Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Travel to Oman for an Exotic Vacation

Saint Augustine said, “The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page”. Travel has not only become a recreational activity but also a means of expanding one’s dimensions in the world. Meeting new people, exploring unsullied places, trying different cuisines, and understanding novel cultures is not only an experience, but also fun. Oman is one such destination that is fast becoming a favorite on the travel map.

Housing “Arabia’s Jewel”, the capital city of Muscat, Oman is a blend of the long forgotten and the yet-to-be-discovered character that every travel must embody. Muscat is an awesome mixture of old and new. It boasts of all modern amenities and yet preserves an ancient charm.

The additional attractions in Oman are Sur, a coastal town that has retained the more traditional lifestyle. Nizwa is a city famous for its handicrafts, and Oman’s ancient monument, the Nizwa Fort. Salalah, known for its beaches, which are ideal for scuba diving, diving, jet skiing, sailing, and canoeing. Musandam peninsula is known for its striking mountains with unusual textures and patterns.

One can book a dhow and visit Khawr Ash Shamm from Musandam, to see marine life in placid waters for a breathtaking experience. Masirah Island is a stark rocky landscape rimmed with secluded beaches and loggerhead turtles that come to nest there. This island also has a variety of shellfish and other marine life.

Apart from these exclusive places to see one may enjoy other activities such as photography, filming, rock climbing, scuba diving, ice skating, trekking, camel racing, game fishing, sailing, and horseback riding. From mountains to desert to seascapes, Oman is thriving in multiplicity and thus offers something special for every traveler.

Oman is predominantly an Islamic country, but because of its liberal outlook it not only has highly structured mosques, but also beautiful churches and strikingly detailed temples. Arabic is the official language, though English, Hindi, Urdu, and Swahili are widely spoken, so a tourist can easily manage without knowing how to speak Arabic. However, knowing the local language definitely has its advantages,  

As a country, Oman is rich in history, culture, and picturesque locations. From great prophets to adventurers like Sinbad the sailor have called Oman home. This grand country proffers miles of untouched sandy beaches, fresh water oases, unexplored caves, grand forts, sparkling springs, date palms, stunning palaces, mystical souks, twilight cruises and more. A photographer’s delight, travel to Oman has varied landscapes and ancient architecture that please the eyes and warm the soul.

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