MUSCAT: With Eid Al Adha holidays on, domestic tourist sites in Oman are expected to have a field day, while vendors and ancillary service providers are all set to welcome tourists not just from the Sultanate of Oman but from the region and beyond.
The burgeoning air fares and delay in getting visas on time are considered to be major dissuading factors of people hoping on international destinations, according to many who have chosen to enjoy the peerless domestic tourism options.
However, many have expressed their selection of water bodies, streams and natural water ponds besides the hotels to escape from the scorching heat. The Sultanate of Oman is home to scores of wadis, springs and seasonal waterfalls.
- Wadi Al Shab Waterfall Cave, near Tiwi, a two-hour drive from Muscat: A wadi hike ending in a cave with a waterfall dropping into a turquoise pool. Holiday makers can swim through a narrow opening to reach it. There are a lot of reasons to visit the site. It’s the most famous ‘waterfall cave’ in Oman, and the hike through palm groves and canyons is half the fun.
- Darbat Waterfall/Wadi Darbat in Salalah, Dhofar: The seasonal waterfall and valley that comes alive even in summer, but more so during Khareef season, July-September. It is the place to watch out for camels that graze in the valley, and the waterfalls cascading off cliffs make it one of Oman’s most photogenic spots.
- Ayn Ghaith Waterfall in Salalah: East Ayn Ghaith Waterfall is a hidden waterfall that one would like to visit, often combined with swimming and picnics. This place is less crowded than Darbat, making it great for a quiet day. Tourists usually include a meal by the falls to create some lifelong memories.
- Ayn Al Thawra Hot Spring in Nakhal: About 1 and a half hours’ drive from Muscat. What makes it more attractive is the fact that it is easy to access and offers a relaxing environment. The trip to Ayn Al Thawra is usually paired with Nakhal Fort and Al Rustaq tours. This trip is good for families and older travellers.
- Ayn Athum Waterfall in Salalah: Ayn Athum Waterfall is a 15-minute limestone waterfall near Ayn Athum spring. Water slides down cliffs and forms stalactites. It is part of the Salalah east tour with Ayn Tubrouq, Wadi Darbat and Taqah Beach. The lush green environment makes it even more lovable and can be reached with a 4WD.
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