Friday 19 / April / 2024
Muscat: The Governorate of Al Dakhiliyah is a treasure trove of scenic beauty and caters to the needs of almost every tourist. The monuments and forts and caves and mountains among other things make this Governorate one of the top favourite destinations of tourists in Oman.
According to Hamoud bin Khalid Al Qamshoi, Director of Tourism of Al Dakhiliyah Governorate, the mountains here are a great place to escape the summer heat.
When it comes to boarding, Al Qamshoi adds that the governorate has more than 30 tourist establishments that include seven tourist resorts, 15 hotels, and two high-quality tourist camps. In addition to that, a traditional, authentic Omani guest house, four other guest houses and two green guest houses were built, so travellers have a lot to choose from at affordable rates.
Al Dakhiliyah Governorate, according to Al Qamshoi is considered the 'jewel of Oman' due to its geographical location in the heart of the Sultanate. Its varied tourism elements of geographic, historical, and cultural diversity, makes it the best choice for different tourists.
Talking about the highlands Al Qamshoi explains, “The governorate has many natural and geological sites, including high mountains such as Jabal Akhdar and Jabal Shams. They are considered the most important tourist attractions in the governorate due to their unique climate, rare vegetation, and high altitudes. Tourists prefer camping and trekking in these two places.”
If historical sites fascinate you then Dakhiliyah Governorate is the place to visit. The governorate has several forts, such as the Nizwa Fort, which is known for its circular shape and is considered one of the oldest forts in the Sultanate. Then there is the Bahla Fort, which was listed as a world heritage site, while the Jabrin Fort is known for its structure, the Beit Rodeida Fort is being converted into a museum of conventional weapons. The governorate even has a number of falajs, some of them are the Falaj Daris, Falaj Al Khitmain, and Falaj Al Malaki, which are also listed as world heritage sites.
And for tourists who love to shop, there is no dearth of souqs or traditional markets in the governorate.
But if wadis are what you’re looking for then Al Qamshoi says you won’t be disappointed. “Dakhiliyah is home to many wadis such as Wadi Tannouf in the Wilayat of Nizwa, Wadi Al Maideen in Barkah distict of Nizwa, Wadi Hilfain, which extends from the Wilayat of Izki to the Wilayat of Adam, and Misfat Al Abryeen in the Wilayat of Hamra. All of these wadis are known for their lush vegetation and flowing waters. There are palm groves and beautiful mountains, which add to their beauty.
Dakhiliyah also has several caves which are a major tourist attraction.
These caves include the Al Hoota cave, which is located below the Jabal Akhdar on its western slope. On the other end is the Wilayat of Al Hamra, which is a natural formation that dates back to thousands of years and then there is the Jarnan cave, located near the historical Al Nizar village.
