Top Things to Do In Oman

Located above the horn of Africa, Oman is a hidden gem on the Arabian peninsula, primarily known for its rich and preserved history, astonishing landscape, and vibrant culture. Despite being wealthy from oil resources, the country has focused on the preservation of its cultural identity and sustainable development, avoiding the construction of tall buildings, and making the country better at managing its environmental impact.

Oman is known for its natural beauty, beaches and wadis. If you are planning to travel there, then visiting Oman has now been made a hassle-free affair, especially in terms of Oman visa for Indians. At present, Oman offers visa-free entry for Indian citizens up to 14 days.

Best Things to Do in Oman

Here is our top selection of things to see in Oman which are covered in our expertly curated Oman tour packages.

• Wadi Ghul
• Jebel Akhdar
• Daymaniyat Islands
• Muttrah Souq
• Salalah City
• Bimmah Sinkhole

Wadi Ghul

The top spot is held by Oman’s very own Grand Canyon, the Wadi Ghul. It is one of the top places to see in Oman that is known for its gravity-defying walk. It is basically a strip of rocky path on mountains. Tourists here primarily come for the iconic sunset, hiking, and camping at night to gaze at the stars. Located in the north, it is near “Jebel Sham” which is one of the highest mountain peaks in Oman.

Jebel Akhdar

This is another mountain destination which happens to be a favourite among tourists. This terrain has a height of 3000 metres and is famous for river valleys. The area is also in proximity to the traditional “rose water” extraction, pristine gardens, and Arabic calligraphy on the castle walls. It is an absolutely photogenic spot that is located at a 1.5-hour drive from Muscat and a 30-minute drive from Nizwa.

Daymaniyat Islands

Oman isn’t confined to just deserts and sand dunes; the country has something for ocean and beach lovers also. The Daymaniyat Islands archipelago is located just near the coast of Oman. It is a 40-minute ride on a speed boat with a view of turtles, whales and sharks swimming. The island is absolutely astonishing and tourists can do a single day to-and-fro from the island to the mainland.

Muttrah Souq

It is one of the oldest markets/bazaars in Oman that dates back to hundreds of years. Before the discovery of oil, this city was the center of commerce in Oman. The market is known for its variety of household goods, footwear, garments, Omani pots, paintings, framed Khanjars and incense.

Salalah City

This is the third largest city in Oman which is also known as the “perfume capital of Arabia”. It is popular for traditional Omani handicrafts, jewellery, spices, perfumes and textiles. At the same time, it also has some of the best beaches you can visit in Oman. To and fro from Muscat can be done on a 2-hour flight with relatively affordable prices. Salalah City should be one of the top spots on your bucket list if you wish to visit Oman.

Bimmah Sinkhole

It is a deep turquoise sinkhole in the shape of a serene oasis that is surrounded by greenery. This makes it a perfect spot for tourists who seek photogenic backdrops. The sinkhole also has fishes and as you dip your feet, these fishes will give you a free fish pedicure as they love to nibble the dead skin off your feet.

Do remember the cultural significance of this area and dress respectfully – your attire should be in line with the local Islamic tradition.

The Tastiest Food Options in Oman

The Omani Sultanate has been an important empire in the Middle East that stretches from the Strait of Hormuz to several parts of India. As a result, the trade and the fusion of flavours across the region have influenced Omani food. Here are our top Omani cuisines: -

Harees

A popular traditional dish made with white grain, meat, lentils and a variety of dry fruits, it will remind you of thick porridge. It is typically eaten as breakfast and lunch and is often served in large quantities for sharing.

Bahraini Tikka

A well-loved cuisine in the Omani community, this is made with marinated beef fillet in ground-dried lime, and roasted to a wonderfully tender skewer to serve with a fluffy flatbread, silky hummus and fresh orange slices.

The meat, when half-cooked, is rehydrated and burnt into a coal-like cover which results in an absolutely unique and succulent tangy taste. This dish is a must-try for meat lovers.

Shuwa

Shuwa is among the staple food in Oman. In fact, it is considered the national food. Shuwa is a lamb dish which is slow-cooked. It is typically served on a big tray over a bed of rice and eaten in a group. Omani Shuwa is a common meal during the festive season, and you are bound to find multiple variants of Shuwa throughout Oman.

Mishkaak

It is one of the most popular street foods in Oman. It is made of skewers of marinated meat and seafood, flaming over hot charcoal. Eaten with spicy chilli sauce, this dish is known for its bold flavours as it is barbequed to perfection.

Khaliat Nahal

This is an Omani dish that’s cooked for celebration, and usually made and served on the 14^th day of Ramadan. Made with sweet bread in a honeycomb shape, filled with cheese and syrup drizzling over it. This dish is extremely popular across the northern coast, and its taste differs from place to place throughout the region.

Majboos

Also known as Kabsa, this dish is made with rice and spicy red/white meat. The meat is cooked first with garlic, onion and multiple spices; the rice is cooked separately and then mixed with meat which gives it a yellow and creamy texture.

Mushaltat

A well-known delicacy in Oman, Mushaltat is a soft flatbread stuffed with meat, cheese and spinach. Its primary ingredient is wheat flour; it is baked for 5-10 minutes and consists of thin layers of dough. You can find several variations of this dish throughout the country.

On the whole, there are a lot of things to do, to see and a lot more to eat in Oman. If you don’t intend to miss out on anything, then an Oman tour package is the way to go. That way, you will cover all the highlights, enjoy every day in a relaxed manner, and make memories which will be remembered for a lifetime.