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Udaipur is also home to the Jaisamand Lake, claimed to be the second largest man-made sweet water lake in Asia. The beautiful City Palace and Sajjangarh (Monsoon Palace) add to the architectural beauty and grandeur of the city. The famous Lake Palace, located in the middle of Lake Pichola is one of the most beautiful sights of the city. Packed with historic attractions, completely exploring Udaipur takes some time, but is really worth it.

One can also visit the village of Jawai Bera from this city, and witness a village where leopards and humans beautifully coexist against the picturesque backdrops of a rocky landscape.

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The place appeals to those with a taste for history as well, as the town has a number of forts and towers, like the “Rimi Fort”, the two opposite towers, and the “Najida” tower. Each fort and tower has a story, a narration that testifies to the nobility of the past.

It is also distinguished by a number of valleys and water springs, like the Al-Bilad and Al Jabal valleys which are the largest ones in the Wilayat of Ibri.

The people of Bilad Al-Shahoum are really interesting as well, with their customs and traditions, and they also practice many traditional crafts. Among the famous folk arts of the village is the art of al-Razha, al-Ayala, and al-Azwa. Young people still preserve the art of archery and hold shooting competitions in the town on various occasions such as holidays and weddings.

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The village derives its name from the perennial wild trees that grow in the streams of valleys and springs called “Sugar trees,” distinguished by their long green leaves.

The village is dotted with ancient houses, some of which have been restored and turned into hotel inns that receive tourists and vacationers, providing a unique experience for guests dating back hundreds of years. For instance, the hotel rooms are made of stones taken from the mountains, with wooden ceilings, while the dimly lit corridors tell stories through time.

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Jabal Akhdar: This is, perhaps, the most popular destination for Muscat residents, owing to its proximity to the city as well as the recent weather conditions. It is located about 150 km from Muscat and requires a four-wheel drive to get to the top; however, there are tour operators and even private taxis operating at the base of the mountain to take you all the way up to the top. It has lush fruit farms and hidden villages to explore.

Jabal Shams: Jabal Shams, which translates as Sun Mountain is home to several attractions, including the local Grand Canyon. Located 240 km from Muscat, Jebel Shams is the highest mountain in the Al Hajar Mountain range and is easily reachable in a saloon car. It is ideal for camping and the weather tends to be cooler than the city. Alternatively, you could book space at one of the camping facilities, which will offer all comforts – from food to air-conditioned sleeping quarters.

Jabal Hatt: If you are a mountain person, this is another option to explore. It is located north of Al Hamra and is best known as a mountainous village. It offers picturesque views of the surrounding mountains and the traditional homes of residents below. Although the weather can get hot during this time of the year, it could provide a break from the everyday city life with its unique vistas.

Salalah: With the onset of the khareef season last week, Salalah, capital city of Dhofar Governorate, is your best bet to soak in some monsoon weather. The entire place is a haven for both locals and visitors from the region. It boasts of verdant mountains and striking waterfalls, presenting a panorama of touristic places to visit and enjoy. You could drive down to Salalah, take a bus or fly for a rendezvous with monsoon drizzles and cool winds.

Masirah Island: Masirah is one of Oman’s must-visit places; it is idyllic in every sense of the word. It has picture-perfect beaches, which promise to connect you with nature in perfect oneness, while helping you to relax and unwind from everyday work routine. This is, however, one of those far-off destinations that require planning, as the last part of the journey is aboard a ferry.

 Musandam: Popularly referred to as ‘Norway of Arabia’, owing to its spectacular fjord-like sunken khwars or valleys, it is a visually gratifying destination. You could fly from Muscat to Khasab, take a ferry or drive down for an up close and personal tryst with this beautiful gem.

Wadi Bani Khalid: Rated as the most popular wadi in the Sharqiyah region, it has all that a picnic spot should have – from pools of water to palm trees. It is a desert oasis that can get crowded during holidays owing to its myriad attractions. The weather could prove to be a dampener too, but its scenic splendour is worth the drive and the little heat.

Go on, explore Oman; feel the vibes of its natural beauty and its serene environment.

