Muscat - Across the Arabian Sea

Muscat is a City at the western edge of the Arabian Peninsula, adjacent to Arabian Sea. It is the capital and the largest city of Oman, a sultanate in the Arab World. Oman is an Islamic country, ruled by an Absolute Monarchy known as the Sultan. Oman is a wealthy country, due to its vast reserves of Oil and Natural Gas. Oman has lots of immigrants who make up more than 40% of the country's population. Out of these immigrants, Majority are from India followed by other Asian countries like Bangladesh, Pakistan, Indonesia, Phillippines etc.  

Sultan's Palace, Muscat, Oman 

Muscat has quite a few sightseeing places to visit from a Tourist point of view. The most popular one is Grand Mosque. It is called as Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque. It is the largest Mosque (Islamic place of Worship) in Oman and has capacity of 20,000 worshippers. Construction of the Mosque started in 1994 and was completed in 2001. It is spread over an area of 4,16,000 Sq. Metres (44,80,000 Sq. Feet). The Mosque is made of different types of Stones, with Doors, Windows and Embellishments made of Wood and Glass. About 2,70,000 tonnes of Indian Sandstone was imported for building this Mosque. 

Prayer Hall, Grand Mosque, Muscat, Oman 

Muscat boasts of an Opera Theatre which looks luxurious and opulent from outside as well as inside. It is officially known as Royal Opera House Muscat. Many International Artists (including Indian) have performed at this place. The Opera House reflects unique contemporary Omani architecture and has a capacity to accommodate upto 1100 people. It was established in 2011. The Opera House Complex consists of a concert theatre, auditorium, landscaped gardens, cultural market with luxury restaurants and an art centre.   

Auditorium, Royal Opera House, Muscat, Oman 

Muscat has several Museums worth visiting. Out of them, Two of the most Popular are - National Museum and Bait-Al-Zubair Museum. Both Museums exhibit the history and culture of Oman, that is meant to educate foreign tourists.  

Traditional Omani Attire, Bait-Al-Zubair museum, Muscat, Oman 

Model of Omani Village, National Museum, Muscat, Oman 

Muttrah is a Suburb of Muscat, about 22 KM (20 Minutes drive) from the main city. It is a commercial center and one of the largest seaports of Oman. Muttrah is famous for its Fort and Souq (which means Market in Arabic culture). 

(Left - Outside View, Right - Inside View), Muttrah Fort, Muscat, Oman 

One must definitely visit the Souq for buying Dates (a dry fruit known as 'Khajoor' in Hindi), Perfumes, Handicrafts and other souvenir items. Muttrah is popular for its panoramic view of the Gulf of Oman. Muttrah has Port Sultan Qaboos, which is one of the main commercial ports in Oman. It is Oman's premier maritime gateway and an ideal shipping hub, not only for the Persian Gulf but also for South Asia and markets in Eastern and Southern Africa.  

Muttrah Souq, near Muscat, Oman 

Indian Tourists need a Visa prior to visiting Oman, that can be arranged from a Travel Agent or Tour Operator. Single Entry visas (10 Days or 30 Days) are available for Tourism purpose to apply for. Oman Air, the country's flag carrier, has scheduled flights to Muscat from many Indian cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai etc. Air India and Indigo also have scheduled flights to Muscat from Mumbai and many cities in South India.