Muscat Holidays-Somehow Offbeat but Totally Engrossing

Tranquillity and serenity are the words that spring tomuseum takes one back to the days of French
the mind when one thinks about Muscat. Relaxedcolonialism. In fact, Muscat is full of numerous
lunches on the beach, lazy days of sightseeing, andfascinating museums.
mesmerising serrated mountains make for manyMutrah Souk
rejuvenating moments. The destination is also a meltingAlthough, Muscat has ample playgrounds for mall rats,
pot of British, Indian, Omani, and Sudanese cultures.but nothing beats retail therapy at the Mutrah Souk.
This naturally makes Muscat a perfect example ofThis is a world of maze like pathways cluttered with
unity chequered with diversity, which finds reflection indozens of old fashioned stalls selling a range of
the very way of life, right from cuisines to art andgoodies like antiques, fresh local produce, local fabrics,
culture. Lacking the bustle of some of the morenuts, regional spices, jewellery, dowry boxes,
commonly known holiday destinations like Thailand,hand-weaved footwear and bags, ceramic figurines,
Muscat is the perfect place to unwind far from thereligious paintings, and earthenware. The experience
maddening crowd. Here are some of the delightfulhere is so unique that it is even said that Muscat
charms adorning this holidaying haven.holidays are incomplete without some shopping at the
Pristine BeachesMutrah souk.
Muscat has quite a few soul satisfying private as wellGrand Mosque Sultan Qaboos
as public beaches. The Marjan, Bandi Al Jissah, andThis massive feat of modern architecture stands as
Qurum beaches are among the most popular ones.the third largest mosque on the planet. Everything
While the Marjan beach is excellent for snorkelling andabout this grand mosque is king size. Even the hand
coming up close to breathtakingly amazing marine lifewoven Persian carpets inside the mosque are the
like parrot fish, cuttlefish, turtles, clownfish, and sealargest of their kind in the world. The mosque is open
cucumbers, the sun kissed palm fringed Bandi Al Jissahto non Muslims on specific days.
beach is perfect for a family picnic. Its fine goldenDolphin Boat Trips
sands and quaint little shops ensure that the beachThe clear blue seas of Muscat are perfect for taking
remains flooded with an overwhelming tide ofdolphin watching boat trips. These playful creatures
humanity. Those looking for a somewhat quieter beachmake for an amazing sight when they are up to their
picnic would do well to visit Qurum beach and spendantics of performing summersaults in the air. Near here,
some time in solitude amidst captivating scenic views.the Tiwi village is another popular attraction. The major
Astounding Museumshighlight of a trip to the village is to observe the daily
People who go on Muscat holidays usually do not missbehaviour of green turtles.
out upon a first hand experience of glorious ArabicWatchtower
traditions in one of the many museums there. TheThis incense burner shaped monument offers
Muscat Gate Museum serves as a window to thesweeping views of the surrounding city, desert, and
entire history of Oman, starting from present times andmountains.
dating right back to its birth. Similarly, the Oman French