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A lush green paradise dotted with spice plantations, sprawling tea gardens, and endless treats of breathtaking waterfalls and lakes, Munar is indeed a fairy tale land. Visit the Attukal Waterfalls, Anamudi, Pothamedu View Point, Echo Point, and the Eravikulam National Park, or just relax at your resort as the fresh air soothes your soul, Munnar has something for everyone!

Ooty

One of India’s most popular hill stations, Ooty is often called the Queen of Hills. Ride the Nilgiri Toy Train and visit the Doddabetta Peak, Ooty Lake, Emerald Lake, tribal Toda huts, Deer Park, Upper Bhawani Lake, Avalanche Lake, St Stephen’s Church, and Kalhatty Waterfalls. 

Kodaikanal

With its beautiful waterfalls, valleys, meadows, grasslands, forests, and lakes, Kodaikanal is considered one of the best places to visit in south India. From cycle rides to yoga, boat rides to treks, Kodaikanal has a lot of adventures to offer to its tourists.

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The presence of numerous “Aflaj”, an irrigation system found in Oman which catches mountain water and controls its movement down man-made subterranean channels, prompted the construction of a water dam in the valley area called Wadi Tanuf Dam. The dam itself is rather beautiful, with a large number of beautiful trees and rare plants where one can, more often than not, spot wild animals, or relax under the shade of substantial perennial trees and hear the sounds of water flowing between the streams and aflaj of the valley along with the beautiful sound of birds singing.

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The Wilayat of Jabal Akhdar, with moderate temperatures (lows of 18 to 20 degrees) is, in fact, currently witnessing a large turnout of tourists and visitors from Oman and abroad who are flocking over to enjoy the cool summer weather.  

As per the official figures released by the National Centre for Statistics and Information, as many as 57,867 visitors, including 16,476 Omanis, arrived in Jabal Akhdar during the first five months of this year – Saudi nationals topped the list of foreign visitors (1,983), followed by Kuwait (493).

The Wilayat of Jabal Akhdar has been the scene of active seasonal rains, with overcast skies, and this has made it a regular hotspot for many in the summer. The wilayat also enjoys various services and amenities, international resorts, 3-5 star hotels and guesthouses.

According to Ali Mohammed Al Busaidi, Deputy Wali of Al Jabal Al Akhdar, the wilayat has received special attention from the government and has undergone considerable development. He also pointed out that the Al Jabal Al Akhdar Festival, due to be held in August, will further accelerate the flow of tourists.

Owing to the current increase in the number of tourists to the wilayat, the Ministry is also conducting more field visits to check the level of quality of services provided by hotel establishments. The wilayat currently has 13 hotel establishments with 734 rooms, in addition to two under-construction tourism facilities (180 rooms) that are expected to be completed by the end of 2023.  

For tourists and local visitors planning a summer trip to the wilayat, there are several sporting activities to look out for, including mountain climbing, hiking and visiting caves and ancient villages.

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Perhaps the party capital of India, Goa is a patchwork of various cultures against the backdrop of picturesque beaches. A Portuguese colony prior to 1961, Goa is known for its 17th-century churches and the area’s tropical spice plantations. Experience history preserved at Goa’s numerous monuments, or have a leisurely getaway at its beautiful beaches, Goa has it all.

SHIMLA-MANALI

The two sister hill stations in Himachal Pradesh are perhaps the most iconic ones in India. One of the most favourite destinations for tourists seeking a getaway from the heat wave. And if you have a few more days in hand, you can extend this holiday to include breathtaking places like Kullu, Khajjiar, Sangla, and Kalpa.

UTTARAKHAND

This place is a great destination for the pious and the adventurous alike. While one usually associates Uttarakhand with Chaar Dham (the four holy destinations), this mountainous state features some breathtaking destinations other than the holy ones, although Kedar Nath and Gangotri are two of the most beautiful places one can ever visit. And if you are more of a thrill seeker, explore the wild side at the Corbett National Park.

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What attract tourists here the most are the beaches that extend along the coastal strip of the Arabian Sea, where some fishermen take tourists and their families for a short picnic on the sea or in the vicinity of the port, but only if the sea is calm. The destination also offers activities like surfing, as Al Ashkharah includes several lagoons, perhaps the most famous of which are Khor Omar and Khor Awija.

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