Salalah, the largest city of Dhofar Governerate is the main
tourist attraction for people from other parts of oman and also from other GCC
states, during monsoon/khareef season mainly due to the pleasant weather,
drizzling, greenery and waterfalls which spans from July to September every
year.
This year (2018), during Eid-ul-Adha holidays, we planned to
visit this beautiful place and I would comment it as one of the best escapade
till now.
We headed from Muscat to Salalah in Mwaslat bus. Mwaslat offers special discounted rates during full Khareef season to promote tourism in Oman. It’s a very long drive, almost 12 to 13 hours with around 2-3 breaks of 30-50 minutes every 4 hour, so the passengers can get relaxed and have food if they want.
Next day we got up early as most of the places become
crowded by midday so our plan was to cover most places early in the morning. I
am not a man of words and prefers my pictures to speak. Here is a brief
description of places I visited, mostly waterfalls and beaches because of the pleasant
weather we preferred instead of museums and historical places.
Ayn Khor
Ayn Khor was our first view point, located on the western
side of Salalah, near Raysut cement factory. There is not proper road leading
to ayn khor and you have to do a bit of off roading so it is preferred to go
there by a 4WD. You can also walk there by parking your car a little far for
the actual waterfall. We took a little bit of risk to drive our sedan 1.6 till
the waterfall and it’s totally worth it!
Google maps directions was not fully up to the mark for this
location, but the pinned coordinates are perfect! You may have to take some
decisions against google map when you reach dead end to reach this beautiful
destination.
Mughsayl Beach
This area is one of the most affected area from the Cyclone Mekunu
appeared in May 2018, leaving the sea still very rough. But still it’s good to
stop by and enjoy the noise of the waves hitting the shore.
Marneef Cave & Blowholes
Marneef cave is in close proximity to Al Mughsayl Beach, which one of the most preferred picnic spot by Salalah locals, residents and tourists. Road from mughsayl beach towards marneef cave is broken by the cyclone, then Govt. of Oman built a new alternate road to reach marneef cave. The water rising from the blowholes created by strong sea waves is extremely thrilling.
You can stop by at any of the roadside vendors selling ice creams, corns, mishkaak (bbq sticks) etc. There are also some portable washrooms for tourists’ feasibility.
Ayn Jarziz
It is located just besides Ittin Mountains. It has a good
spring wooden canopies. It’s a good spot to stop by and spend some time in the
water. You can also get its aerial view from the mountain top. There is a small
track from the side in between the trees which leads to the top.
While taking photographs on the top, I was just about to
step on this different type of lizard
Wadi Darbat
It is a must see destination of dhofar region. We reached
there early in the morning. I was literally speechless as I was lost in the
serenity and the beautiful scenery of picturesque forest. It has a small lake
which has turned into a boating delight. It is clearly mentioned there that no
life guards are available, however life jackets are available there, so it’s
good to have precautions if you don’t know swimming.
On one side of the wadi, we found a friendly family who
drove all the way from KSA and were cooking food. I got attracted by the aroma
of their food. They told me they were cooking Pakistani food from famous “Shan
Masala”.
If you are looking to have a peaceful and quite time, I would
recommend to go early in the morning to escape the crowd as on our way back in
the afternoon the entrance to the valley was totally jammed with traffic.
After leaving from Wadi Darbat, on a few minutes’ drive,
there is a beautiful picnic spot which is “Gift of Mekunu” and so far no name
is given to that place. It’s a perfect picnic spot with mesmerizing view of many
small waterfalls under which you can also sit, enjoy and capture the moments
with waterfalls. The way to these waterfalls is uneven due to rocks so you are
advised to wear a reliable pair of joggers.
Ayn Athum
One of the most beautiful and versatile waterfalls in
Salalah located on the eastern side of the city. Multiple waterfalls make a
beautiful natural spectacle, which surely is a treat to eyes and soul.
When things go wrong, as they
sometimes will,
When the road you're trudging seems all uphill,
When the funds are low and the debts are high,
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit-
Rest if you must, but don't you quit.
Life is queer with its twists and turns,
As every one of us sometimes learns,
And many a fellow turns about
When he might have won had he stuck it out.
Don't give up though the pace seems slow -
You may succeed with another blow.
Often the goal is nearer than
It seems to a faint and faltering man;
Often the struggler has given up
When he might have captured the victor's cup;
And he learned too late when the night came down,
How close he was to the golden crown.
Success is failure turned inside out -
The silver tint in the clouds of doubt,
And you never can tell how close you are,
It might be near when it seems afar;
So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit -
It's when things seem worst that you must not quit.
.
