Visiting Salalah, The Capital of Dhofar

Salalah, the capital city of the Dhofar region, is known for its beautiful waterfalls, soaring limestone cliffs, palm-lined beaches and world-famous heritage attractions. The Dhofar region is the land of gardens, mountain springs, historical treasures and natural beauty.

A rich and fertile land, Dhofar is the only region in the Gulf which receives the Khareef monsoon showers which fall from July to September. Salalah is perfect for a languid, relaxed holiday interspersed with many interesting places to see and lots of outdoor adventures.

Salalah, the capital of Dhofar, encapsulates the governorate's glorious past and present day splendor.

The ruins of the city of al Balid bear witness to Salalah's past prosperity, while every street and district of modern Salalah reflects the progress and achievements of Oman's Renaissance.

The Wilayat of Salalah is on the Sultanate's southern coast 1,040 Kilometers from the Governorate of Muscat. It has several residential quarters including al Hisn, al Baz, Salalah al Jadidah, al Hafah, al Dahareez, al Sadah, al Awqadain, al Qardh and Raysut.

The wilayat also has a number of niyabats and villages. The mountain Niyabat of Teetam is 30 Kilometers from the city. Ghaduw and Qeiroon Hairiti - also 30 Kilometres from Salalah - are attractive picnic spots with shady trees. Zaik, around 38 Kilometres from Salalah, is on a plateau and becomes a mass of green trees and shrubs during the rainy season. Alsan is 36 Kilome¬tres away in the north-east of the wilayat.

There are also several niyabats that are not connected geographically with the Wilayat of Salalah but come under its administration, including Harweeb (184 Kilometres from the Salalah), Tawsnat (240 Kilometres away).

The Baleed district is prominent among the archaeological sites testifying to the historical standing of this region which was demolished by the action of sudden calamities and of which today the remains of the port quays, mosques, buildings, and tombs lie spread over a large area.

The vestiges of past ages multiply in a striking way when we get to Salalah city. There are three archaeological sites in Al Mughsil and traces of an ancient wall, as well as pre-Islamic tombs in Razzat and the remains of Old Rabat city. At Ain Hamran are the ruins of an ancient fort and more pre-Islamic tombs; at Hasila, where the Prophet Saleh's camel was slaughtered, a wall, irrigation channels and a well at the entrance to Wadi Nahiz. There are also three mosques, one of which, at Dahariz, is dedicated to Abdelaziz bin Ahmed. Another, the Aqil Mosque, is at East Salalah and the third is the Mosque of Abdullah Al Yamani in Awqad.

There are five religious mausoleums erected for, respectively: the Prophet Ayoub at Ghadwa; Salem bin Ahmed bin Arabia at Raysut; Hud bin Amer at Qairun Hirti; the Prophet Umran at Al Quf; and Junayd at Al Hosn.

Salalah has more than picturesque ruins to offer by way of enchantment. The city is set against a land and seascape of great natural beauty. Especially striking are the coast of Raysut and Dahariz and Maghsil and Salalah; the scenery of Mughsil and Awqad and Belid and Salalah and Qurum; the springs of Razzat, Hamran, Jarziz, Aishint and Sahnout; the wadis: Razzat, Nahiz, Arbut, Jarziz, Adwanb and Ashuq; and the uplands beyond Wadi Nahiz, as well as Mount Hamrir and Mount Atin.

The splendour of this setting is complemented by the many landscaped gardens and parks which enhance the city itself.Salalah Public Park, Saada Public Park, Daharis, Ain Razzat and the New Salalah, Quf and Moatazza Gardens are examples of these.

These natural attractions, in combination with the accommodating climate of the Dhofar region, have caused Salalah to become a favoured resort for tourists from within the country and from abroad.

Places to Visit
Ain Homran, renowned for its lush natural spring, is an excellent spot for bird watching. Seven different species of eagles have been identified at Ain Homran by a group of international bird watchers.
Mirbat Famous for its breeding of pure Arabian horses, frankincense, Mirbat Fort, Bin Ali Mausoleum, beautiful beaches, diving and dolphins.
Mughsayl stretching for 4 kilometers is a magnificent sandy beach outlined by sculptured cliffs and blow holes formed in the limestone rocks, where plumes of water can reach a height of 30 meters or more.
Tawi Attir is a natural sink hole over 100 meters wide and 250 meters deep. It is the second deepest sinkhole in the world. As the name implies, Tawi Attir is home to many species of birds that can be seen swooping in and out of the sinkhole during Khareef season.
Wadi Darbat- is a natural park with majestic views of waterfalls, lakes, mountains, caves, wildlife and lush green vegetation. There is a 100 meter waterfall and many cave chambers with old stalactites and stalagmites.
Khor Rori the ancient city of Sumhuram, built in the area of Khor Rori, is the most important pre-Islamic settlement in the Dhofar region.

Recommended Hotels

Hilton Salalah Resort is a stunning beachfront property with its exotic setting blending smoothly with the picturesque city of Salalah. Its impeccable service and modern amenities perfectly complement every need of the business and leisure travelers.

The Crowne Plaza Salalah offers the unwinding ambience of a perfect retreat. Set amidst coconut plantations, the hotel is a breathtaking tropical getaway made even more charming with one of the most stunning and pristine beaches in the region.

The Salalah Marriott Resort is set on the idyllic shores of the Arabian Sea on the white sandy beaches of Mirbat Cove and at the foot of Jebel Samhant. This resort in is the ideal place for a family vacation, meetings or weddings with its dining, conference and leisure facilities.

More information can be found on Mauritius tourism board website : http://www.omantourism.gov.om