Anurag Mallick & Priya Ganapathy savour a platter of experiences from Portuguese forts, to dolphins, ancient petroglyphs, and secret wadis served with trademark Omani hospitality.
Oman astonishes you with its riches. The Queen of Sheba’s palace near Salalah was the epicentre of the 6,000-year-old frankincense trade, and it is likely that the frankincense carried by one of the Three Magi during the birth of Jesus Christ originated here. Sinbad the Sailor was not a legend, but a man of flesh and blood who was born in the ancient Omani capital of Sohar. In the 8th century, Cheraman Perumal, the Chera king of Kerala, adopted Islam (purportedly the first Indian to do so), divided his kingdom among feudatories, and sailed to Mecca; he died on the return journey, and his tomb lies in the Omani port of Zafar.
Straddling the crossroads of three continents, Oman’s rich history was shaped by the waters that lap against its rugged shores. Hemmed by the Sea of Oman and the Arabian Sea, and guarded by the Al Hajar mountains and the Rub’ al Khali desert, it overlooks the Strait of Hormuz at the mouth of the Persian Gulf. The Persians and Ottomans vied for control over the lucrative maritime trade of the Indian Ocean. But the country’s geography was its strongest armour, and even the powerful Portuguese could only occupy a few coastal areas. Expelled in 1650 A.D., they left behind a slew of seaside forts. Today, Muscat’s twin forts, Al Jalali and Al Mirani, besides the Muttrah souk, stand as proof of the short-lived Portuguese presence in the Gulf.
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة October 2018 من Travel+Leisure India.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة October 2018 من Travel+Leisure India.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
Retro: Timeless & Trending
As AI dominates the tech world, Nikhil Chawla introduces devices and apps that evoke nostalgia with their retro charm and timeless appeal.
Celebrating Timeless Austin
Austin is a melting pot of culture and style, and a personification of the great American lifestyle,
A Legacy of Art and Activism
Mallika Sarabhai reflects on her rich heritage as she discusses her unique approach to blending tradition with modernity, the power of arts in activism and her commitment to bringing about social change, in this conversation with Dipali Patwa.
Second Course
Noma chef René Redezpi found fame with ingredient-focused fine dining. His new TV show goes even further.
The Safari Sanctuary
Aamaghati Wildlife Resort, Ranthambore’s latest opening, offers the finest facilities and accommodation in the district and has the park embedded deep inside its soul.
THE ETERNAL FLAVOURS of our TIMELESS CLASSICS
India's most-loved restaurants have all stood the test of time, especially in an era when food ventures open with vast market research and modern aesthetics but fail to make a lasting impression. This is what makes our favourites timeless.
LATE CHECK OUT WITH Ayushmann Churrana
A film with a social message, a deeply inspiring couplet, a music tour that lets him explore his alter ego of sorts—what makes Ayushmann Khurrana the right fit in everything he chooses to do?
Luxury Legacy
Meet Tikka Shatrujit Singh, the visionary who paved the way for luxury brands to thrive in India. One of the most iconic figures in India's fashion and luxury industry, the former head representative of LVMH in Asia tells Samreen Tungekar about his journey, what today's consumer wants, and how Indian tourism can turn the world on its head.
Global Glamour
Attention shopaholics, we've got you covered! From Copenhagen to Cape Town, Marrakech to Melbourne, here are 20 cities across the world where you can indulge in retail therapy. Follow our guide to get your hands on traditional, bespoke, sustainable, slow fashion, and innovative, kitschy must-haves.
ARTISTIC INGENUITY MEETS ARCHITECTURAL SPLENDOUR
Architect Simran Boparai's skilled designs blend modernity with heritage, while striving for spatial excellence.