How much could be place rich in natural beauty?…. No idea?? Then there is no such example as Salalah. Salalah can be described as a natural wonder in the Dhofar region of Oman. This city is also famous for its culture and historical importance. To visit this wonderful destination, please stay in touch through this Salalah Travel Guide and get to know the things that you must know for a perfect Salalah trip.
Salalah Tour Packages from UAE
Overview of Salalah
Salalah city is the capital of Dhofar and the largest city in the southern part of Oman. This city is also popular for the Khareef season – the monsoon season that increases the natural beauty of Salalah. Oman has a long history of trading frankincense from the Dhofar region. Salalah was incorporated into the Sultanate of Oman & Muscat in the 19th century and became the capital city in 1932 and remained until 1970. Afterward, moved back to Muscat.
When is the best time to visit Salalah?
The monsoon season in Salalah makes it a unique and must-visit city compared to other cities in Oman. The monsoon season starts in June and lasts up to August. During this season, Salalah becomes a beautiful heaven because of the light breeze that cools the air. Salalah also experiences a temperature ranging between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius which also makes it a perfect holiday escape in summer. Festivals in Salalah take place during this season from the 15th of July to the 31st of August each year which also make it the best time to visit Salalah .
How to wander around Salalah?
To reach the wonderful attractions, there are lots of transportation options in Salalah. The best options are:
- Bus: Salalah City is divided into 2 zones, i.e. A and B, and wandering to these zones will charge you 0.2 OMR.
- Taxi: It is the most common way of transportation in Salalah. The taxi drivers are familiar with the wonderful attractions and will take you comfortably, and with ease. Taxi service will also take you outside the city, but charges may vary.
- Car Rental: It can be a great option to travel in Salalah. The car drivers have great knowledge about the attractions and also speak very good English. It is important to rent a car in advance to avoid any hindrance during your travel. To rent a car, you can make a call at +971-4256-2434.
- Walk: Salalah city is enough to be explored through walking as most of the top attractions are nearby to each other. Walking can be not a good option in warmer times.
What to visit in Salalah?
Salalah has a wide range of places to explore which includes tombs, mosques, waterfalls, beaches, and ancient architecture. Some of the best places to visit in Salalah are:
Sultan Qaboos Mosque
If you are looking for a place for a unique experience of both modern and historical architecture, you must choose Sultan Qaboos Mosque in Salalah. It is in the center of the city and also the largest mosque not only in Salalah but in the Dhofar region as well as outside of the Muscat region. It is a perfect example of classic Arabic architecture as its prayer hall has green carpets, intricately & delicately designed wall patterns, and chandeliers.
Sultan Qaboos Mosque
Waterfall in Wadi Darbat
If we say, you can visit the desert and waterfall in the same place…what would come to your mind? Must be a dream….. but apart from this, it is possible in Wadi Darbat in Salalah. The waterfall in Wadi Darbat is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Salalah. Wadi Darbat is like a paradise on earth. This green valley has a river flowing between the mountains, and after the monsoon, you can visit it from July to September. Tourists can take part in lots of activities here like hiking, picnicking, boat riding, or just capturing scenery on their cameras.
Taqah Castle
Earlier said that Salalah is famous for its history and architecture, and it can be found in Taqah Castle. It was built in the 19th century in the fishing village of Taqah which is 33 km away from the east of Salalah. It was earlier the home of Sheikh Ali bin Taman Al Ma’shani who was the great-great-grandfather of Sultan Qaboos. Now, it has become a museum featuring several weapons, tools, and ancient Omani items.
Taqah Castle
Al Husn Souq
The Middle East part of Salalah is popular for its Souq Markets and Al Husn Souq is one of the famous markets in Salalah. Whatever you are looking for, this huge market has everything. From traditional Omani wear to popular Frankincense, you can find everything in this open-air market. Don’t hesitate to bargain for the best price.
Al Mughsail Beach
Among the lots of beaches in Salalah, Al Mughsail Beach stands apart due to its white sand and crystal-like water. The best thing that makes it most beautiful is its rich greenery mountains. This beach is also a perfect spot for picnicking under the Frankincense trees. It is the most interesting place to visit in Salalah.
Al Mughsail Beach
What are the top Things to do on the Salalah Tour?
Apart from its must-visit attractions, there is no lack of top things to do in Salalah. Some of them are:
- Camel Ride: Camel ride is one of the most popular activities in Salalah which comes with lots of options from short rides to multi-day treks. Camel rides offer tourists a chance to experience the authentic and traditional lifestyle of Bedouin.
- Dolphin Watching: Dolphin watching is an enjoyable activity in Salalah and there are boat tours available in Salalah that enable visitors to play and swim with dolphins. Our experienced and local guide experts at +971-4256-2434 can provide information about marine life.
- Trekking: With green mountains, Salalah is an ideal choice for trekking and hiking at its various routes. The best place for this adventure is Jebel Samhan Nature Reserve which provides beautiful views of the nearby land areas and Wadi Darbat waterfalls.
Camel Ride
What are the famous dishes to eat in Salalah?
The natural beauty of Salalah is not enough for the adventure, instead, its food is also one of the major reasons to attract lots of tourists every year. Some of the best dishes to eat in Salalah are:
- Majboos: Majboos is also known as Kabsa which is a dish of rice mixed with saffron with spicy red or white meat. The main ingredients of this dish are saffron and cardamom. The meat in the dish is first cooked with garlic and onion, and afterward, other spices are added. The rice is made separately and mixed with meat. It is often served at weddings and engagements.
Majboos
- Dates: Dates are also one of the famous Omani foods that are often served with Kahwa. This combination is the national symbol of hospitality. Dates in Oman come in different kinds like taste, size, and color. This can be found anywhere in Salalah and Oman.
- Shuwa: It is a celebratory Omani dish only prepared on special festivals like Eid. It is made on the first day of Eid and eaten on the second day. The process of making this Omani dish is long. Every family has its recipe to make this dish by adding spices like coriander, nutmeg, and cumin. It is wrapped and kept in a sand oven for a day. Mostly served with rice and tomato sauce.
Shuwa
- Seafood: Its nearby Indian Ocean is the only source that offers lots of seafood. To eat the best seafood, head to the north part of Salalah to the fishing village of Mirbat. This region has lots of restaurants that serve seafood like grouper, kingfish, and cuttlefish.
This paradise is no less than wonderful attractions, natural beauty, and, cultural & historical monuments. To get the best from this wonder, choose one of the best Salalah tour packages from the best travel agency in Dubai.
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