Travel
off the beaten path in fascinating Oman
If you
are looking for a Middle Eastern destination with a difference, Oman is
a fascinating and welcoming country, just waiting to be explored.
While up until 1970, the country was considered to be under-developed and
not really available to the outside world, both education and tourism have
taken off in Oman, making it an ideal and exciting location to visit.
|
Photo:
Muscat Photo: Muscat CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 Amanda
Wood
|
The
Omani capital, Muscat, is a must see on any holiday in the country, with
its beautiful beaches and well maintained streets with literal oases of
green laws, gardens and trees dotted around the city. The city is well
worth a visit to learn the heritage and customs of the friendly Omani people.
Take a tour with Corinthian
Travel to find out everything Muscat has on offer.
In
this article we are going to head outside the cities and go a little off
the beaten path to find out more about this fascinating country.
To give a taste of what is on offer, the following is a brief introduction
into one of the highlights – a traditional Omani village.
First
we head through jagged canyon walls and rocky hillsides to visit a typical
Omani village, Bilad
Sayt. The village is not exactly easy to reach, as you first have to
travel by 4x4 and eventually as you get closer to the village, your access
to the village is on foot. The country is busy improving the roads
and infrastructure, but for now it’s a little rough going, but is so worth
the trouble.
Along
the way, as you climb the hillsides, the surrounding views are uniquely
spectacular, if a little scary as the inclines can get pretty steep.
As you arrive at Bilad Sayt, you are reminded of a typical desert oasis,
with the village itself surrounded by date palms.
This
is one of the main industries here and around the village can be seen a
complicated maze of irrigation canals, known as “falaj,” gently trickling
the water on to the thirsty palms. Villagers greet you in a friendly fashion
as you explore with your guide, gazing at the mountains looming around
the village.
For
anyone who would like to visit this fascinating place, the village is close
to the town of Al Rostaq, via Al Awabi. As the terrain is very rugged with
some pretty scary descents, it is recommended that you travel with a guide.
Once there enjoy the traditional Arabian coffee and other tempting offerings
from the villagers.
Other
adventures await you in stunning Oman, including tours through the deserts
and mountains to discover hidden forts. Cross the Wahiba Sands from the
North to the South of the country.
Take
a tour on one of Oman’s prettiest trails while enjoying a walk through
the villages of Jebel Akhdar or go for an off-road drive in Wadi Bani Awf
and Wadi Arbaeen. Adventure, history and culture are the name of
the game as you explore lovely Oman and you are sure to return for more.
top
Oman
Travel Guide - Home
|
