Discovering the Hidden Gems of Salalah: A Journey into Oman’s Cultural Heart !
Oman Tourism, recently conducted a wonderful FAM Trip to Salalah, promising us an experience yet un-experience allowing us an exploration into the intrinsic culture and heritage associated with this beautiful place. This beautiful journey was a deep insight into the ancient culture and folklore that based still brings familiarity to Salalah, making alive its illustrious past years.
When we arrived, Salalah absolutely knocked us off our socks. The fertile grounds resided in groves of lush green — a rarity in this part of the Arabian Peninsula compared to vast stretches of desert flanking them from all sides. To be a man trapped between the mountains on one side and the ocean on the other. The nature is sandwiched by these natural marvels, the city secrets are buried at every turn.
As we explored Salalah, we were constantly reminded of its significance as a historical and cultural hub. The city, once a key player in the ancient incense trade, has stories etched into its very foundations. Each site we visited offered a glimpse into Oman’s fascinating history, making every experience unique and memorable.
This Fam Trip to Salalah was truly one for the books, and Oman Tourism ensured we experienced the best of what this remarkable region has to offer. From the awe-inspiring landscapes to the deep sense of tradition that still thrives in Salalah today, this journey was nothing short of magical.
Places which has to be Visited:
Al Baleed Archeological Park — UNESCO World Heritage Site: The ancient city of Zafar. Located in Al Baleed, this site was once a pivotal port for frankincense trade, having been frequented by renowned explorers like Marco Polo and Ibn Battuta.
Wadi Darbat — The most unexpected site in Dhofar is Wadi Darbat. The wadi is secreted in the mountains overlooking the site of Khor Rori, just after. Taqah on the coast. During the Khareef the water is replenished and some may remain throughout the year. as well as a spacious picnic area for visitors. Drive to Tawi Atayr (Well of Birds), one of the most dramatic of the various Sinkholes that dot the porous limestone’s of the Salalah mountains. This enormous cavity plunges more than 100 meter’s (330ft). With a local guide, you can scramble down a rugged path to the bottom. Some 11km (7 miles) further north lies another, and even more impressive, sinkhole, the vast Taiq Sinkhole. Continue journey into the mountain range of Jebel Samhan to a breathtaking plateau at a height of almost 1700m. Drive to Salalah Anit Gravity Point to see their cars going up the hill at Neutral gear (without any acceleration). This is a really amazing experience.
Al Mughsail Beach — West Salalah: They are many stretches of Beautiful beaches and Mughsail is one of the most popular. Experience the ZigZag Road approximately 10-15 kms, the views are breathtaking due to heights involved.
Sumhuram Archaeological Site — The Old port city at Khor Rori: The center of the ancient frankincense trade route, Sumhuram was founded towards the end of the 1st century BC by LL’ad Yalut, king of the Hadramant, and became an important trading post for merchants across the Arabian Sea as well as the Indian Ocean
Frankincense Harvest: The stark shape of leafless Frankincense trees dotted the landscape, a reminder of Dhofar’s centuries-old tradition of harvesting this valuable resin. Frankincense, famously traded for its aromatic and medicinal properties, continues to be harvested here, particularly along the rugged roads leading to the Western Border of Oman. Navigating the hairpin roads between the dried mountains was an adventure in itself.
History of Mirbat: Mirbat has a long and storied history, dating back to the 7th century AD. The town was an important trading center for frankincense, a valuable commodity that was in high demand throughout the ancient world. Mirbat’s strategic location on the Arabian Sea made it a key port of call for ships traveling between Asia, Africa, and Europe. Over the centuries, Mirbat was ruled by a number of different dynasties and empires, including the Persians, the Portuguese, and the Al-Julanda dynasty. The town was a prosperous trading hub until the end of the 19th century when it was attacked by the British. The most famous battle in the history of Mirbat took place in 1972 during the Dhofar Rebellion, when a group of communist insurgents attacked the town. The defenders of Mirbat were outnumbered and outgunned, but they managed to hold off the attackers thanks to their superior training and tactics. The battle is still celebrated as a heroic victory for the Omani armed forces.
Activities: Trips (Landscapes / Mountain Adventure / Desert Sunset / Culture Tour / Kayaking in Paradise) Activities (Quad / Buggy Trip / Horse Riding / Trekking / Water Sports.
Good for: Families / Groups / Bachelors
Best Time to Visit: July to the beginning of September
