NIZWA

The oasis city of Nizwa, the largest in the interior province, was the capital of Oman in the 6th and 7th centuries. Today it remains one of the most popular tourist attractions with its historical buildings and imposing fort built in the mid 17th century by Imam Sultan Bin Saif Al Ya'ribi, The town's immense palm oasis stretches for eight kilometers along the course of two wadis. It is famous for its bustling souq where tourists can buy exquisite copper and silver jewelry and other craft items.

Nizwa old and new souqs (markets) provide the visitor with all his or her needs with many choices to select from, whether you are seeking an old Omani khanjar or a slice of pizza. The Rocky Mountains "Jebal alHajar" are Nizwa background, from there you get to visit Al-Jabal Al-Akhdar and Al-Misfat (>3000m above sea level), Oman most spectacular areas. Up in the mountains, calm summers provide the visitor with a unique fresh air surrounded by breathtaking stones, natural architecture and temperate-zone trees and shrubs. Besides, there are the palm oasis on Wadi (valley) Kalbouh and Al Abiadh from Birkat Almouz to Tanuf, just something you will always feel in need to visit again and again. Falaj Daris is the life maintainer of Nizwa gardens and the water supplier for all domestic purposes. Parks equipped with children playgrounds are many in the town and outside for all levels and ages. People of Nizwa are friendly, just like all Omanis, they will guide you happily and show you everything that you feel you want to see. It is an experience that you will never find anywhere else.

Places to visit in Nizwa

1. Jebel Akhdar

At first sight Jabel Akhdar (meaning Green Mountain) appears to have been misnamed, for the slopes of the mountains are rocky, sandy and barren .. that is until the winding switchback road finally reaches the summit and the Saiq plateau on top comes into view. Here, the temperature is 15 degrees or more cooler than at the mountain's base and the area is full of gardens and orchards hidden away among the labyrinth of wadis and terraces; the combination of cooler mountain air and greater rainfall provides ideal growing conditions for all kinds of temperate fruit. 

2. Al Hoota Cave

The underground Al Hota Cave is a natural marvel. Some 2.7m long, the cave feature and enormous subterranean cavern filled with stalactites, stalagmites and colourful solid rock columns and an 800m long underground lake that is home to rare species of blind fish. Refurbished in 2006 to make it accessible to all, Al Hota Cave has a train so there’s no need to don your caving gear, though sensible shoes are recommended.

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