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In times past, Oman's emerald waters were doubtless home to pirates and other maritime marauders. The land was also home to more romantic figures like the fabled Sinbad the Sailor or the alluring Queen of Sheba.
From the 17th to 19th centuries, the sultanate was an imperial power that locked horns with Portugal and England for domination of the Gulf, the Indian Ocean and the trade-rich coasts of India and East Africa. Most of today's visitors are rather more friendly, seeking nothing more than relaxation in a vast land that arguably remains the most tradition bound of the region.
With the Hajar mountains forming a dramatic backdrop, the coast is dotted with sandy beaches with a fertile plain which has been cultivated for centuries. Excursions into the hinterland are rewarding with destinations like Nizwa, the ancient capital and centre for the silver trade; the huge forts of the western Hajars, the lush Salalah landscape, the plantations of papaya and bananas, the frankincense trees with their fragrant resin. Oman is a picturesque and beautiful land , ideal for the discerning visitor who wishes to experience old-world courtesies in new-world comfort. A fascinating array of forts and watchtowers are strategically located at regular intervals along the coasts.
Built for defence purposes, today the bastions have com to represent the pomp and panache of the sultanate's rich past. Some of these forts, like the Mirani and Jalai, were built as early as 1586-87 and are located in the vicinity of Muscat overlooking the Aravian Sea.
Each of these forts has an identity of its own, such as the Bahla, now one of the monuments for preservation on Unesco's world-heritage roster. Jabrin castle, built in 1670, has a painted ceiling and secret staircases. The Nakhi stands high on a rocky outcrop, built on solid rock, in the heart of a village.
Al Hazm, constructed in 1708, has two huge towers with a 180-degree view though Rustaq's spectacular vista permits one to view the date-palm oasis sprawling all the way to the foothills of the Jabal Akhdar mountains. But the pristine warm waters of the Arabian Sea are never very far away, a paradise for those taking a dip, snorkeling or taking in some thrilling scuba diving in some of the breathtaking coral gardens. Over a hundred varieties of tropical fish in a myriad of shapes, sizes and colours dazzle the eye in the deep, sapphire sea not to mention rare turtles and other aquatic life. With over 1.700 kilometers of coastline, the waters of the Arabian Sea are also excellent for deep-sea fishing, windsurfing, water-skiing and sailing regattas. Don't miss Dhofar, a city in the sultanate's southern region which possesses green meadows and mountains, Lush, tranquil valleys, misty mornings and often an over-cast sky which threatens to burst any minute and fill the land with more verdant life. From miles and miles of serene sandy beaches to awe some clipps and rocky outcrops literally jutting into the sea, the scope for sightseeing in this particular area is immense.
What comes as a welcome joy to Oman's beaches is the pristine beauty that goes along with it. Nowhere in the world can one really experience the nostalgia, created by the freshness of the sea, the languor of the earth, the bewitching breath of the Arabian water.
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