Don't Miss Out on Anything Oman Has to Offer? Here are the 10 Best Places to Visit in Oman (2019)

Oman is quickly becoming the best upcoming tourist destination not only by Indians, but also by people from across the globe. If you feel like vacationing in the Middle East, or just want a place to go and explore the region, among the destinations that are on most people’s minds, one of them is Oman.

There are a lot of factors that make it the greatest destination in the whole Middle East, and one of them is the fact that this country is very peaceful. In fact, its government intends to spend a billion dollars in improving tourist facilities in a couple of years. Therefore you should expect more than what you are witnessing now. Just recently, a new airport terminus was opened at Muscat International Airport. So Oman can be a wonderful spot for your next getaway.

Before you decide to tour Oman, here are some of the things that you should consider. Keep these things in mind to execute a well-planned and enjoyable trip.

Deciding how long you will stay here will help you to come up with the ideal budget and itinerary. These aspects are of course interrelated - the time you set aside for your vacation to Oman may depend on the kind of attractions available there and the interests of your family. It also depends on how relaxed or rushed you want your holiday to be. Oman is a small country but has a range of attractions so consider these factors while deciding the length of your trip .

Before planning out your actual vacation to Oman, it is important that you do your homework. Consider the different attractions and events in the city and then figure out what you want to include in your itinerary. So the first step of course is to do your research on the kind of tourist attractions found in Oman. Find out from the internet or people who have earlier visited it, about the most exciting spots. Find out the best restaurants to enjoy the local cuisine - these efforts will make your vacation a fun one.

You are not always traveling alone. At times you may be traveling to Oman with your work colleagues. Sometimes it could be your parents, your fiancée, your kids or even your boss. This will enable you to book appropriate places to party, visit and even spend there. Of course, when traveling with your family, there are those places that you will avoid, as compared to when you are traveling with your spouse or work colleagues.

Budget is another factor that is very crucial. Every time you are planning to go on a vacation you should be clear about your finances. They say cut your dress according to your linen. Therefore with a tight budget, there are those places that your budget won’t allow you to experience.

The issue of the budget also comes in while determining the travel line that you will book, the means of transport that you will be using while in Oman, the places to visit and much more. Ensure you have a clear budget in mind before setting out to Oman.

If you are planning to visit Oman, there are certain places you cannot afford to not visit, and one of them is Misfat Al Abriyeen. This is a one of a kind mountainous village which is 1000m above the sea level. It is found on the mountain foothills which surrounds wilayat Al Hamra in Al Dhakhiyla Governorate. It gets its name from a tribe called Al Abri. This tribe is said to have come from Misfat Al Abriyeen and also Hamra.

Most villagers here are farmers cultivating papayas, mangoes, bananas, pomegranates citrus fruits, and palm trees are also found here. They water the terraces along the mountain slopes using an intricate falaj system which has been carved through the hard rocks of the mountain. It is also supplied from a spring which is found by following the short track along the falaj.

The place is found about 6 kilometers from Al Hamra through the uphill meandering road that is paved all through to the village entrance. Al Hamra is almost 200 km from Muscat. Check out more at www.tripadvisor.com

When you are at Oman, the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is one of the main attractions that you cannot resist visiting if you are coming from Muscat. It is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful mosques in the whole world. The mosque is beautiful, extravagant and modern. It was initially opened in 2001 after being built for 6 years. To date, it stands as one of the best tourist attraction in the whole Oman.

This mosque features a blend of the Middle Eastern, Islamic and Omani architectural styles. This mosque hosts one of the world’s biggest handmade Persian rugs, as well as one of the world’s largest crystal chandeliers. The mosque has a rich history, and therefore if you happen to be in Oman, spare your time and visit this mosque. Check out more at blog.parkinn.com

Mustra stretches through an eye-catching cornice of latticed buildings as well as mosques. This place looks spectacular, especially during sunset and sunrise. At sunset, the sun casts shadows on the serrated crescent of the mountains. On the other hand, the pavement fountains and lights welcome the evening in style.

You can’t be wrong to visit this place whenever you are on a vacation in Oman. There are plenty of activities to do here, for instance, you can start off at the old fish market which is found at the western end, and here you will find a variety of fish to buy, such as the fishmongers hawk tuna, lobster and mahi mahi fish. They are all hauled in fresh every morning. This fish market opens every day from 6 am and closes at 10 am. Find out more on www.tripadvisor.co.za

Masirah Island is also known as Mazeira Island is located near the eastern coast of Oman and is of great interest to travelers just like you, who are having their vacation in Oman. The island is endowed with its natural wealth. Here is where you will also find a rare species of turtles in the coastal waters. On the other hand, Mount Madrub is the highest point here with up to 256 meters. If you happen to walk the foothill areas you will come one on one with many other impressions you might not have seen or heard anywhere else in the world. At the top of this mountain, you will get a clear view of the surrounding.

