popular places in oman

Fascinating Al Jabal al Akhdar

BEGINNING from Bid Bid, the road to the historic city of Nizwa looks more and more like an intestine coursing its way within the bowels of a range of mountains flanking both sides of the highway

The Jebel Akhdar was the scene for a conflict between Omani forces loyal to the Sultan of Oman (aided by British soldiers including the Special Air Service) and Saudi Arabian backed rebel forces of the inland Imamate of Oman between 1957 and 1959. This conflict is known as the Jebel Akhdar War.

In August 2011, Sultan Qaboos designated Jebel Akhdar a nature reserve in a bid to conserve its unique yet fragile biodiversity. A decree issued issued by the Royal Court established the ‘Jebel Akhdar Sanctuary for Natural Sceneries’.

The mountain figures into the route for the 2011 Tour of Oman cycling race.

Al Hoota Cave 

Al Hotta Cave is located at the foot of Jabal Shams, in the vicinity of the Tanuf Valley in Al Hamra district. It is more than 5km long traversed by underground River.

The Omani Ministry of Tourism have undertaken an initiative to make the lower part of the cave an environmentally sound tourist attraction. A socio-economic development approach aiming to contribute to the welfare of the locals.

Al Hoota Cave is situated in the vicinity of the ancient silversmith town Nizwa and the world heritage site Bahla. It is one of the largest cave systems in the world and was opened to the public in 2006 for the first time. In October 2007 the exhibition in the visitor centre opened it's gates, imparting knowledge about local geology and the formation of Al Hoota Cave.

On the basis of the conception from VERDANDI and in close cooperation with the Natural History Museum Vienna we developed five interactive kiosk systems. By turning a "time wheel" the visitor is able to watch the continental plates move in the course of time, grow stalagmites in a virtual cave, see how different climatic conditions affect the development of Karst, or watch how the Hajar mountain range was formed. Through a microscope geological formations and life-forms dwelling in the cave can be explored. 

Wadi Bani Khalid

  Is a wadi about 203 km from Muscat, Oman. It is the best-known wadi of the Sharqiyah region. Its stream maintains a constant flow of water throughout the year. Large pools of water and boulders are scattered along the course of the wadi. As a geographical area, Wadi Bani Khalid covers a large swathe of low land and mountains.

Caves form some of the interesting features of this wadi. These include Kahf Maqal which is one of the Sultanate's underground chambers. However, reaching this cave takes a lot of effort and visitors should be prepared for the adventure. Springs of water are also common in this wadi. The springs of Ain Hamouda, Ain al Sarooj and Ain Dawwa, among others, are a blessing to the eye as one ventures along the wadis. The village of Badaa is a well-known tourist stop in the valley. The wadi is approx. 270KM from the British School Muscat and 10 KM from yousef"riff"Ali's house.

Oman nature

The warm waters are home to 22 species of whale and dolphin. Oman is a member of the International Whaling Commission and follows the Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) guidelines in preventing the trade of endangered animals. Turtles are attracted to Oman's shores and turtle breeding reserves are located at Ras al-Jinz and the Dimaaniyat Islands. Oman has a profusion of exotic marine life and some of the best dive sites in the world. In particular, the Hallaniyat Islands and the Dimaaniyat Islands offer chances to see beautifully coloured tropical fish and unusual hard and soft corals.

The al-Saleel park is a nature reserve located in the town of al-Kamil wal-Wafi, in the Interior of Oman, and was established to protect gazelles and plantations of Samr and Ghaf trees (Acacia tortilis and Cineraria). The Jiddat al-Harasis Reserve is home to the Arabian Oryx and the area is listed on the World Natural and Cultural Heritage register by UNESCO.

Approximately 400 birds have been recorded in Oman during the seasons. Because it is located at the hub of three different geographical land masses, Oman is host to many foreign species, such as the Golden Oriole, Nightjar and White Stork. In the breeding season, public entry is prohibited to the Dimaaniyat Islands, where there is a bird sanctuary. During September to November, many eagles migrate to Oman, such as the Imperial Eagle and the Greater Spotted Eagle.

 

 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Oman has a surprisingly varied wildlife, both on land and in the surrounding waters. Strict laws have been established to ban hunting as a number of indigenous animals have now become endangered, such as the Arabian leopard and the Arabian Oryx. Nature reserves have been set up throughout the Sultanate to protect the natural habitats of mammals such as the leopard, Oryx, gazelle, taher, ibex, desert foxes and wild cats.