Oman Holidays - The New Adventure Destination

By Harish S Kohli

 

Did you know that 21 different species of whales and dolphins have been identified off the coast of Oman? And Oman has possibly the only resident population of Humpback Whales in the world. The other Cetaceans range from Blue Whales to Dolphins and their sightings are almost guaranteed. If not, you are not alone.

Did you know that the seas off the coast of Oman, contain a remarkable variety of creatures including 5 types of sea turtles with major nesting sites of Green Turtle and Loggerhead species? Oman's coastal waters have a number of unique Coral species and a wide range of fish that delight scuba divers and snorkelers alike. Over 400 species of birds have been recorded and in winter months Oman hosts a remarkable variety of migratory birds. Flocks of white stork pass through and European Rollers may rest for a few days on their own migrations. Land based animals include the Arabian Oryx, Nubian Ibex and Arabian Gazelle. But did you know that Oman has an Arabian Leopard? Unlike the Tasmanian tiger, Arabian Leopard can be elusive but not legendary. It can still be found.

Oman offers a whole array of exciting experience from land and sea based adventures, as well as a host of captivating, virtually unexplored scenic sites and hideaways. The world has known little about this destination but now the secret is out, it is going to be the world's new adventure holiday destination. So if you have the spirit of adventure and an urge to explore, then it is time for you to find holidays to Oman.

Oman occupies the south-east corner of the Arabian Peninsula and has a strategically important position at the mouth of the Gulf. Once the most isolated, Oman has now opened up and embarked on economic reforms. It has opened its doors to tourists and in fact, the Sultan has reaffirmed that tourism is important and necessary for its future development program. There is no doubt that tourism has great potential for growth. Oman is going to be the next great destination for adventure enthusiasts who love to explore.

RAIN IN OMAN

It is not uncommon to think that it does not rain in Oman. But it does, sometimes somewhere. As the great explorer Wilfred Thesiger discovered in his pioneering journeys across the Empty Quarter, it never rains in the same place in successive years, hence the Bedouin's incessant wanderings.

Rain shapes Omani behaviour and contributes to the country's extraordinary diversity. In the northwest, the vast Hajar range, of which the Jebel Akhdar is the central section, catches winter storms and feeds them through springs to village wells or along the falajs, the mud-walled irrigation channels first built by the Persians 2,000 years ago, which still make patches of the desert bloom. Crystalline streams trickle along wadi beds that act as the only roads through the mountains, but may suddenly rage with flash floods from storm water. There can be floods.

In the southwest of Oman, on the other hand, the Indian monsoon brushes the coastal range of the Dhofar Mountains and turns it into an improbable green paradise for five months of the year. For the rest, sandy deserts make up four-fifths of Oman's area, and include the famous Empty Quarter, the Rub' al Khali, and the even more fearsome Sea of Sands, a vast area of quaking sands into which men and camels vanish. There is rain here, too. But, never in the same place as it did last year.

JEBEL AKHDAR

The Jebel Akhdar range, is set of spectacular limestone inclines and plateaus that dictates the character of northern Oman. It lies about 100km inland and is one of Oman's most spectacular areas. It's altitude is three thousand meters above sea level and is the highest mountain peak in the East Hajar Mountains, the highest mountains of the country. The views from the top are breathtaking. Adding to the natural beauty of the place is the beautiful nature of the people which has helped the place to develop into a natural choice for tourists.

The late Princess Diana visited Jebel Akhdar in the eighties, and the point from which she viewed the Canyon is now called Diana's Point. Jebel Akhdar Mountain is also home to the scented flowers, called the desert rose. It is used in making rose water and the place also has woodland with junipers. The oil which comes out from these plants gives instant relief to headache and muscular pain.

THE FORTS

Most of the forts lie to the northwest of the capital, Muscat. The important forts of Oman, are substantial pieces of military architecture. The fort of AI-Hazm stands at the foot of the Jebel Akhdar and at the start of the fertile, coastal Batinah plain. Built at the start of the 18th century, it has now been restored but do not expect the glittering arabesques of the Moorish world in Morocco or southern Spain. Rather, a desert austerity and quiet elegance that must not be mistaken for lack of ambition and taste.

Another 30 miles away, is the oasis town of Nakhl. Here you can visit an exquisite, elongated castle, insinuated into the contours of its rocky promontory. The oasis has that marvellous sense of a private protected world, shaded by date palms and banana trees and cocooned by its humid micro-climate from the rigours of the surrounding desert.

At the southwest corner of the Jebel Akhdar, is the historic town of Nizwa. It is the centre of the tourist trade, with a handsomely re-built souk, a spectacular fort dominated by a vast drum-shaped gun tower, and an excellent hotel, where the view of the mountains from the swimming pool must be one of the best in the world.

SALALAH

Salalah is a comfortably sprawled-out town, with two-story houses and markets blending into coconut palms, banana trees and papayas. It is a place of history. Almost thirty years ago, Sultan Qaboos carried out a palace coup against his father here, with British support. Modern Oman with its roads, schools, cleanliness and balanced development started here. Just over 20 years ago, the Yemeni-backed rebellion against the sultan was defeated here, the final battle, again with British involvement, taking place a few miles north at the now tranquil beach town of Mirbat.

For the rest, Salalah is for the senses. Frankincense trees stand in the surrounding desert. Fresh sap has the texture and taste of old chewing gum. Once dried, it has a sweetly pervasive perfume, which grows more pungent when warmed in an earthenware burner. In the ancient world, ships and camels carried the resin, more precious than gold or myrrh, round Arabia and the Mediterranean: from the ninth century, Omani sailors were making regular deliveries to India and China.

THE MODERN OMAN

Oman has now come into the modern world. Modern yes, but without sacrificing its traditions. It has developed amenities for its people while preserving their individuality and dignity, their history and wildlife. One of the best seasons to visit this modern country is in the European winter, when temperatures and weather conditions are ideal, around 20 degrees Celsius mark during the day with even cooler during evenings and early mornings. And one of the best reasons to visit Oman is for adventure and relaxation. For a truly memorable experience. Go take your holiday to Oman.

 

 

Harish Kohli is a leading adventure travel expert. He writes on travel trends and advises on emerging travel destinations worldwide. Check for Oman Travel - Holiday Tours at Adventure holidays - Adventure Travel Worldwide - AwimAway

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Harish_S_Kohli