10 Best Places to Visit in Oman
A vast sea coastline in the North and a major commercial center for grapes produce in the South; Oman has something to offer to everyone. Nature lovers, adventure lovers, architecture lovers, and food lovers, get geared up and start planning one of those marvelous Oman vacation packages.
Oman tour packages include a list of must-visit places in the country such as the Al-Sawadi Beach, Royal Opera House, and the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Muscat. Try and visit the following places before the end of the trip.
1. Wahiba Sands Tour
The sparkling amber sand dunes standing 300 feet high are a delight to watch. Known as the adventure playground of Oman, the place offers private camels rides and desert safaris. It is hardly a surprise that the Wahiba Sands region has a special mention.
2. Oman Wildlife
Desert foxes, wild cats, onyx, leopards, and ibex are a part of the land, and so are the turtles that come to the shores to lay eggs. Don’t forget the varied marine life and the beauty of coral one gets to experience while diving.
3. World Heritage Sites
A visit to the Heritage sites should be a part of the Oman travel packages. Aflaj irrigation systems and the largest burial grounds of Ay-Ayn, Bat and Al Ayn are a part of the Heritage site. The places leave us wondering how they survived for decades.
4. Wadi Shab Tours
Hiking, trekking, or swimming- the canyon offers a heady combination of serenity and excitement like no other place. Visiting the region of Wadi Shab should be on the list of the best things to do in Oman.
5. Jebel Akhdar
Oman has mountains, deserts, and beaches. But, there is one place where all three are found together. The regions of Jebel Shams and Jebel Akhdar attract the largest crowd every year. The tourists flock the place to take in the scenic beauty and the grandeur of the majestic mountains which are around 3000 feet in height.
6. Ubar
Ubar, called the Atlantis of the Sands has disappeared into the sands of the desert. The ruins of Ubar are found in the village of Shisr, Dhofar.
7. Muttrah Souk
How can you not visit the local markets when in Oman? From trying out some yummy street food to purchasing the local and imported perfumes, spices, handicrafts, and jewelry, the markets offer a unique experience.
8. Snake Canyon
Adventure lovers will find that the waterfalls and natural waterslides of Snake Canyon have an attraction of their own. It is the largest natural water park in Oman.
9. Bimmah Sinkhole
Situated between Didab and Bimmah, the natural swimming pool is 65 feet deep. An excellent choice for picnics, the sinkhole holds freshwater amidst the desert land.
10. Al Jalali Fort
Established during the Portuguese occupation in the 1850s, the Fort was used as a prison for many years. Currently, it is a Museum of Omani Heritage.
The Means of Commuting
Air travel is a recommended means of reaching Oman if you are at a distance. Many airlines operate daily flights to Oman. We recommend searching for a direct flight to Muscat from India. Make sure the Oman tour packages include a pickup from the airport to the hotel.
How to Move Around After You Land At Muscat International Airport?
The government-owned transport company Mwasalat runs a bus service that links every part of Oman from Sohar, the port city of North to Salalah in South. These are highly affordable and ideal for long-distance travel. Using the bus service from airports is a cheaper and viable option. Marhaba and Mwasalat are the two cab companies that are recognized by the government. Though pricey, the cabs pick up passengers from airports and hotels. Neat, clean and safe, they offer efficient services. But, both the companies operate only within Muscat. Rental cars are the best way to experience the charm of the land at a leisurely pace. Rental cars are available everywhere in the country. Remember to carry the driving license of your country and stay on the right side on the road. Try not to drive from the Northern part Oman to Salalah during the night. To reach the islands, opt for the ferry services. Cars can be loaded onto the ferries. Musandam and Masirah are beautiful and large places that are easier toured in a rented car than on foot or in a cab.
Best Time to Visit Oman
Oman has a hot climate which makes summer a difficult time to plan a holiday. Winters, especially from November to February is the best time for Oman holidays. The temperatures in October are slightly better when compared to the hot months of May- September. Rainfall is scarce, though January and February can be unpredictable with random short showers. These months are the busiest time of the year as people visit Oman to attend the New Year celebrations in January and the Muscat Festival in February. The months of June to September have moist and heavy fog coating the place due to the monsoon winds from the Indian Ocean. Average temperatures: January- 25/ 17 ℃ (77/ 63 ℉) and February- 26/18 ℃ (79/ 64 ℉).
