 Nizwa
has been an important cross roads at the base of the Western
Hajar Mountains connecting Muscat, Buraimi, and the lower
reaches of Dhofar. The Falaj
Daris of Nizwa is the largest single falaj
in Oman and provides the surrounding country side with
much needed water for the plantations.
Nizwa
fort
The city, famous for its historical monuments, handicrafts
and agricultural products, has an expansive Souq showcasing
a wonderful array of handicrafts - coffee pots, swords,
leather goods, silverware, antiques, and household utensils.
Nizwa fort, completed
in the 1650's, was the seat of power during the rule of
the Al Ya'ruba dynasty and is Oman's most visited National
monument. The reconstructed Sultan Qaboos Mosque is one
of the oldest mosques in Oman. In the evenings, the call
of the muezzin fills the air calling the faithful to prayer.
 Bahla
A
few kilometers from Nizwa lies the
mysterious town of Bahla.
Bahla is the home of myths and legends that have carried
through the centuries. This little town is famous for
its pottery. The old Bahla fort with its 12 km wall
is the oldest fort in Oman. The fort is believed to
have been built in pre-Islamic times
Jabreen
Castle
A short distance beyond Bahla lies
the Castle of Jabreen.
This massive three-storied was also built during Al
Ya'ruba dynasty of the mid 1600's. It is a fine example
of Islamic architecture with beautiful wooden inscriptions
and paintings on the ceilings.
Jebel
Akhdar
 Jebel
Akhdar in Arabic means "Green Mountains"
and this region of the most verdant outside of Salalah
and the Batinah Coast. To go there requires a 4-wheel
drive ( and a road permit because of military installations
in the area). One of the most scenic areas in Oman,
coupled with the friendly local inhabitants, this region
is a natural spot for tourism. Points of interest include
the towns of Wadi Bani Habib, Saiq and Al Ayn, where
local farmers raise grapes, pomegranates, apricots and
walnuts. The climate is moderate year round as the mean
altitude is about 1800 metres. Also of interest is the
lookout over the canyon recently named Diana's Point,
for the late Princess of Wales who spent time here in
the late 80s.
Wadi
Tanuf, Misfah
The ever-flowing springs are tapped to produce a commercially
popular brand
of drinking water. In Al Hamra, 400 year-old mud houses
are still standing and occupied to this day. Out along
the nearby wadi at Hasat bin Sult Rock, ancientpetroglyphs
estimated to be over 3000 years old lie in wait.The
dark reaches of the Falahi/Hoti cave system await intrepid
spelunkers. Hidden neatly in a crevasse on the mountainside
lies Misfah al Abreen, a garden paradise of humblefarmers
and herders.
 Jebel
Shams
To the west of Al Hamra isthe road to Jebel
Shams(mountain of the Sun), thetallest peak
in Oman at 3010 metres. Here it is where you can find
oone of Oman's greatest natural wonders, the Wadi Nakhr
Gorge. Inside the canyon, you can haggle with the local
rug weavers, trek to the cliff dwellings along the canyon
rim and visit remains of towns once occupied ages ago
by Persian settlers. Rock climbers will want to test
their mettle on the stony crags of Jebel Misht while
antiquarians willl want to visit the mysterious Beehive
Tombs of Bat.
Only 150 kms from the capital city of Muscat, nestling
between the Hajar Mountanins, the Nizwa Hotel is ideally
located for day visits to the ancient capital Nizwa
with its historic fort and souq.
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