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Oman
is one of the oldest civilisations on the Persian
Peninsula. Long, lovely beaches, feathery palms and
groves of citrus are set against a mountainous backdrop,
make this a top tourist destination
Bordering the Indian Ocean on the eastern extremity
of the Arabian peninsula, the Sultanate of Oman is
a magical land distinguished by the names of such
legendary figures as Sinbad, Job, Marco Polo and the
Queen of Sheba.
In
contrast with its low-lying neighbours, Omans
landscapes are characterised by a series of awe-inspiring
mountain chains. Dramatic rocky peaks, several around
3000m, alternate with oceans of vast dunes, over 100m
high in places, and seemingly limitless expanses of
flat stony sands concealing exotic wadis and leafy
oasis villages perched precariously amid craggy peaks
overlooking terraced fields and palm groves. In the
south, desert gives way to lush, monsoon-fed plains
in the Dhofar region. On the coast, deep fjords, coral
reefs and mile upon mile of deserted, sandy beaches
reward those prepared to forsake the beaten track
to follow in the footsteps of great explorers who
for centuries, since Marco Polo, have been fascinated
by this solitary Arabian outpost.
The
best time to visit is between October and April when
days are pleasantly warm and evenings cool. Outside
this period, summer temperatures in the north soar
to over 35°c, though the heat in the south, in
the area of Salalah, is tempered by monsoon rains
between June and September.
Areas
within Oman:
Muscat:
Omans capital city stands in a fine natural
harbour flanked by mountains which plunge steeply
to the sea. Visit Old Muscat, still surrounded by
its original ramparts and protected by twin 16th century
forts, with its old merchant houses and colourful
souk.
Hajar
Mountains: To the north and west of Muscat, narrow
gorges lead up into the scenic Hajar mountains where
fortified towns and villages stand guard over valleys
and mountain passes. Foremost amongst these are the
forts at Nakhl and Rustaq, whose crenellated towers
and ramparts dominate the surrounding palm groves.
Nizwa:
This oasis city, set against a backdrop of high mountains,
is the medieval capital and cultural centre of Oman.
Visit the renovated citadel, with its 17th century
fort and adjacent golden-domed mosque. A highlight
is the spectacle of the Friday morning market which
attracts thousands from far and wide.
Sur
& Wahiba Dunes: Famed for the shipyards where
traditional dhows have been built for centuries, Sur
is the nearest town to the turtle nesting beaches
of Ras Al Junayz and the spectacular dunes of Wahiba
Sands which extend for some 180kms, providing extraordinary
contrasts of colour and light, especially at sunrise
and sunset.
The
Dhofar: Renowned in ancient times for its lucrative
frankincense trade with Babylon, Egypt and Mesopotamia,
the Dhofars main attraction today is the garden
city of Salalah which stands on a vast sub tropical
plain where coconut, banana and mango trees flourish.
Some of Omans best beaches line the coast hereabouts,
whilst Salalah itself is the main departure point
for trips to the Qara mountains and the archaeological
site of Sumhuram, legendary palace of the Queen of
Sheba.
Musandam:
Separated from the rest of Oman by part of the UAE,
the Musandam peninsula, bordering the Strait of Hormuz
in the north of the country, offers breathtaking coastal
scenery comprising 600kms of spectacular cliffs, coral
reefs and deserted beaches.
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