Opulent Oman Painted In Pastel

Surrounded by rugged mountains and gorgeous gorges, valleys and caves; deserts and beaches offering a plethora of adventure activities: the Sultanate of Oman is an excellent short-haul destination for Indians

- June Mukherjee

With an understated richness everywhere and no unwarranted flamboyance at all, Oman is a destination where you breathe and smell luxury at ease. If Oman has to be explored, it must be through the beautiful cities and towns of Salalah – the greenest bit of land in Arabian peninsula and which is almost tropical in autumn. Many cities here are worth a look. Nizwa - the city of forts; Ibra – the gateway to Wahiba Sands; Bahla – an oasis town and home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site; Sohar - one of the legendary homes of Sindbad; Al Hoota caves; Wadi Bani Khalid valley, and Sur - where dhows are still made by hand.

The country offers a picturesque landscape, with carefully cultivated greenery and lakes amidst mountains everywhere and centuries-old lighthouses, forts and castles. In addition to this, the extremely hospitable people of the land especially with their affable behaviour towards Indians, excellent road connectivity and high standards of hospitality infrastructure even in smaller towns has positioned Oman as a top choice among niche Indian holiday-makers.

Oman has it all: hiking and trekking at Jebel Shams; kayaking with the coral reefs, whale watching, dolphin watching, sailing and jet-skiing in crystal turquoise waters of Gulf of Oman; snorkeling and scuba diving in Daymaniyat Islands; bird watching at Salalah; exploring history at Al Hoota caves; desert camping, dune bashing and quad biking at Sharqiyah Sands to mention a few. And if anyone wants a simple laid-back luxurious holiday, there are many beach resorts with excellent spa facilities among date and palm trees, overlooking the Gulf of Oman.