The western part of this island is now home to more than 300 bird species. Here, the land is tiny but you will be surprised to find tiny birds, flamingos, and even predators. There are also beaches on the east coast which if you are a lover of water sports, you won’t resist visiting. On these beaches, there are continuous strong waves that support a number of water games. There are many more things to do while you are in Masirah Island. Find out more on www.orangesmile.com

This is one of the most popular Wadi that is located in Al Sharqiyah in Oman. Wadi shaab is a tourist attraction for not only the expats but also the locals. If you are in Oman, make a point of visiting here. People like frequenting this place for nature and to swim on the freshwater pools. You can even just come here to grab your barbecue.

Most people are attracted by the waterfall found herein the cave that you can reach after about 40 minutes hike. There are also 2 to 3 swimming pools. The place is not too far from Muscat and you can access it easily even when using a Saloon car as the pools are so clear with blue water. Find out more on www.zigzagonearth.com

Bahla is a UNESCO World Heritage Site town that is found 40 km away from Nizwa It is approximately 200 km from Muscat. Bahla is known for being the home of one of the oldest fortresses in Oman during the 13th century. This is Bahla Fort. It is also the town’s pottery.

You can’t fall short of options of what you can do while in this place. For instance, you can visit the Jabreen castle, or visit Bhla fort, which is one of the largest in Oman. How about Bahla potteries? These are pots with just a simple rib motif that decorate the entrance to the hotels and smart villas. Check out more on /www.lonelyplanet.com

Jabrin fort is found approximately 200km southwest of Muscat. It is also found 40 kilometers from Nizwa. The fort was built by Imam Sultan Bin Saif Al Yaarubi in 1670. Initially, this fort was a castle and then later two tours were added and it was transformed to a fort when the Imam moved his capital to Jabrin from Nizwa.

Here you are likely to see hidden holes that were used for shooting and also those for pouring boiling date oil on the invaders. These are found behind the gates, such as those found in Nizwa Fort. There are many rooms for Imam and his wives. There is also room for guests and a soldier. Here you will also see a large store and a stable on the first floor.

There is a mosque as well as a school on the rooftop and a spacious kitchen, a courtyard and two separate prisons, one for men and the other for women. It has its water well as well as an irrigation channel called Falaj that flows through it. Find out more on www.lonelyplanet.com

Salalah is the largest city and capital of Southern Omani governorate of Dhofar. There are many places to visit any time you are in Salalah, for example, the Beautiful Waterfalls, paddling the boat at Wadi Darbat and more. Things to do includes experiencing the Sunset from the Cliff at Taqa, Walking at the Pristine Mirbat Beach, soaking with Water Splashes at Al Mughsayl Blowholes and much more. Find out more on theculturetrip.com

Jebel Akhar means the green mountains. This is part of Al Hajar Mountains ranges found in Ad Dakhiliyah Governorate in Oman. Jebel Akhar extends approximately 190 miles northwest to southeast between 50 to 100 miles inland from a coast known as the Gulf of Oman. This mountain is dotted with Omani villages where in most parts, the villagers have dug terraces where they grow crops. This place is also famous for Damask roses which cover the mountain slopes throughout the months of April and May.

Therefore if you want to go and see this, the best time to make a visit is between these months. When the roses mature, they are distilled and make the Omani rose water which is a staple in every household in Oman. The water is used as a fragrance, medicinal and culinary purposes.

While you are in Jebel Akhar, enjoy nature walks, adventure walks, and cave exploration, a visit to Visit Nizwa Fort and Nizwa Souk, Friday goat market experience, and exploring Jabreen Castle. There are a lot of places to stay and it also is a nice place for revelers. For more information, visit gingerandscotch.com

Currently, Bimmah Sinkhole ranks among the most visited tourist attractions in Oman. While information about Bimmah Sinkhole may be scanty, you will be surprised when you visit here. This is one of the most natural swimming holes that have ever existed. The scale and epic nature of the place are enough to blow you.

The sinkhole is located 1.5 hours drive from Muscat and only 55 minutes drive from Sur town, therefore there are no long drives. Another good thing is that it is located just a walking distance from the main highway, actually less than 5 minutes walk and you are there. The first thing you will see is the sinkhole parking lot. Besides going swimming here, you can also bring your children with you to the playground. Find out more on www.zigzagonearth.com

There are many culinary schools that will make the exercise of learning Omani cuisine not only fun but also informative. Equally important, you will be in a position to improve on cooking and your kitchen times and meals will never be the same again. Therefore, take advantage of this trip.