Decision to explore a new country is not easy,that too with out a proper planning.During a routine week end gathering,we friends were in discussion about the Eid holidays ahead in the coming weeks.With no more places left out to explore in kuwait ,we(3 families)decided to spend the 5 days holidays in any of the GCC countries not only because of the option of on-arrival visas for professional degree holders but also due to shortage of time to plan for other countries.Oman popped up immediately in our mind as we have heard that it is the perfect (family) destination for a two to three days off as its really easy to travel, offers a huge variety of highlights and has some of the most gentle people on this planet.

OMAN AND SALALAH TOUR – 5DAYS AND 4 NIGHTS

Day 1-(9-9-16)

We took Oman airways flight at 3 am and reached Muscat airport at 6 am.We were picked up by our driver cum guide Mr.Noufal palora (Tour Executive)who was recommended by a friend who had wonderful travel experience with him before. We reached our friends place in Mutrah which is at 30 mins drive from the airport.During the 30 mins drive I felt Muscat was no different from Kuwait in aspects like roads,climate though the temperature was 10 degrees less compared to Kuwait.My guess about the place in that 30 mins time proved to be completely wrong ,as by the end of the tour I realised Oman was quite a unique place among other Gulf Countries.

BHIMA SINKHOLE

We refreshed at our friends luxurious apartment and ate special breakfast made by them and were ready to leave to Bhima Sinkhole. We started at about 10.30am and it was just starting to get quite busy. Noufal recommended that we get there as early as possible to avoid the crowds and, of course, the heat. We didn’t intend to swim in the sinkhole as we were told that there would be no place to get changed in the actual sinkhole.The sinkhole was well worth the trip with the fishes nibbling at our feet. It did not hurt at all.Kids did not mind getting wet full and enjoyed viewing the fishes underwater through their googles.The stairs down to the sinkhole are quite steep so we had to hold on tight to our little ones. Luckily we had taken an umbrella to protect ourselves from the hot sun, as there was virtually no shade at the bottom.

After spending almost an hour or so we picked up our things after drying off a little and left to Wadi Shab which is located in Tiwi south from Muscat .

WADI SHAB

"Traveling is all about new experiences," and the element of surprise takes your trip to the next level."though we planned for vacation I had literally no idea about the places we are going to visit.The Wadi was one such place,all I know about is that ‘Wadi’ means a valley or channel that is dry except in the rainy season. Noufal was briefing about beautiful coastal oasis of Wadi Shab stating that it is fresh water cascading from tops of the mountains meeting the sea water on its banks.He was also telling that adventurous lovers would enjoy the journey through Wadi, as you can only meander through certain areas by boat, or take pleasure in a refreshing hike through this mountainous region.

A little boat ride across the water and our journey into one of the most beautiful places started. Noufal said that the entire Wadi was about a 40mins hike and considering the risk involved as there are chances that we may slip easily and fall down somewhere or hurt yourself seriously – asked us not to go through the entire way. Since total of 6 kids were there he ensured that we were safe and comfortable.

For about 20 mins we walked amidst the beautiful scenario and reached the pool .The water in the pools was as clear and blue as you can imagine and the feeling of almost untouched nature was absolutely stunning! With kids we felt better not swim in the pool which lead to

a beautiful cave with a waterfall .On our way back we found a person who is hurt very badly was bleeding and being carried by a local. We felt that our decision to return back without viewing the amazing spot is correct ,as its real risk to proceed through along with kids,as there were no medical facilities also around the place.

For lunch ,Noufal drove us to a local restaurant where we were served biriyani and freshly fried fish.The cook cooked specially for us and we were free enough to enter his kitchen and helped him in fry the locally sourced fresh fish(just to pose for a pic).

From there we were all set for a long drive to Sur.Noufal went at 145 km speed and we were literally flying and enjoyed every bit of the drive. He stopped us at local snack shop and said that the tea they offer is the best ever .we were spellbound by the richness in taste of the tea with flavor of cardomon that too along with hot samosas whatelse we could ask for.We finally ended upto to Ras Al Hadd hotel, driving a long way into the desert! .At 8pm we were ready to watch the turtle. It is an amazing experience walking down to the beach and seeing the turtles. It feels very appropriate and non-invasive and the Omani government are clearly doing the right thing by controlling access to the beaches through this centre. The rules are very clearly spelt out about noise and about the camera light to be switched off .Kids had loads fun in catching small turtles and leaving them back in a safe place.

We were lucky enough as we spotted almost 6 giant turtles. The turtles leave behind huge cavities in the sand, and the beach looks like it has been ploughed up by a tractor. The sight of these turtles carry their heavy shells on their backs, dragging themselves out of the water to the beach with great difficulty,digging a hole in the sand using the tips of their paws so as to bury their eggs and then return to the sea is simply amazing.After spending about 2 hrs we had yummy dinner in one local Omani restaurant where we had fish fry,parotta and chicken gravy prepared by a malayalee cook and returned back to our room.