Things to do

Salalah is a fast rising tourist destination in the Middle East, owing to its pleasant climate, scenic landscape and ancient ruins. Here are some ideas on things to do in this fascinating Omani region.

Nabi Ayoub’s Tomb

This is an interesting spot that is reminiscent of tales of Prophet Ayub and the legacy of the leader. The grave area itself is not very engaging; however, the sights that can be caught from the vantage point of the tomb are stunning. You can view vistas of the surrounding regions, the mountainous landscape of Salalah and a few natural springs that sprout all over the town. Watch the spring near the burial, where Ayub is touted to have slammed his feet on the ground to create a miraculous source of water. The climb to the destination is adventure-packed, although a little too steep. Women are expected to cover their heads in reverence at the burial, and all shoes have to be taken off at the entrance of the tomb.

Mughasayl Beach

A nice tourist hangout, The Mughasayl Beach is located about half an hour from the main town center. The attraction is virtually untouched and sparsely populated on most days, and has a backdrop of the striking mountain landscape of Salalah. The azure waters and golden sand are ideal for swimming, lazy sunbathing and aimless walking. Visitors can take an exploratory trek through the coastal strip to see some interesting ancient ruins and erstwhile monuments. Tourists can also go surfing, diving, canoeing, kayaking and on boat trips throughout the beaches of the region

Frankincense Trail

A visit to the cryptic Salalah is not consummated until visitors take a trip through the intriguing Frankincense Trail. There’s a highly mysterious streak that wraps this route, which runs through Salalah, Khor Rohri and the lost city of Ubar. The trail has several splendid excavations that are on the list of UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites. Although visitors can hire a car to cover the rocky trail, its essence is best savored on foot.

Taqa

Taqa is a nice, photogenic village that houses an enchanting fort, an extraordinary plateau that rises to a staggering 1800 meters, along with the Wadi Dirbat Valley - a gorge that appears to hang from the rock-rimmed cliffs. There is also a natural sinkhole that is more than 260 meters deep. The area is at its picturesque best during monsoons.

Salalah’s tropical climate, outdoor pursuits, mysterious ancient sites and beaches make this a popular and much sought after tourist spot in Oman.