Dhow Cruise in Musandam
Sail the fjord-like inlets of the Musandam Peninsula on a traditional dhow, with stops for swimming and snorkelling and frequent dolphin sightings.
The Sultanate of Oman lies on the south-eastern corner of the Arabian Peninsula, with more than 3,000 km of coastline along the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman. Its landscapes range from the rugged Hajar Mountains and palm-filled wadis to the golden dunes of the Sharqiya Sands and the green, mist-covered hills of Salalah.
Oman is known for its warm hospitality, centuries-old forts and souqs, and a deep sense of tradition. Explore the elegant capital Muscat, the historic town of Nizwa, the fjords of Musandam and the turtle beaches of Ras al Jinz – all just a short flight from India, making Oman an easy and rewarding Arabian holiday.
Walk the canyon rim on Jebel Shams, drive up to the terraced villages of Jebel Akhdar and swim in the turquoise pools of Wadi Shab and Wadi Bani Khalid.
Spend a night under the stars in the Sharqiya (Wahiba) Sands, with dune drives, camel rides and Bedouin-style desert camps.
Explore Nizwa Fort, the UNESCO-listed Bahla Fort, Jabreen Castle and old mud-brick villages that tell the story of Oman's past.
Snorkel with turtles at the Daymaniyat Islands, cruise the fjords of Musandam on a traditional dhow and watch green turtles nest at Ras al Jinz.
Direct flights link many Indian cities with Muscat in about three to four hours, and Indian food is easy to find across the country.
Oman's capital is set between rugged mountains and the sea. Stroll the Mutrah Corniche at sunset, admire the colourful Al Alam Palace between the 16th-century Al Jalali and Al Mirani forts, visit the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque and catch a performance at the Royal Opera House Muscat.
*Non-Muslim visitors can usually tour the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque on Saturday to Thursday mornings; modest dress is required, and women must cover their hair.
The historic capital of Oman's interior, Nizwa is known for its 17th-century fort with a massive round tower, a souq full of pottery, silver and dates, and a lively Friday livestock market. Nearby, the terraced villages of Jebel Akhdar, the Green Mountain, grow pomegranates, walnuts and the fragrant roses used to make rose water.
*The road up to Jebel Akhdar is steep, and only 4x4 vehicles are allowed past the police checkpoint at the foot of the mountain.
Spend a night at a desert camp among the rolling dunes of the Sharqiya (Wahiba) Sands, with dune drives, camel rides, sunset views and starry skies. On the way, swim in the emerald pools of Wadi Bani Khalid, one of Oman's most beautiful oases.
*Desert camps range from simple Bedouin-style tents to comfortable resorts; most are reached by 4x4 transfer across the sand.
Sail the fjord-like inlets of the Musandam Peninsula on a traditional dhow, with stops for swimming and snorkelling and frequent dolphin sightings.
Take a boat trip to the protected Daymaniyat Islands to snorkel over coral reefs with turtles and colourful fish; landing on some of the islands is allowed only from November to April.
Join a guided night or dawn tour at Ras al Jinz to watch endangered green turtles nest on the beach, with the best chances from about May to September.
Hike the famous Balcony Walk along the rim of Oman's Grand Canyon to the abandoned village of As Sab, high above Wadi Nakhr.
Browse Muscat's atmospheric old market for frankincense, Omani silver, embroidered kumma caps, pashminas, spices and handicrafts.
Wander the narrow lanes of this mountain village, where old stone houses overlook date palms watered by an ancient falaj irrigation channel.
Visit Salalah from late June to September, when the khareef monsoon turns the hills of Dhofar green and water flows through Wadi Darbat.
*Oman brings mountains, desert, sea and heritage within easy reach of each other — ideal for families, couples and adventure lovers alike.
Omani hospitality is legendary, and guests are welcomed with kahwa, cardamom-scented coffee, and dates. Look out for men in the white dishdasha with the embroidered kumma cap and the ceremonial khanjar dagger, visit Nizwa's Friday livestock market, taste thin traditional bread baked on a hot plate, see wooden dhows still built by hand in Sur and breathe in the scent of frankincense, traded from Dhofar for thousands of years.
The best time to visit Oman is from October to April, when warm, sunny days are ideal for sightseeing, desert camps, wadis and beaches. Summer (May to September) is very hot in Muscat and the interior, but it is khareef season in Salalah, when monsoon mist and drizzle turn the Dhofar hills green from late June to September.
Oman has a hot, dry climate. From November to March, daytime temperatures in Muscat are usually around 25°C to 30°C, while summer highs often go above 40°C. Desert nights can be cool in winter, and temperatures on Jebel Akhdar and Jebel Shams can drop close to freezing.
Peak Season: November to March for pleasant weather across the country, and July to August in Salalah for the khareef season.
Off-Peak Season: May to September outside Salalah, when the heat keeps visitor numbers low and hotel rates are often better.
Omani cuisine is fragrant and mildly spiced, shaped by centuries of trade with India, Persia and East Africa. Try majboos (spiced rice with chicken, meat or fish), harees (slow-cooked wheat and meat), shuwa (marinated lamb or goat slow-cooked in an underground pit for festivals), fresh grilled seafood and the famous Omani halwa, always served with kahwa and dates. Indian restaurants are easy to find in Muscat and other cities.
Oman is one of the closest international holiday destinations to India. Muscat International Airport is the main gateway, with frequent direct flights from India, while Salalah and Khasab in Musandam are linked to Muscat by short domestic flights.
Direct flights connect Muscat with Indian cities including Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram, with flying times of about three to four hours.
Indian passport holders need a visa for Oman, available online as an eVisa through the Royal Oman Police. Holders of a valid US, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan or Schengen visa or residence permit can also get a visa on arrival. Check current requirements before you travel; we assist with visa applications.
A private car with a driver or a self-drive rental is the best way to explore Oman; a 4x4 is needed for Jebel Akhdar, the desert camps and some wadis. Taxis and app-based cabs run in Muscat, and domestic flights link Muscat with Salalah and Khasab.
October to April is ideal for sightseeing, desert camps, wadis and beaches. Salalah is best visited in the khareef season, from late June to September, when its hills turn green.
Most Indian passport holders need a visa, which can be applied for online as an Oman eVisa before travel; holders of a valid US, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan or Schengen visa or residence permit can get a visa on arrival. Rules can change, so check before you go; we assist with visa applications.
Four days cover Muscat and a day trip to Nizwa or the coast. Allow seven to eight days to add Jebel Akhdar, the Wahiba Sands, Wadi Bani Khalid and Sur, plus extra days for Salalah or Musandam.
Oman is famous for the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, its historic forts, the Hajar Mountains, wadis such as Wadi Shab, the Wahiba Sands, the fjords of Musandam, frankincense and warm Omani hospitality.
Oman is widely regarded as one of the safest and most welcoming countries in the Middle East. As anywhere, respect local laws and customs and check current travel advisories before you go.
Dress modestly in public, with shoulders and knees covered. Women visiting the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque must cover their hair, arms and legs, and swimwear is best kept to beaches and hotel pools.
Oman uses the Omani rial (OMR). Cards are widely accepted in Muscat, but carry some cash for souqs, villages and remote areas.
Arabic is the official language. English is widely understood in hotels and tourist areas, and Hindi, Urdu and Malayalam are often heard thanks to Oman's large Indian community.
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