Muscat Entices Completely. Here’s Why

Muscat, a colourful hodgepodge of Indian, Omani, Sudanese, and British cultures makes for a delightfully engrossing holiday. The destination has all the usual and some not so usual tourist trappings. Sun kissed beaches, breathtaking serrated mountains, lip smacking culinary delights, and unforgettable sightseeing attractions are all to be found here. However, the best part is that Muscat seems to symbolise tranquillity and lacks the crazy buzz that has become a part and parcel of many other tourist destinations. The city itself has two sides to it. While museums, mosques, Portuguese era forts and traditional souks paint a soothing old world picture, the destination is not at all lacking in modern facilities like swanky malls and gleaming office blocks.

Muscat has something for every one, be it a history bug or a beach bum. There are scores of museums packed with astounding wonders. The Muscat Gate Museum, Oman-French Museum, and Bait Al Zubair are among the most popular museums. The exhibits at the Muscat Gate Museum trace the town’s history from present times to its earliest origins. Those who want to discover of rather rediscover Muscat’s French colonial legacy may look forward to some pleasant times at the Oman French Museum. For some further reminisces of the bygone era, check out artefacts like vintage arms, costumes, and antique household goods at the Bait Al Zubair museum.

Those with a penchant for beaches can soak up plenty of the sun in one of the beaches. In fact, beaches are among the top highlights of holidays to Muscat. Some of the most appealing ones are Marjan, Bandi Al Jissah, and Qurum beaches. The Marjan beach is a paradise for snorkelling. One can get up close to exotic marine life like sting rays, sea cucumbers, parrot fish, cuttlefish, turtles, and clownfish. If you are looking for a family picnic on the beach, head to Bandi Al Jissah. With its golden sands, children’s playground, and shopping facilities, this beach lures families in hordes. However, if you prefer something less crowded, then plan a day at the Qurum Beach. The palm fringed Qurum Beach provides the ideal setting for a nice quiet picnic in the midst of gorgeous scenic beauty. One may also try out the private beaches run by Crowne Plaza Hotel, Grand Hyatt, Inter Continental Bustan Palace, and Chedi Muscat.

The destination also has enough to indulge the shopaholic. Although, there are quite a few swanky malls, but shopping at the Mutrah Souk remains a primary attraction of holidays to Muscat. Here one can pick up a wide array of items like hand woven bags, footwear, religious paintings, ceramic figurines, traditional clothes, as well as regional spices, nuts, jewellery, antiques, local fabrics, and even fresh local produce.

Overall, Muscat remains a very promising destination. The magic of the city is a sum total of all its charms like night desert safari, pleasurable dolphin watching boat trips, the spectacular Grand Mosque and even the sweeping views from atop the watchtower.