Hiking in Al Hajar Mountains

Trekking to North-eastern Oman will bring you to the wonderful Al Hajar mountain range which provides a wealth of tales to learn of. Having served as a barrier which prevented foreign invasions from overpowering Oman, this mountain range is by far the most stunning of its kind in order for adventure enthusiasts to set about for some hiking. Easily reachable from most Oman resort properties such as Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort, some of the more frequented hiking trails can be found in regions such as Jabal Shams and Jabal Akhdar where warm, searing temperatures would greet hikers by day before more freezing climes would tend to take over the minute the sun begins to go into hiding.

While hiking in this region would be better with the aid of a guide, journeying to these parts from wherever you maybe based would have to be done in a robust 4×4 which could easily navigate this terrain with no fuss at all. First up is the Balcony Hike which can be enjoyed in Jabal Shams and takes approximately 4 hours to complete though the views of Oman that will be at your disposal would quite simply leave you breathless. Though moderate in nature, this hiking experience will lead you past abandoned villages while guiding you across a well-marked out trail along the rim of a canyon. If you do keep your eyes peeled for sudden surprises then you will be treated to the odd sight of hidden waterfalls that only add to the charm of the journey. Next up would be the region demarcated as the Western portion of the Al Hajar Mountains that hold its own secrets and fascinations. Walking on top of cliffs and savouring the cool mountain air may seem like the best feeling in the world right now but do make it a point to venture deeper, into parts that have been lost to the modern world. Moving into the wadis in this part will lead you into a collection of old villages where no trace of life can be found but the stillness and eerie silence of these once thriving communities will welcome you to a side of Oman which has now been forgotten though in terms of a hiking experience, is “just up one’s street,” so to speak. However though carrying your camera would be a pre-requisite, so too would be your trusty canister of water as you must not be placed in a position where you would be caught out by the weather in these regions.

Auburn Silver is a travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+

Madu Ganga

Thinking of visiting the sleepy sea-side town of Beruwala to unwind and relax? You will certainly be spoilt for choice for a hotel in Beruwala. Opt for some old-fashioned sunbathing by the pool, a well deserved spa day at the Heritance Ayurveda Maha Gedara or many other such facilities and set sail down the panoramic Madu Ganga.
Madu Ganga is a River located in the South-West of the island which eventually meets the Indian Ocean at Balapitiya. It is also home to around twenty five islands which host human settlements. Many of the inhabitants are engaged in the cinnamon trade and make a living by peeling cinnamon and making cinnamon oil. The Madu Ganga, along with the Randombe Lake make up the Madu Ganga Wetland which was declared as such in accordance with the Ramsar Convention in 2003 possibly because the Wetland area boasts of 303 plant species as well as nearly two hundred and fifty species of vertebrae. Furthermore, it is believed that nearly twenty of plant species are actually indigenous to this particular area.
Because of its aesthetic beauty as well as its rich biodiversity, River Safaris of the Madu Ganga are presently being offered to visitors and travellers who wish to witness its immense natural beauty for themselves. During such a boat ride, patrons can expect to see numerous aquatic species and because there are numerous bird species in the area, it is an ideal activity for a bird-watcher to engage in as well. The River Safari lasts between one and a half to two hours. Guests can also opt to watch cinnamon peelers at work and even purchase cinnamon products as souvenirs.

Roland Lefevre is a travel writer who specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe. Google+