5 Best Indian Restaurants in Oman
There will times when the heart yearns some Indian food. Oman as Indian restaurants that offer some delicious Indian cuisine.
1. Woodlands
They offer Vegetarian-Friendly options, Gluten-Free options, Vegan Options, Halal meat.
Must-try: South Indian Thali, Dosa, Appam, Chicken, Prawns.
Address: Al Bank Al Markazi St, Muscat 113, Oman.
Contact: +968 24 700192
2. Teatro Restaurant
They offer Vegan options, Vegetarian-Friendly, Gluten-Free options.
Vegetarian: Maki roll, Dal Makhani, Vegetable Handi
Non-vegetarian: Maki, roll, tom yam soup, Asian curry (chicken).
Address: Al Maardih Street, Muscat 113, Oman.
Contact: +968 24 511874
3. Jashn- a celebration of India
They serve Indian, Fusion, Contemporary food with Vegan options and Halal meat.
Recommended: Pani puri, Gulnar Kofta, Hyderabadi Handi Paneer, Gatta curry, Paan kulfi (dessert), Murg Mussalam, Jaipuri Lamb.
Address: Al Khuwair, Way No. 4144, Muscat 113, Oman.
Contact: +968 24 488521
4. The Yellow Chilli
They serve Indian food with Vegan options, Gluten-Free options, Vegetarian-Friendly, Halal options.
Must-try: Lemongrass Chicken tikka, lamb dishes, Daal with naan.
Address: The Wave, opposite The Walk | 1st Floor, Muscat 118, Oman.
Contact: +968 24 582588
5. Kurkum
They offer Indian, Asian, and Middle Eastern food with Vegan options, Vegetarian-Friendly, Gluten-Free options, Halal options.
Must-Try: Lamb Rogan Josh, Coconut Rice, Prawns, Chicken.
Address: Way No. 08, Mutrah, Corniche, Corniche, Muscat 117, Oman.
Contact: +968 24 714114
Best Native Dishes to Try & Where, When in Oman
1. The Mandarin, Chinese Restaurant
Chinese Restaurant with Asian, Chinese food and Vegan options, Vegetarian-Friendly, Halal meat.
Must-Try: Vegetarian’s Delight, Eggplant with garlic sauce, Prawn crackers, General’s Chicken, Kung-Pao Shrimp.
Address: Sohar Plaza, Tarif Road, Above City Cinema, Sohar 311, Oman
Contact: +968 9925 2464
2. Baalbek
A Lebanese restaurant that serves, Lebanese, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean cuisine.
Recommended: Falafel, Makali wrap, Shawarma, Grilled kebabs, Hummus, Appetizer platter.
Address: July 23 Street, Salalah 211, Oman.
Contact: +968 (0)232 98834
3. Cornish Restaurant
A restaurant that offers Middle Eastern, Chinese, Indian, Seafood, Pakistani, Asian, Philippine cuisines.
Must-Try: Paneer Reshmi, Naan, Dal Makhani, Cornish special grilled fish, Afghan Pulao, Chicken Karachi.
Address: Al Bahri Road, Sohar Fish Market Port, Sohar311, Sohar, Oman, Sea View, Sohar 311, Oman.
Contact: +968 7193 2618
Emergency Helpline
When traveling, it is advisable to have information on a helpline is crucial. In case of emergency, contact the Indian Embassy in Oman.
Telephone: +968 24 684500
Address: Jami'at Al - Dowal Al - Arabiya Street, Diplomatic Area, Al Khuwair, P.O. Box 1727, PC: 112
The rich cultural heritage makes Oman a popular tourist destination. The heady combination of the ancient architecture and the modern structures make Oman a tempting top destination for millions of travelers.
Want to explore Oman? Travel with PML Holidays and get the best hand-curated Oman packages at best of price.
