here are some of the most famous traditional foods of Oman:
