Footprints Travel mag May-July 2011

Vol. 1, Issue 4 , May-July 2011, Summer Special

Oman’s first premier travel magazine

Jump off a plane!

Oman-Trail

Globe-Trail

Salalah: the green paradise Snake Canyon adventure Indigo’s Oman launch Golf Tourism, celebrity say & more

Botswana Victoria falls Skydiving in Dubai Boat houses of Kerala Singapore night safaris, Mauritius calling & more

Readers Forum

Regular visitor at Bait Al Safah

Bait Al Safah is one of the most important landmarks in the history of the Hamra region. As you are aware, Al Hamrais, where Bait Al Safah is located, is a 400-year old town in the region of Ad Dakhliyah, in northeastern Oman. It is also home to the mountainside village of Misfat Al Abryeen. I am a regular visitor to this area and whenever I get the chance, I make it a point to visit Bait Al Safah and taste the Rukhal (bread) and piping hot kahwa.

I somehow love the area and whenever I am there, I also make it a point to visit the nearby souq and watch halwa makers at work in the halwa shop in the old souq. But, I have never visited The View as yet. Next month, I will be heading to Hamra again.

Perhaps, might take a quick look at The View too.

Keep you all posted! All the best to your magazine!

Tim Saunders, Al Khuwair

Put Shreyas on the list I read your piece on the yoga destinations (Random Yoga destinations for this holiday February – April 2011) with interest. I have stumbled upon an exciting yoga destination, right in the spiritual home of yoga – in India – itself. Try to visit Shreyas, which is located in the heart of the countryside an hour from Banglore (Bengaluru). I had a superb stay there and I think I am going to head there every year, at least once. It is not just for yoga, I think it has a holistic approach, which makes it beyond a mere yoga destination. Peace and yoga in five-star luxury; a perfect hideaway to recharge the batteries.

Nalini R. Gopal, Muscat

Cool up there The View seems to have all the necessary ingredients to be one of Oman’s most perfect getaways. Especially when the summer is bearing down on us, rather heavily. I wanted to know how it was on top. I am sure it was cool up there, but, how cool was it? Would anyone of you let me know? I want to be really far away ‘from the madding crowd’ and reading about The View makes me feel that this is one spot where I should head, but, yet again, I am not in the mood to feel all hot and bothered.

Cyndi S., Qurum Heights (Ed. – This trip was done in January, and the weather was quite cool; we took warm clothes along.

The View is not a place with just a view, but it is also cool (in every sense of the word) too! Have a great trip!)

My seven places Inspired by your story on the ‘Seven places to visit before you die’, I have made my own favourite list: Niagara Falls, North America; Lhasa in Tibet; Hawaii, USA; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Loch Ness, Scotland; Amazon Rainforest, South America and Venice. These are the seven places that I am going to visit before I die!

Salim Jaffar, Sohar

E-mail your letters to footprints@blackandwhiteoman.com 4

May-July 2011

C o n t e n t s Editor-in-chief Mohamed Issa Al Zadjali Managing editor Priya Arunkumar Work editor Adarsh Madhavan Design and production Beneek Siraj Photographer Najib Al Balushi Advt. & marketing Swithun Fernandes, Ali Raisi, Priyanka Sampat Printers Oman Printers

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Published by: Muscat Press & Publishing House SAOC Postal address: P O Box 86, PC 115, Madinat Sultan Qaboos Office location: Hatat Complex A, Office no: 212, II Floor Ph: 24565697 Fax: 24565496 e-mail: footprints@blackandwhiteoman.com

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On the cover

A joint venture with Zahara Travel and Service Bureau

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Design: Beneek Siraj, Photo: Michael Cissell 6

May-July 2011

Some nights at the Night Safari Night Safari, the world’s first wildlife park for nocturnal animals, is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Singapore. This multi-time winner of the best visitor attraction experience, awarded by Singapore Tourism board, is now an internationally acclaimed leisure attraction Victoria Falls – the smoke that thunders It is not possible for anyone to describe the beauty and grandeur of the unbelievable Victoria Falls. Words are not enough, says Susan Thornton, a travel writer, who exhorts us to go and see the world’s largest falls so that we can literally see the smoke that thunders

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A drive through an ancient paradise It is hard to believe that there is a rain-drenched, green wonderland right in the midst of the blistering desert. Come Khareef and Salalah drapes itself green and glowing with a special beauty

House on water A glide in a ‘Kettuvallam’ (houseboat) through the enchanting backwaters of Alleppey in Kerala, India, is sure to rob your heart

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Snake Gorgeous The Snake Gorge, set in Rustaq, is not for the faint hearted. Dark legends surround this ‘grand canyon’ of Oman

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Wanted: Golf tourism in Oman Every year, thousands of businessmen and women visit Oman, but how many of them extend their stay for a round of golf?

Golf can become a major tourist attraction

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Oman-India tourism set to receive a boost with IndiGo’s Oman launch IndiGo, India’s largest discount airline by market share, will be flying to Oman before the end of this year, further boosting the existing tourism ties between the two countries May-July 2011

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Friend, philosopher & guide

Mohamed Issa Al Zadjali Editor-in-chief

This holiday, stay in Oman This holiday, don’t fly out of Oman. Stay put in

getaway? However real it is, I always find it hard

Oman itself. Strangely enough, we tend to escape

to imagine a lush spot in Oman, drenched by rains

to other climes; other destinations for a holiday; we

when the rest of the Sultanate is baking hot?

have a fetish for anything that has got to do with

But, Oman is indeed a land of contrasts. For

‘abroad’ little knowing that right here in Oman, we

summer, despite its heat, offers its share of cool

have so many spots that are waiting to be explored;

wadis and drives up wind swept mountain tracks.

to be fully discovered.

Adventure tourism is the word. The Footprints If we just look around, we are going to find hundreds

team recently took a dive off a plane in Dubai.

of fascinating spots and dream locales right here.

Exhilarating! But, at the same time, it made me

Guess it is just a mindset, but even if it happens

wonder why we don’t promote adventure tourism

slowly, it has got to change. How many seasons

in Oman? With its natural rich mountains, Oman

are there in Oman? Two, you would say. Yes, the

can indeed be an adventure tourist’s delight by all

‘on’ season and the ‘off’ season. But, in reality,

means. The trip through the famous snake gorge of

Oman also has its share of four seasons.

Oman was indeed another adrenalin high…

With the monsoons setting in, it is Salalah calling

Enjoy the holidays, but, for that, you don’t have to

again! Why not soak up in this mystical green

fly away out of Oman!

ambience? Why not head to this nature’s miracle

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Globe-Trail

Mosi-oa-Tunya Victoria Falls – the smoke that thunders Words and photographs: Susan C. Thornton

Raw natural power! The waters thundered down with that sheer, natural, awe inspiring power. It – no, enough! It is not possible for me to describe the beauty and grandeur of this unbelievable fall. Words are not enough. You must have heard of it, read about it, but, it is better that you see the world’s largest falls yourself rather than hear or read mere words.

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May-July 2011

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Globe-Trail

T

he Victoria Falls is a natural wonder

that can overawe you. It did that to me, giving me that sheer awestruck indescribable feeling where mere words

Then came the final moment when we

were not enough. We had chosen to visit

stood right before it, watching up close

the Zimbabwe side of the falls. Upon

and

reaching there we immediately went down

it simply wonderstruck. Well, I have

the cataract’s step into a misty rainstorm

repeated the same sometime back. This

and spent some unforgettable moments

is one article where I seem to have to

as the turbulent waters thundered down.

repeat myself because it is quite difficult

personal.

We

stood,

watching

to put into words the indescribable feeling We had watched the mist from the falls

of standing before a water powerhouse.

some 20 to 30 kilometers away and it

Forget me, even the famed David

was quite enticing. The thundering roar

Livingstone, a Scottish missionary and

of the widest curtain of falling water in

explorer, had very few words when he

the world could be heard long before the

came upon this mighty natural wonder.

falls were seen. The river above the falls

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May-July 2011

is sluggish and tranquil, characterised

Sight for angels

by deep pools filled with crocodiles and

Livingstone was the first European to

hippos, while below the falls the river

view the Victoria Falls. The exploring

narrows and tears its way through the

scot, who was the first known European

Bakota Gorge in a stunning display of

to see the Victoria Falls, named them

power.

after Queen Victoria.

enjoyed spectacular views of the water thundering down with a terrifying roar.

Watch the moonbow

The river‘s annual flood season is from

After covering the long distance with the

February to May with a peak in April.

He was quoted as saying: “No one can

falling thundering waters we reached the

During this full flood season, the spray

imagine the beauty of the view from

end of the Zimbabwe side where there

from the falls typically rises to a height

anything witnessed in England, It had

is a crack in the rock and we could see

of over 400 meters and sometimes even

never been seen before by European

the spectators from the Zambian side

twice as height and is visible from upto

eyes; but scenes so lovely must have

watching the small little bit of the falls

50 km away. So, during this time of the

been gazed upon by angels in their

they could view from that side. When it

year, the falls cannot be seen on foot on

flight”.

Earlier, from the window seat

is at its peak in April, chances are that

the Zimbabwe side with clouds of spray

of the plane, I had looked down over to

you may not even see your hand, let

rising height into the sky and drenching

see the huge plume of spray where the

alone the falls. But, since it was June, we

all tourists.

Victoria Falls tumbled into the deep gash of Batoka Gorge.

Physical Description Information:

Smoke that thunders

Total Height: Tallest Single Drop: Number of Drops: Waterfall Type: Average Width: Average Volume: Maximum Recorded Volume: Watercourse: Seasonality: Seasons of Best Flow:

Known to locals by their wonderfully descriptive

African

name,

Mosi-oa-

Tunya, the smoke that thunders, it is here that nature is at her most powerful. What would have Livingstone felt when he first witnessed this amazing spectacle?

Just imagine running into something like this by chance. He would have been spellbound by the sight.

English 350 feet 350 feet 1 Segmented Block 5,700 feet 38,430 cubic feet / sec.

250,000 cubic feet / sec.

Zambezi River Perennial

Metric 107 meters 107 meters

1,737 meters 1,088 cubic meters / sec.

7,079 cubic meters / sec.

Location, Directions & Maps: Continent: Country: State / Province: Locality: Specific Location: Latitude / Longitude:

Africa Zimbabwe / Zambia Matabeleland / Southern State Livingstone Victoria Falls National Park

May-July 2011

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The falls are actually split into a number of separate waterfalls owing to the small islands dotted along the top of the But it is the best time to see the

falls that interrupt the curtain of water.

“moonbow” that forms in the spray,

Boaruka Island near the western bank

at the full moon, instead of the normal

and Livingstone Island near the middle

daylight rainbow. From May as the

are the two important islands on the

annual flood abates, the view of the falls

crest of the falls that are large enough to

gets better and most of the Victoria Falls

separate the curtain of water even at the

can be seen.

full flood. The other islands that divide the curtain of water into separate parallel

We walked around and then finally

streams are: Devil‘s Cataract, Main Falls,

feeling deadbeat climbed a rock and sat

Rainbow Falls and the Eastern Cataract.

there. If ever you feel tired, all you got to do is to just perch yourself on the rocks

Flight of Angels

and watch the falling mass of water. We

If you get a chance, take to the sky on

did that. We sat there and watched. And

a Flight of Angels trip and you will be

watched…

rewarded with the full force of the world’s mightiest waterfalls in its ground-shaking

World’s largest sheet of falling water

magnificence. Even if you view the falls

The Victoria Falls is located in the

with the full-circle rainbows, but the

southern part of Africa on the Zambezi

best view is that of the sunset through

river, between the countries of Zambia

the clouds which gives off an almost

and Zimbabwe. It is attributed to as the

supernatural feel!

from a little way off, it is awesome what

world‘s largest sheet of falling water and it is one of the ‘Seven Natural Wonders

A 15-minute helicopter flight departs from

of the World’.

a location near the river. This flight goes over the falls themselves. Once over the

In 1855, David Livingstone, the Scottish

falls, the pilot circles several times in both

missionary and explorer, is believed to

directions, giving everyone on board a

have been the first European recorded

terrific view of the water below.

to view the Victoria Falls. This waterfall is 1708 meters (5604 ft) in width and 108

The experience is dramatic as the falls are

meters (354 ft) in height, which is roughly

instantly “in your face” from the moment

twice the height of North America‘s

of takeoff. The 30-minute helicopter

Niagara Falls and over twice the width of

experience takes off from the same

its Horseshoe Falls.

locations as the 15-minute experience, but first travels down river, dropping into

The falls are formed as the full width of

the gorge itself, skimming low above the

make the spectacle suitably impressive.

the river plummets in a single vertical

churning water.

Rainbows, so-called moon bows (full

drop into a transverse chasm, carved by

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moon rainbows) in the towering plume of

its waters along a fracture zone in the

Best time to visit

basalt plateau. The depth of the chasm

The falls get medium to high water

varies from 80 meters (262.5 ft) at its

during January, February and then from

western end to 108 meters (354.3 ft) in

June to August. Though there is great

High water is the happy medium between

the center, and this is called the First

variance during the medium and high

too much water and too little with the full

Gorge. The only outlet to the First Gorge

water periods, conditions are generally

range of activities on offer to boot. If a

is a 110 meters (360.9 ft) wide gap about

best for viewing the falls and enjoying

safari is on your agenda, choose the latter

two-thirds of the way across the width of

the water-based activities. Parts of the

half of the peak to high water period when

the falls from the western end, through

mile-wide cliff face are exposed and you

temperatures drop, the bush thins and

which the whole volume of the river pours

can see all the way to the bottom with a

wildlife concentrates around permanent

into the Victoria Falls gorges.

decent amount of spray and thunder to

water sources.

May-July 2011

spray make excellent photographers of even the most inexperienced of us.

Don’t miss the hippos The Okavango Delta is a perfect location in which to start your luxury safari holiday. Renowned for its lush waterways and abundant wildlife, the Okavango Delta is home to a number of aquatic and land species. The species include semi-aquatic species, such as the elegant red lechwe and shy sitatunga. Families of hippo hide in the deeper channels and lagoons, while the unique Delta environment supports many minute but beautiful species, including multi-coloured frogs and incandescent dragonflies. The area supports the continent’s largest surviving concentration of elephant and buffalo, while roan and sable antelope roam the open woodlands. The Okavango is also a stronghold for the endangered African wild dog, although sightings of this rare animal are relatively uncommon. Exhibiting a fascinating social structure, wild dog live in packs led by a dominant pair, with a strict social hierarchy. Although particularly nocturnal and difficult to spot, leopard live in the dense riverine thickets of the Delta.

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Globe-Trail

“13,000 feet! What do you find at 13,000 feet? Me, slightly cold, slightly nervous, butterflies in my stomach, facing the wide open exit door of a plane. A cold air rushed through the exit and seemed to mock me, daring me to jump. Suicide? Not exactly, but I had to jump anyway. I was poised gingerly at the edge of the exit: should I…? Of course, there is no turning back! The butterflies in my belly created a storm…I was caught between the proverbial devil and the deep sea! Couldn’t jump, couldn’t turn back…what do I do?”

Young adventure enthusiast, Swithun Fernandes, who made a quick trip to Dubai recently only to sky dive, relates his exciting airy debut…his leap of faith!

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W

A huge ‘Welcome to Dubai’ sign greeted hoever thought that jumping off

us at the gate. The staff at the SkyDive

a plane can actually come true… oh well

Dubai office gave us a very warm

it can happen at the Sky Dive Dubai (The

welcome and handed out forms for each

Palm Jumeirah), which offers not only an

one of us to fill in our details and initial

extraordinary skydive, but also one of the

every term and condition mentioned. As

most breathtaking views for skydiving, in

we nervously filled in the details, we could

the world. It all started off one evening at

not help watch the professionals pack

an informal and friendly chat about our

their parachutes, while others geared up

plans for the weekend and it soon caught

for some test jumps.

on like a fire that would not subside until we actually jumped off a plane in Dubai.

We gave our details and had our weights recorded. I was under the impression

Since there was no opportunity for sky

that our instructors would be giving us

diving in Oman, we had to head to Dubai.

one-to-one rigorous training so that we

We had so many questions in our heads

don’t fumble at 13,000ft.

about the whole experience we were to undertake…questions that had no

As we waited, we watched a few

answers. From what height would we

professional jumpers landing a few

jump? What to wear? Etc. It was a bit

meters away from our tent onto a

nerve wrecking and by the time the seven

beautiful green patch, which was about

of us skydiving pretenders reached our

the size of a soccer field.

destination, we were totally in this what, when, why and how frenzy!

We had to split into two groups as they could not accommodate all seven of us

As our minds whipped up a whirl of

at the same time. So as we made our

queries and counter queries, doubts and

groups, they handed over our tickets

misgivings, the day, the hour and the

which read ‘tandem ticket’ and ‘13,000

minutes dawned upon us. Since we had

ft’.

to be at the venue two hours before the jump of our lives, we made it a point to be

We all knew then that there was no

much ahead of the time.

turning back as we had already paid OMR175 each. So as our names were called out and we met our instructors for the first time, butterflies began to flutter in our tummies.

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May-July 2011

When we to uched brimm ing w down ith ad I was that I renali could n e so mu not ev place ch en sta for m n d o i re tha n one accep n a se t that cond I had to just le into th apt o e ope ut n skie s

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Globe-Trail

IMPORTANT NOTICE Please note that to be able to make a tandem jump you must follow theses rules and restriction:

Age: You must be at least 18, please come with a valid ID.

Absolutely No alcohol and/ or drugs in your system before making a tandem skydive.

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May-July 2011

Clothes: Bring athletic and comfortable clothes.

Wear sneakers/sport shoes, no sandals or boots, no shoes with heels.

Weight: You must be within the weight limits: Ladies: Less than 200 lbs. Men: Less than 220 lbs.

Time: Plan to spend at least three hours for your experience.

Reservations: A deposit of 750 AED (roughly OMR 78/79) is required to make your reservation, call and book to reserve your jump. We try to accommodate walkins but cannot guarantee you will jump unless you booked in advance.

Weather: Skydive Dubai is sensitive to weather, so if the conditions are not perfect, your experience may take a little longer.

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Globe-Trail

Our instructors introduced themselves and took us individually aside and briefed us about the jump as they strapped the harness onto us. I had a million questions to ask him as I grew increasingly anxious and nervous. So as soon as he asked me, “Do you have any questions?” I fired away like a loose cannon: “How long will it take from the time we jump off the plane to touchdown?” “At what speed will we reach while we are freefalling?”

“What about our landing?” The questions went on and on. By then everyone in the room knew I was nervous, oh well it was my first time!

Boys turn into men As we paid for the entire package where still images and a video came along with the jump, my interview was taken before I knew it by another professional skydiver who was also going to jump alongside me from the plane. As we made our way to the plane, I saw my friends who had jumped minutes before us, touch down.

Falling from the sky But as soon as I looked out of that

It was our turn to walk into that plane as

door and saw the view of the coastal

boys and jump out as men.

line and the skyscrapers of Dubai, all

Mere specks in the sky

the butterflies in my stomach vanished and the next thing I knew I was flying.

It was now a show of courage mixed

They say you roughly fall at a speed of

with excitement as I got into the plane.

200km/h but all I knew was that I had

The higher the plane climbed, the bigger

never experienced a feeling like that ever.

the butterflies grew in my stomach. As

It was a total adrenaline rush. It’s that

my instructor strapped me to his harness

feeling you get when you wake up with a

I tried to make small talk to my friends

jolt because you feel that there is nothing

to distract myself from the thought of

under your feet. Only here you are awake

jumping off the plane, but in vain. The

and still fall for an entire minute.

guy right near the exit door kept opening it to circulate the air within the plane and it kept getting cooler and cooler. The

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May-July 2011

Leap of faith I noticed that most of us had a different

weather was so pleasant up there that I

position before disembarking from the

just wanted to stay in the plane as long

plane. The girls had to bend their knees

as I could but then suddenly it was my

and hold on to their harness while their

turn to jump and my heart skipped not

instructors did all the work. For us guys,

one but a million beats as I neared the

we had to kneel down at the edge of the

exit door. The guy who jumped seconds

exit door and pray for a second before

before me was just a speck in the open

we did the ‘leap of faith’. I guess it was

skies of Dubai.

because of our height.

Stop thinking, just fly

Jump at least once

While freefalling I didn’t know what to

Even when we touched down I was full

think of as things were happening so fast!

of adrenaline so much so that I could not

So I just went with the fall and enjoyed

even stand in one place for more than a

the ride and soaked up the view. My

second to accept that I had just leapt out

cameraman was all over the place as he

into the open skies. Nothing can beat the

could easily maneuver himself with his

thrill and excitement that I experienced

specially designed suit. And then I felt as

in those brief (five to seven) minutes of

though I hit a rock. It was the parachute

my life. We couldn’t wait to run back to

opening with a bang! It was a tug I will

our hotel and share our experience with

never forget. I thought it was all over but

each other. It is something I will never

it wasn’t! My instructor then tugged on

forget and I would recommend everyone

the parachute and I felt as if I was going

to experience it at least once in their

to fall again but he was just turning us

lifetime!

around. He then loosened the harness so that I would feel more comfortable as we

(Author’s note: The sky diving trip was

slowly went down on our slow descent.

organised primarily as a post-birthday

REACHING THERE:

greeting for Michael Cissell, a dear friend.)

Website: www.skydivedubai.ae GPS Coordinates: Lat: 25.091079, Long: 55.137892

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Globe-Trail

House on water Words: S. Nishanth

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May-July 2011

This time when I returned from Down Under to my hometown in Kerala, my parents said: “Kettuvallam * (traditional house boat)?�. Why not, I replied. Although, I was born and brought up in Queensland, Australia, I am an Indian, or more precisely, a Keralite. My parents, retired teachers from Queensland, returned and settled down in Alappuzha, also known as Alleppey, a town in the Alappuzha district of Kerala. Alleppey or Alappuzha (also known as the Venice of the East), is an important tourist destination in India. The backwaters of Alleppey are world famous and is the most popular tourist attraction in Kerala. It connects Kumarakom and Kochi towards north and Quilon to the South.

Alappuzha is a centre for houseboat cruises considered to be the Citadel of houseboats.

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Globe-Trail

A cruise along the palm-fringed waterways

Those with plenty of time to spend in

of Kerala in a luxury houseboat is the

the tropical environment, richly blessed

My parents had gone on houseboats

most enchanting holiday experience in

by nature, can have a package lasting

before, but for me, this was the first time

India, my parents tell me. You will skim

several days and nights. Those with

and I must say it was an unforgettable

past ancient Chinese fishing nets, water

busy schedules and little time, can enjoy

experience. A glide in a ‘Kettuvallam’

lilies, lush paddy fields, coir villages, rustic

a few hours in the blue lagoons, around

(houseboat)

enchanting

homes, temples and coconut groves. A

Alleppey, or they can visit Kumarakom,

backwaters of Alleppey is sure to rob

guided tour down the backwaters would

and surrounding bird sanctuaries.

your heart. Palm fringed narrow canals

provide you with a complete and most

winding through the vast expanse of

enchanting experience on the backwaters

Kerala backwaters, as a whole, form

paddy fields and the neat tiny hamlets

of Kerala and will also reveal to you some

an intricate network of lagoons, lakes,

lined up along either side of the canals

interesting facts about the life of local

canals, estuaries, and rivers that drain

are panoramic sights one can never

village people. There is a Kerala that lives

into the Arabian Sea. Over 900 km of

forget.

along these backwaters throbbing with its

this labyrinthine water world is navigable.

own unique culture. For you, as a visitor

Boating along the backwaters offers

to Kerala, it can be incredibly different

spectacular views and vistas of Kerala’s

Soon, we found ourselves in the heart of

and unusual experience just floating in

pristine natural beauty.

Vembanad Lake, flanked by the emerald

the backwaters in a country craft.

Unforgettable

through

the

Visual treat

green tropical vegetation and exotic

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Coconut palms, the arboreal symbol

fauna. Birds, fishes, animals, butterflies,

A labyrinthine water world

of

flowers, paddy fields, water lilies, and a

Alappuzha houseboats offer adjustable

backwaters framing the blue tropical sky

lot more added to the charm and magic

and negotiable packages with different

during daytime and a starry twinkling

of the backwaters. They offered a grand

destination circuits. The duration of

firmament during evenings. There are

visual enjoyment as we cruised through

the cruise and its timing is left to the

diverse sceneries along the backwaters

the tranquil water-scape.

convenience and interests of the tourists.

crisscrossing the coastal areas.

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Kerala

landscape,

fringe

the

Kerala cuisine Our houseboat was fully furnished. It The largest backwaters stretch is the

had a sundeck, a private balcony with

Vemband lake, which sprawls out into the

comfortable chairs, kitchen and toilet

three districts of Ernakulam, Alappuzha

with WC. In addition, there is a separate

and Kottayam and has an area of 205 sq

room for the crew.

km. It opens out into the Arabian Sea at

The houseboat holidays of Kerala are increasingly

becoming

popular

with

Traditional lanterns are used as lights.

domestic as well as international tourists.

The crew includes a chef, and two

Soul cleanser

“The number of houseboats, plying

oarsmen. We enjoyed the traditional

the backwater of Kerala, have thereby

We boarded the boat by noon and we

Kerala flavoured cuisine. I enjoyed the

increased dramatically,� the captain of

struck off immediately with our captain

fish fry (fresh from the lake). The food was

our houseboat told us.

(Bashir) and his small, but efficient

cooked by the crew and combined local

crew. For the rest of the afternoon, we

fish (blackspot, tiger prawns and scampi)

(* A Kettuvallam means a boat made by

cruised around the canals, enjoying the

as well as curried dishes, daal and rice.

tying together pieces of wood)

the Kochi harbour.

is not just infinitely relaxing to be on a

Exciting tourism products

floating house; it has a way of soothing

There are single bedroom houseboats for

your frayed nerves. The rhythm on the

two people and two bedroom houseboats

boat is slow like the pace of life on the

for four people. The houseboats of Kerala

backwaters as it navigates through the

have become one of the most exciting

narrow waterways watching Indian village

tourism products in India. Today there

life in a constant moving panorama

are A/c and Non A/c houseboats with

before you.

deluxe and luxury facilities.

REACHING THERE:

fascinating beauty of the backwaters. It

By Air If you are planning to fly from Oman, the nearest airport is Kochi, situated at a distance of 64 km, north of Alappuzha.

Another option is Thiruvananthapuram Airport, which lies around 159 km south.

Oman Air and Air India have daily flights to Kochi.

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Some nights at the

Night Safari

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May-July 2011

Nila Utama. Ok, the name may not mean anything to you. But for the hundreds of nocturnal visitors at the Night Safari, the world’s first and top award winning night zoo in Singapore, it is a familiar name. A name that will have them grinning from ear to ear. Nila Utama is a naughty nearly seven-month old baby elephant, which is the famous park’s latest addition to its brood of endangered Asian elephants.

Nila Utama, named after the Sumatran prince Sang Nila Utama, who founded the kingdom of Singapura in 1324, was sired by Chawang, the sole bull elephant at the Night Safari, which is managed by the Wildlife Reserves Singapore (WRS). Nila is the first elephant to be born at both Night Safari and Singapore Zoo in almost a decade, zoo officials confirm. He is the 11th addition to the family of Asian elephants at WRS.

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Nila’s first public appearance

Fascinating night journey

Nila made his first public appearance in

As dusk falls, the night is just starting for

April this year and has already proven to

over 1,000 nocturnal animals. Observe

be a darling of the masses that throng

as they rise to frolic, graze and hunt their

the Night Safari. Right from the time he

night away! Embark on a fascinating

was four months old, Nila has shown his

journey through the Night Safari.

adventurous streak, leaving his mother’s side to explore his surroundings and

You can traverse eight geographical

even get into the pool, all by himself.

regions via the Night Safari’s three

Visitors will be able to witness the close

interlinked walking trails and tram route

bond between Nila and his mother Sri

to observe various nocturnal animals

Nandong, who has also sired two other

from different parts of the world.

males, Sang Raja (noble one) in 1999 and Sang Wira (brave one) in 2001. Nila is but

The Creatures of the Night Show, which

one attraction at the Night Safari, which,

feature a half hour of non-stop action

like its name begins in the night.

is something that cannot be missed, according to the Safari promoters. You

Over 1.1 million visitors annually

get a chance to watch the Safari’s animal

Night Safari is an eight-time winner of

stars demonstrate and amaze you with

the Best Visitor Attraction Experience

their predatory and survival instincts.

awarded by Singapore Tourism Board.

This internationally acclaimed leisure

Creatures of the Night Show

attraction

and

Set in a forest clearing, this 20-minute

creativity in products and services, and

animal presentation will introduce you to

service quality, thus attracting more than

nocturnal animals, from the elusive owl

1.1 million visitors yearly. Over 1,000

to nimble binturongs to intuitive civets.

animals from 115 species (of which

Watch, learn, be entertained and even be

almost 30 percent are threatened) inhabit

part of the act. The show also features

the 40-hectare park.

a more interactive format where visitors

embodies

innovation

will be drawn into the action. But, since In line with its mission to promote

seating is on a first come first served

biodiversity, the park focuses on the

basis, it is better to come early to avoid

captive breeding of threatened species.

disappointment.

Over the years, it has bred Malayan tigers, Asian elephants, fishing cats, red dholes,

Show appearances/content may change

anoas, markhors, bantengs and Malayan

due to the temperament of the animals.

tapirs, among other endangered species.

Show times: 7.30pm, 8.30pm, and

A visitor’s experience at Night Safari

9.30pm

is not limited to animals but extends to

Additional show at 10.30pm on Fridays,

experiential dining segments with the

Saturdays and eve of public holidays.

daily

(weather

permitting).

park’s award winning Gourmet Safari Experience, where visitors dine onboard

Himalayan Foothills

a tram traversing the eight geographical

As the tram journey begins, the foothills

zones. The park can be explored either

of the lower Himalayas come into view.

on foot via three walking trails, or by tram.

At ground level, the terrain is covered

Night Safari is part of Wildlife Reserves

with dense vegetation. Farther up, pine

Singapore and is a designated wildlife

and fir trees, together with scrubby

rescue centre by the governing authority.

rhododendrons and dwarf bamboos, dominate the landscape.

32

May-July 2011

Stout

trees,

entwined

with

woody

creepers, dot the rugged hillside. This wet, montane zone supports the surefooted and the agile, adapted to leading

Leopard trail

a ‘high’ life in steep, mountainous terrain.

Some of the inhabitants include the

The other attractions include: the Indian

A rustle among the trees standing in

bharal, Himalayan tahr, mouflon, markhor

subcontinent, equatorial Africa, Indo-

a shadowy forest. A leopard emerges

and the magnificent Himalayan griffon

Malayan region, Asian Riverine forest,

from the dark and starts tearing apart

vulture.

and the Burmese hillside.

a carcass, which drapes lifelessly on a

Nepalese River Valley

Walking trails

from a wildlife documentary? No, this is

Leaving the Himalayan Foothills, the tram

Four interlinked trails – Leopard, Fishing

one of the surprises in store for you when

weaves through the marshlands and low-

Cat, East Lodge and Forest Giants –

you visit the Leopard Trail.

lying areas of the Nepalese River Valley.

offer a triple dose of adventure as you

Another highlight is the tarsiers. These

The landscape changes dramatically

encounter different animals on foot.

gremlin look-alikes have enormous eyes

branch of a tree. Sounds like a scene

with streams, moist grass beds and tall grasses dominating the habitats.

to spot their prey such as lizards, young A feast for the senses, you can walk

birds, spiders and insects in the dark.

amidst giant flying squirrels gliding from

Also on display along this trail are the

A drive-through sambar habitat is the

tree to tree, marvel at the swiftness of

Malay and small-toothed civets, which

highlight of the Nepalese River Valley

the fishing cats zeroing on their prey or

mark their environment with foul-smelling

zone. The sambar, one of the largest

reach dizzying heights as you peer over

secretions, called “civet”. The secretions,

Asian deer, range freely here and often

treetops.

however, have a very pleasant smell

“sneak up” so close to the tram that

when diluted and may be used in the

passengers can almost touch them.

production of perfumes.

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A visitor’s experience at Night Safari is not limited to animals but extends to experiential dining segments with the park’s award winning Gourmet Safari Experience, where visitors dine onboard a tram traversing the eight geographical zones. The park can be explored either on foot via three walking trails, or by tram. Night Safari is part of Wildlife Reserves Singapore and is a designated wildlife rescue centre by the governing authority

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May-July 2011

Fishing cat The fishing cats are undoubtedly the

The shorea can grow to a dizzying

stars of this trail. Guests are treated to a

height of 45 metres while the Nyatoh, an

drama as the cats watch their fishy prey

important source of timber, can reach

with intense concentration and suddenly

a towering 40 metres. Over 100 other

lunge into the water to pin them down.

native plants are found.

The greater and lesser mouse deer move around daintily with their pencil-thin legs.

Among them are rattan, gaharu, meranti

Not true deer, these animals do not have

and jelutong. The forest at night is

antlers and the males use their elongated

teeming with the nocturnal activities of

canines as a weapon for defense.

toads, frogs, crickets and other insects.

Other inhabitants along this trail include

You may even be able to catch a glimpse

the elusive pangolin, the playful and noisy

of bats, flying lemurs, night jars, owls,

small-clawed otters, Indian gharials and

squirrels and tree shrews. Venture into

the largest bat in the world - the Malayan

the deep woods of the East Lodge Trail

flying fox.

and trot from the continent of Africa into Asia.

East Lodge This trail leads you through one of the

Forest giants

few remaining pockets of undisturbed

Experience the purr-fect nightlife of

primary forest in Singapore. As its name

Equatorial Africa’s wild side with every

suggests, this trail is a botanical display

step you take as you try to spot the

of awesome forest giants, some of

agile Serval. Listen out for the laugh of

which have been around for more than a

the Spotted Hyeana, one of the most

hundred years.

fearsome predators in the savannah.

Then see the majestic Bongo in its bright, chestnut red coat with narrow white stripes – the largest and most beautiful of all African antelopes.

Let the grunts of the highly endangered Babirusas welcome you as you cross over into the exotic Indo-Malayan region where you’ll also see the marvelous

REACHING THERE:

Malayan Tiger.

(Night Safari is located at 80 Mandai Lake Road Singapore 729826.

More information can be found at www.nightsafari.com.sg)

May-July 2011

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May-July 2011

Mauritius

g n i all

c

Time almost stands still when you take in the natural beauty of Mauritius. This tropical fantasy of an island in the Southern Indian Ocean, which is blessed with sunshine, trade winds and endless beaches, will enchant you, uplift your soul and make you feel that you are one among the chosen few. Really!

After visiting many countries, you maybe tempted to ask: Which holiday destinations can keep the promise they made in their travel brochures? Some can. And, you don’t have to look far.

Mauritius being one of the few that can really go beyond the mere posturing of a brochure and deliver the goods!

What does a tourist really want? Attention. In Mauritius, you will discover that every visitor enjoys personal attention. Every encounter is an opportunity to discover a friendly face. Behind each smile lies the promise of a unique holiday. The contrast of a multitude of colours and tastes, the island, set in its turquoise sea, is an oasis of peace and tranquility.

Mauritius, a melting pot where past and present are smoothly blended together, offers an essential beauty that will compel you to return to its shores time and time again. There is natural beauty, brilliant sunshine and endless beaches‌then there are other reasons like golf, diving, and snorkeling. Mauritius has long been a destination for those seeking winter sun, paradise-white beaches, pampering and luxury accommodation. Let us look at some quick-fire reasons why you should visit Mauritius:

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Mauritian charms Holidays

to

Mauritius

are

surely

something to look out for. The island offers ample opportunity to have fun, catch some sun and explore numerous natural marvels. Look at the handful of Mauritian charms that will make your cheap holidays absolutely rich!

Beaches Mauritius beaches are a little slice of paradise. It has some of the world’s finest beaches that are responsible for making it such a glorious winter sun destination and an extremely popular holiday spot among Europeans. The nation’s pristine beaches are much more than just being beaches; they offer different shades to the lives of tourists and locals alike transporting them to a place where serenity collides with excitement! Belle Mare Beach, Blue Bay Beach and Pereybere Beach are some of the beaches that attract tourists in droves for Mauritius holidays.

Port Louis Port Louis, the capital city of Mauritius, is the perfect representation of the island nation! Port Louis is a vivacious city that presents a brilliant fusion of wonderful traditions and breathtaking modernity.

The city is particularly renowned for its remarkable nightlife and making tourists’ holidays in Mauritius an absolute hit.

People can check out numerous casinos, pubs, night shows, bars and restaurants in Port Louis. The city’s Natural History Museum is big tourist attraction that features

stuffed

replica

of

several

animals, birds and sea creatures!

Pamplemousses Botanical Garden Pamplemousses

38

Botanical

Garden

Grand Baie

is for those who wish to experience

Grand Baie is an extremely popular beach

something different! The place offers

stretch that just cannot be clubbed with

a perfect refuge for tourists needing an

other beaches of the region! More than

escape from the hustle and bustle of city

a beach, Grand Baie is an entertainment

life. Pamplemousses Botanical Garden

hub that is ideal for different types of

remains one of the most frequented

water activities like yachting, water-

tourist spots in the incredible Mauritius.

skiing and windsurfing. Grand Baie and

The garden features different varieties of

its surroundings also include shops,

medicinal plants as well as charming fish

cheap hotels, restaurants and bars.

ponds

May-July 2011

Places to see and things to do Grand Bay is a must as it is a shopping and leisure paradise, it also happens to be the area where Mauritians head for when they want a fun-filled night out. You will find that Ile aux Cerfs is a paradise for water sports and has one of the most beautiful beaches in Mauritius. This tiny island is a real gem, delicately poised on the ocean. Visit Ile aux Aigrettes to enjoy the magnificent landscapes with endemic plants and rare bird species in this protected area. There is some excellent diving in Mauritius and Golf is popular with some championship courses. Other activities include trekking, cycling and even caving for the more adventurous.

Climate Wonderful weather and awaits you here.

In the summer months (November to April) the temperature varies from 25 C to 33 C on the coast. The sea temperature approaches a lovely 27 C. It is a little cooler from May to October when the temperature varies from 18 C to 26 C on the coast and the sea temperature

Restaurants and Cuisine Mauritian cooking is in a class of its own and is influenced by different cultures

Shopping

and cooking traditions. You will find an

The island has a reputation as a shopping

eclectic mix of Creole, Chinese, Indian

paradise and you will see there are

and Muslim food. During your stay do

excellent shopping opportunities and

allow yourself the pleasure of eating local

prices are very reasonable. Mauritius

food at a table d hote or in the various

has an enviable reputation for textiles

specialised restaurants. Although the

production, namely for sweaters and

food in the hotels is always of a high

other knitwear. Leading brands are sold

standard, take time to sample the local

at unbeatable prices all over the island.

restaurants where your taste buds will be

There is something for everyone on this

pleasantly surprised.

wonderful, diverse island.

REACHING THERE:

approaches 22 C.

Many international airlines, including well known carriers provide air access to Mauritius from major international airports. Sir Seewoosagar Ramgoolam Air Terminal is the international airport in Mauritius. It is situated approximately 3 kms from Mahebourg, and 48kms from Port Louis. The airport has all the necessary features of an international terminal, including duty free shops, restaurant, bars, bank, and a post office.

Mauritius can also be reached by the sea route. Many cruise companies offer luxury cruises to Mauritius from nearby ports like Durban in South Africa.

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May-July 2011

A drive through an

Words: A. Rahman Photographs: Mohammed Al Awaid

If you are driving and have never been to Salalah before, it will take some time for you to believe that just some kilometers away you will find a welcome respite from the blazing hot desert climate. Yes, if you are patient enough and have reached Thumrait, the gateway of Dhofar, then you are almost there!

Climb the winding path, past the mountains and then your patience will be rewarded. Then you will realise what everyone has been saying all the time is actually true: That on one side, where you came from, there is this sweltering sky sending down sheets of heat and blaze, while, just around the corner (well, almost), we have a cool, rain-drenched land sparkling green.

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May-July 2011

I

t was like as though the land was

playing chameleon. Brown, splotchy, sunny land suddenly turns a sparkling shade of green that can make anyone envious. Without much ado, we just dove

The visual delights include: long white

into this green wonderland.

sandy beaches, swaying coconut palm trees, thickets of vibrant green sugar

The trip from Muscat to Salalah took

cane, grids of banana and papaya trees

around 11 to 12 hours (not always as it

and rows of frond-roofed stalls on the

could depend on what distracts you on

roadside bulging with tropical fruit for

the path; as there are plenty of places

sale. This is a must-stop spot and we

worth a detour en route). From Muscat,

tucked into some tasty Salalah farm

you will cover Rusayl, Nizwa, Haima and

produce, including soothing coconut

then Thumrait. Next stop is the green

water.

wonderland, Salalah, Oman’s second largest city, around 1000kms away from

Many

tourists

flock

these

roadside

the capital.

stalls. Each year, several hundreds of thousands of visitors come to Salalah to

Now, driving from Muscat to Salalah can

celebrate the Khareef festival. The cool,

either be tedious and uncomfortable, or,

cloudy, summer climate with refreshing

fun and enjoyable. For us, since we took

rains is an enjoyable break for many who

turns at the wheel and since we really

have been sweating (literally) under the

enjoy driving, it was the latter. Even the

inescapable summer inferno.

scenery was fun, especially during the first five hours when we passed through

Salalah is a city that has risen with the

Nizwa and other towns. In the latter half

frankincense trade. In the Middle Ages,

we saw only barren desert and oil fields.

its position on Indian Ocean drew trade

But, we had no problem as it was all a

from Africa, Europe and China. Top

new experience for us.

explorers who have visited Salalah include Marco Polo in 1285, Ibn Batuta in

The exciting part of this trip is the

1329 and 1349 etc.

anticipation, because we have heard so much about Salalah, especially the

Apparently, even the Queen of Sheba

Khareef (or monsoon season), which

fell under the spell of the area’s treasure,

climatically begins on June 21 and

far greater than gold and reportedly sent

continues till September 22, every year.

gifts of frankincense to impress King

There are nine months of drought and

Solomon.

then, three months of the khareef for Salalah.

Tourists like us were mainly drawn by the thought of finding summertime drizzle

And, as we drove into Salalah town, we

in an otherwise sweltering atmosphere.

did the next best thing that we could do

And, of course the fine sand beaches, the

before we embarked on a rainy adventure:

cultural history and archaeology, and the

switch off the air conditioning in the car.

natural diversity that has always wooed

This is the only time and place where we

visitors to this ancient paradise.

can think of doing this. Through the open windows, we took in the scene.

Later, we drove past huge incense burners along the roadways and this

Of course, Salalah is more than just the

reminded us of the fact that Salalah is

khareef, but the latter adds an unusual

also known as Arabia’s Perfume Capital.

twist to this Arabian land, making it

Frankincense enjoys a pivotal role in the

sound like a fairy tale.

region’s fine heritage.

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The scented gum had inspired a trade of mammoth proportions with other civilisations,

spawning

in

its

wake

legendary cities like the lost city of

Rising high above the coast is the Jebel

Arabia, Sumharam, and Al Balid, the

Samhan plateau, the highest point in

ruins of which are today a monumental

Dhofar at 1800 meters. Here you can find

touristic draw. Visitors like us had the

the hanging valley of Wadi Dirbat which

privilege of stepping into the very spots

is impressive in full flood. Further into the

that legendary men had lived.

jebels is Tawi Attir (the hole of the birds), a natural sink hole over 100 metres wide

We

visited

the

Frankincense

Land

and 250 metres deep. Nestled in a hidden

Archeological Park (Al Balid) on the

valley is the Baobab Forest with huge

Salalah waterfront, then explored the

bulbous trees, one tree over 2000 years

fortified ruins of Sumharam on the

old and 30 feet in diameter at its base.

picturesque Khor Rori creek and also the famed Frankincense trees, which some

To the west of Salalah are many stretches

say are worth many times its worth in

of beautiful beaches. One of the most

gold. Frankincense is the signature scent

popular of these is Mughsayl where you

of Salalah, and it is available in many

can find unusual blow holes in the rocky

grades.

shelf close to the shore. These holes display dramatic bursts of water and

Other unforgettable pit stops include

foam sometimes reaching 50 feet in the

the visit to the Job’s tomb (Nabi Ayub)

air.

set high in the Qara Mountains. Less than half an hour’s drive from Salalah

The remaining part of our five day visit

is Ain Razat, a picnic spot with springs,

to this summer getaway was spent

hills, gardens and streams. Nearby is the

exploring these exciting spots. And last,

equally resplendent Ain Sahanawt.

but not the least, we have to say that we ended our trip in style: at one point in the

Seventy kilometers east of Salalah lies

mountains, we switched off our 4WD, put

Mirbat, famous for Bin Ali’s tomb (Bin Ali

it in neutral and released the hand break.

was revered in the early days of Islam as

The vehicle began to move up in some

a sage and holy man). Taqah, 36kms from

mysterious fashion at this anti-gravity

Salalah is a picturesque, quaint village.

spot, almost in the same fashion we have

The fort at Taqah goes back several

been moving around this seaside oasis

hundred years and is well stocked with

since we drove down here from Muscat

authentic decorations and appointments.

a few days back.

Frankincense trail Salalah is a city that has risen with the frankincense trade. In the Middle Ages, its position on Indian Ocean drew trade from Africa, Europe and China.

Top explorers who have visited Salalah include Marco Polo in 1285, Ibn Batuta in 1329 and 1349 etc. Apparently, even the Queen of Sheba fell under the spell of the area’s treasure, far greater than gold and reportedly sent gifts of frankincense to impress King Solomon

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46

May-July 2011

Words: Swithun Fernandes and Abner Coehlo Photographs: Simon Horswell and Wayne Hamrick

May-July 2011

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Once you begin the journey into the snake canyon, you cannot turn back.

That is the rule and that is something you will be forced to follow because there is actually no turning back

48

May-July 2011

A warning sign with the words, ‘beware, there is no turning back once you enter’ should ideally be hanging at the entrance of the snake gorge in Rustaq.

That is a fact: Once you begin the journey into the snake canyon, you cannot turn back.

That is the rule and that is something you will be forced to follow because there is actually no turning back.

There is only the way forward.

As many who have been there claim, the snake gorge is not for the squeamish at heart.

Apparently, dark legends surround this great fissure in the rugged landscapes of Rustaq: “about diving off high cliffs, about waters whose depths are unknown; of snakes and other creatures swimming next to you in narrow caves; of sudden flash floods that can sweep you away…”

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Oman-Trail

F

ortunately, not all of them are true.

The whole group (around 23) were in six

Yes, you have to dive, but not from very

4WDs. We parked some of the vehicles at

high cliffs – people have jumped and

the gorge’s exit to facilitate our trip back

lived to tell the tale. Yes, the depth of

and then we all bundled into the other

some pools may not be determined in

4WDs and got back to the starting point

some areas, but even if you don’t know

of the trek.

swimming, you could still wear a life jacket and paddle across.

A word of caution before you start off with this trip… the minimum requirement

Yes, there are some reports of snake

is: two four wheel drives, loads of water,

sightings, but, they generally shy away

water proof backpacks, cameras, snack

from us and reports of snakebites are

bars and most importantly, you all need

unheard of (according to our knowledge).

to be swimmers and if not, the most

As for flash floods, yes, that is one area

important factor, you need to be brave

where you need to double check and

hearts!

double check before you venture into the gorge or any wadi for that matter.

You carry your own back pack so, keep

Entering the gorge after a downpour

it to the minimum. Wear good trekking

would prove to be too costly.

shoes and grab your life jackets if you are a brave heart and not a swimmer!

Whether you believe it or not, the whole journey is a mental as well as physical

The trip takes about three hours and in

challenge and we did not take it lightly.

short is an admix of swimming, wading

You will never know what to expect and

through pools, jumping down a few

once the walk is completed, there is a

metres from rock ledges into pools,

real sense of achievement…

scrambling over boulders in the gorge between two cliffs and sliding down the

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May-July 2011

Your adventure begins at the canyon

rocks. You cannot go up anywhere and to

mouth. But, we will get to that later. For

cut it short and once you jump down into

the moment, here we are rocking away

the first pool you cannot turn back either.

in a 4 WD to the exit of the snake gorge.

The exit is at the village of Zammah.

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Oman-Trail

You will cross several pools and small waterfalls during your trek, including one

‘Mountainous’ jungle

pool that flows into a semi-dark nearly

At one end, you could call it a natural theme

30-metres long cave.

park, but at the other end, a mountainous jungle… the canyon suddenly becomes

The trek is not about great physical

narrow with practically vertical walls that

fitness, but rather, great determination,

have been smoothened out by rushing

which along with a life jacket can keep

water throughout the rainy season.

you afloat (literally!). But, it is always

Then there are some huge boulders to

advisable that you have experienced

scramble over. Beware, there aren’t too

team members in the squad when you

many hand holds here.

do this trip.

The gorge joins another one halfway

52

May-July 2011

Jump, slide, crawl

coming from the right and another one

We will tell you what we did: we dodged

(again from the right) near the end. Always

rocks, slid down an algae ridden slippery

follow the left branch, down slope. Check

path, jumped off high cliffs and dove

for shallow rocks before you plunge into

into ice cold water under a cave! And it

pools. They say that if you make enough

definitely wasn’t as easy as it sounds.

noise, that would be enough to scare the

There were moments of great hesitation

snakes away. Although we lost all our

as we looked over the edge, our hearts

playfulness the moment we jumped into

palpitating -- and sometimes in our

the first pool, we still managed to make

mouth -- and our palms sweating as

enough noise. We did not see even a

we wondered where we would get that

single snake, nor even its skin. You won’t

push to leap! Getting into a cave is fine,

be alone though, there are little cute

but then sometimes, it can be quite

fishes and toads and frogs to keep you

claustrophobic if the water is high.

company!

At one end, you could call it a natural theme park, but at the other end, a mountainous jungle‌ the canyon suddenly becomes narrow with practically vertical walls that have been smoothened out by rushing water throughout the rainy season

May-July 2011

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Oman -Trail

The slides are indeed trickier than the ones on the snake and ladder game.

You slide down to pools of cold water.

Once you wade out of the cave, you get

So this adventure should be ideally

a wisp of fresh air. You are out in the

planned during summer, when there

open, with a long way to trek… and as

is the warmth of the sun to take off the

it is summer, you will be dry and hot in

chillness. Summer also ensures that

a minute. This is where you should keep

there are no rains to cause flash floods;

yourself hydrated… you trek for a good

because the gorge gets full in seconds

30 minutes to reach the exit where you

post downpour.

have parked your first 4WD. It is a near

Almost there

three to four hours ordeal through the snake gorge!

The cave is the climax. You slide down

54

The trek will keep you on your toes all

to a cave of water, quite dark, but for a

The most challenging part in the trip for

the time. When we say jump off cliffs, it

streak of sunray… the water is ice cold

us…? Well, almost all parts of the trek,

is no joke. The highest jump is from a cliff

and can numb you in seconds. But, don’t

but there was an outlandish point where

that is 18 to 20 feet high. But you have no

panic. Relax, take a deep breath, and

you have to squeeze yourself through a

other option other than to jump. There

swim through the stretch…whatever it

rocky gap, which could fit your body

are three such jumps and the other two

is, keep calm. A good 15 minute swim

through if you are of the leaner kind! If

are a little better, just 15 feet and less!

awaits you here.

not you will leave a bit of skin behind!

May-July 2011

Signboards (Stay left) Turn off (Left turn) GPS- 23º20'31.38 N 57º29'35.64 E Barka R/O (Turn left) GPS- 23º40'3.13 N 57º53’1.72 E

Rest station (Last petrol station) GPS- 23º18'43.80 N 57º31'13.12 E

Legend On road Off road Off road

Zammah Village

The Exit (Leave one vehicle here) GPS- 23º12'47.78 N 57º24'13.35 E

REACHING THERE:

The entrance GPS- 23º12'40.42 N 57º23'5.14 E

Take the road towards Rustaq, towards Wadi Bani Auf; keep going straight till you reach an Oman Oil petrol pump on the right. Another 15 minutes drive straight again, you see the board of Wadi Bani Auf, and just before you reach the board, take a left to get in to the off road. Forty five (45) kms on the off road drive with settlements on both sides, you reach a village. Keep left at all junctions. Soon you will reach Zammah village.

May-July 2011

55

Oman-Trail

Wanted: in Oman

56

May-July 2011

The Japanese business group led

by Takahiro Yoshimoto came from Japan to Oman on a whirlwind work visit; they stayed less than 24 hours. When they finished their work, they took the next flight back home to Tokyo. There were seven of them, including Takahiro, and almost all of them were really great golf enthusiasts, with Yoshimoto being a bit of a local champ in his home town. If they had only known more of the golf courses available in Oman, perhaps, all seven of them would have extended their trip.

And this group would have spread the word. But, neither did the group extend their stay, nor, did they even think that they could have added some golf pleasure to their business trip here.

May-July 2011

57

Oman-Trail

More than 50m golfers Every year, thousands of businessmen and women visit Oman, but how many of them extend their stay for a round of golf? This sport (golf) can become a great tourist attraction. There are more than 50 million golfers worldwide and roughly 30 percent of them are known to take a golfing holiday every year, statistics reveal. Facts and figures worldwide on how golf can become a great tourist attraction can be a real eye opener. Golf represents the largest sports-related travel market. It has been valued at $20 billion with over 50 million golf tourists travelling the world to play on some of the estimated 32,000 courses.

Big market to tap “Isn’t that a big market to tap in to, even

Spread the word

in a golf nascent country like Oman?”

“Golfing is still a new game for the locals,

“Dr Mohammed bin Hamad Al Rumhy,

query local golf promoters. If golf lovers

but, I feel it is time we looked at the bigger

minister for oil and gas, is the patron

and promoters unite and embark on a

picture. This year has been dedicated as

of the OGC junior golf programme and

serious drive to promote golf as a major

the year of junior golf development with

he has encouraged us saying that to

tourism value, it would reap massive

an aim to catch them young and teach

develop golf in Oman, we have to start

financial rewards.

them golfing. Unless the locals start to

with our youth, both boys and girls. Golf

play golf, the game cannot progress.

is not only one of the fastest growing

We trained some young children to play

sports in the world; it is also one of the

The Oman Golf Committee (OGC),

golf through a 10-week programme.

important pillars that develop the tourism

which is always promoting golf in Oman,

This is as part of our plan to grow the

industry of a country.”

recently conducted an innovative golf

game of golf among children in Oman.

training programme for juniors. They

This will encourage the parents and

Stay back for golf

trained 60 youngsters, comprising all

family members to look at the game too.

Salim Al Harthy, executive vice chairman,

nationalities. The group included 38

Awareness is the need of the day. Locals

OGC, meanwhile noted how golf and

Omani children, including nine Omani

and expatriates living in Oman need

the tourism industry were interlinked.

girls. It was part of the ambitious five-year

to know that Oman has very good golf

“It is more ideal for Oman, because

plan formulated by the OGC to grow the

courses and it doesn’t take much to learn

the Sultanate is targeting quality and

game of golf among children in Oman.

and play the game. And it is a game that

exclusive tourism and golf will be an

The programme was approved and

one can play until you are 70 or more.

ideal tool for it. Look at the number of

supported by the Scotland-based golf

There aren’t any age limits at all,” Ali Al

business travellers coming to Oman…

world governing body, the R&A, which

Bimani said.

are we retaining them here? They come

Golf for juniors

had recently delivered 20 TaylorMade

58

Ali Al Bimani

by road or fly down for a day or two and

junior sets to the OGC.

Focus on golf tourism

go back, not knowing what is Oman.

“With golf being the largest tourist-related

“Today Oman is looking to tourism

With a little bit of awareness and by

sport in the world, it is vital that a strong

for diversification. And globally, golf

promoting the game of golf we can retain

pool of local members can support the

represents the largest sports-related

these travellers to stay back for more

growth in the sport, especially as golf

travel market. So why not focus on golf

days and take a bit of Oman along with

is a target audience for Oman’s tourism

in Oman? Statistics reveal that over 50

them.

industry. The OGC’s vision is to start by

million golf tourists travel the world. And

building the local playing population. We

golf is one of the best-paid sports in the

Direct impact on tourism

hope to do this by introducing the sport

world. It is vital that the local residents

“I believe golf has a direct impact on

to as many junior members as possible,

support the growth of the sport, as golf

tourism and has a direct ability to bring

Ali Said Al Bimani, chairman, OGC, told

is a target audience for Oman’s tourism

in revenue to the nation. Golfers can

Footprints.

industry.

contribute a lot to the development of

May-July 2011

tourism in Oman. Once again I would reiterate that the home grown golfer is the final word. We have to invest in our own society so that the game has a good life,” Salim Al Harthy said.

Time we said, ‘go golf’!

The golf industry is by its self very vibrant, offers lots of employment opportunities locally.

Oman

has

very

distinctive

advantages too. The geography of Oman, its cultural heritage adds on to the lure of the game. “Golf is an addictive game. It teaches the basic life skills of patience, honesty and persistence. It makes you a better person. Seven good months gives golf a better time seasonal time structure too. It is time we said go golf,” Salim enthused.

Salim Al Harthy and Yvonne Welling

Bright future for golf in Oman He also noted that the OGC was quite

This is a sport that is ideal for Omani girls

Truly global sport

happy with the level of interest and

and our intention is to rapidly increase

“Golf is the game of the future. It is a global

enthusiasm among all the children

this number. “In the 2016 Olympics, golf

sport that will bring the world closer. It

who have taken part in the OGC junior

will be introduced and we are confident

will definitely make the world a better

golf programme. “We are particularly

that Oman will have both a male and

place, because it is an honest game. It

pleased to have nine Omani girls on this

female

is probably one of the only sports in the

programme.

definitely a bright future in Oman.”

team

competing.

Golf

has

world that requires no referees,” Yvonne Welling of the OGC added.

Main Golf courses in Oman

“Oman is the jewel of the Arabian

Al Maha Golf Club

a variety by itself. The desert, beaches,

Holes: Yardage:

18 holes, brown Men: 6,695 yards Women: 5,620 yards Telephone: +968 24522177

Flamingo Park Golf Club Telephone +968 24467058

The Oman Automobile Club Golf Course Holes:

Website: Contact:

Crowne Plaza Salalah Marco Polo Golf Course Holes: 9 hole par 3 green course Telephone: +968 23235333

18-hole championship world-class links style golf course with panoramic ocean views to the north and mountain views to the south.

Oman’s first PGA Links golf course www.thewavemuscat.com customerservice@thewavemuscat.com, +968 24534444

Ghallah Wentworth Golf Club Holes Yardage Par Contact: Website

mountains are all a feast to the eyes and mind.

18 Hole Golf Course

The Wave Golf Club Holes:

Peninsula. The natural landscapes are

Challenging 18 hole course built into a natural wadi (valley) with a spectacular mountain backdrop and wonderful sea views.

Men: 5,936 yards / Women: 5,199 yards 72 +968 24591248, info@gwgc.net, www.gwgc.net

Golf will only add on to its natural beauty and attraction. The game of golf will enhance and accelerate not only the GDP of Oman, but also place Oman on the tourism map of the golfers worldwide.

It is just a start, but, golf will take Oman places…” she said.

Golfing destination If things work out as planned and with the right push from the OGC, chances are bright for the surge of golf tourism in Oman, promoting it both as a golfing destination and also a wonderful location for golfing holidays. And, perhaps, the next time that Yoshimoto come to Oman, he might want to stay back for a quick round of golf.

May-July 2011

59

Oman-Trail

60

May-July 2011

Oman-India tourism set to receive a boost with IndiGo’s Oman launch IndiGo, India’s largest discount airline by market share, will be flying to Oman before the end of this year, further boosting the existing tourism ties between the two countries.

The New Delhi-based airline hopes to connect India and Oman before the end of this year, Aditya Ghosh, president, IndiGo airlines said, in exclusive remarks made to Footprints.

IndiGo, which has been cited as the “fastest growing low cost carrier in the world” (*), plans to go international in September, this year. “As per the traffic rights we have received earlier, IndiGo plans to make Singapore, Dubai and Bangkok as routes operational to its customers,” Ghosh said, adding that they hoped to replicate its India success story, “redefining its unique flying experience and brand value in the aviation industry”.

May-July 2011

61

IndiGo will operate its maiden international flight on September 1, 2011 connecting New Delhi with Dubai.

During the month of September, the airline will commence daily service on the Delhi-Bangkok-Delhi and DelhiSingapore-Delhi routes. It will subsequently connect Mumbai with Dubai and Bangkok with daily flights effective October 2, 2011. Flights to Muscat would be made operational within the same year.

How many aircrafts does the airline have under its wings and which are Excerpts:

the domestic destinations?

Currently, with 39 new Airbus A320

What was the basic premise behind

aircraft, IndiGo operates 259 daily flights

starting a private airline?

connecting 26 destinations in domestic

India is a highly underserved aviation

skies. IndiGo placed a firm order of a 100

market and there is a huge potential for

Airbus A320 aircraft in 2005. The delivery

low fare air travel that is great quality and

of the first 100 aircraft will be complete

reliability. That is why IndiGo stands for

by 2015. In addition, IndiGo recently

three simple things – on time, low fares

placed another firm order of 180 Airbus

and a courteous, hassle-free service.

320 series aircraft of which 150 aircraft will be the newly launched Airbus A320

I am the airline’s president. IndiGo is

Neo aircraft. This is the largest aircraft

promoted by InterGlobe Enterprises and

order in civil aviation history globally.

Rakesh Gangwal, an aviation industry veteran.

InterGlobe

Enterprises

has

Domestic

destinations

include:

been a committed player in the travel

Thiruvananthapuram,

and aviation industry for the last 19

Agartala,

years. InterGlobe Enterprises is a leading

Bhubaneshwar, Chennai, Delhi, Goa,

travel conglomerate in India and enjoys

Guwahati,

a wide-ranging presence in the fields of

Imphal, Jaipur, Jammu, Kochi, Kolkata,

airline and aviation management, travel

Lucknow, Mumbai, Nagpur, Patna, Pune,

related

Indore, Srinagar and Vadodara.

services,

travel

technology,

Coimbatore,

Ahmedabad, Dibrugarh,

Bangalore, Hyderabad,

travel distribution services and hotel

62

May-July 2011

development

and

management

IndiGo

services. It’s

aviation

management

international flight on September 1, 2011

experience includes representation of

connecting New Delhi with Dubai. During

13 leading international airlines and

the month of September, the airline will

offers

commence daily service on the Delhi-

services

ranging

from

sales

will

operate

its

maiden

and marketing to revenue and route

Bangkok-Delhi

management. It also offers distribution,

Delhi routes. It will subsequently connect

technology and BPO services for the

Mumbai with Dubai and Bangkok with

travel and aviation industries.

daily flights effective October 2, 2011.

and

Delhi-Singapore-

With IndiGo’s extensive network of flights, customers will be able to choose from an array of diverse destinations across the country.

In such a case, even the prime time flights are the cheapest to travel. It is

Flights to Muscat would be made

With 150 packages in 30 destinations to

always advisable to book tickets through

operational within the same year (or

choose from, flyers can benefit a lot from

airline website as compared to any other.

within a year’s timeframe).

this, per say, avoiding the cumbersome planning processes, long lines, pesky

At www.goindigo.in we continue to offer

How has the airline helped boost

touts and high prices that come with any

our best prices and more flexibility to the

domestic tourism? What are the new

package.

customers to book some of the additional services, which may not be available on

plans to boost tourism to India?

IndiGo, with a current market share of

The offer aims to address all facets of a

19.7 percent, started its journey in August

holiday - flights, hotel accommodation,

2006. And ever since, the airline has built

airport

conveyance,

We recommend booking as early as

on its core values of low fares, on time

entertainment et al. The customers can

possible. Four to six weeks in advance is

performance and hassle free journey to

log on to the Get Packing website (http://

a good period. We believe in rewarding

the customers.

getpacking.goindigo.in) or get in touch

customers

with our representative at the IndiGo Call

choosing IndiGo for their travel.

transfers,

local

the other sites.

for

planning

early

and

From convenience point of view also,

Centre. The package offers customised

IndiGo is the only airline that has a unique

trips according to one’s convenience and

Even being a low cost carrier, we make

step-less boarding ramp for boarding

affordability, thus making the vacation a

sure to provide our customers an on time

so that passengers with trolley bags,

hassle-free experience.

performance and a hassle free journey.

effortlessly. The aircraft has spotlessly

The airline is planning to go international in

The time has come for the airline to

clean interiors having a fresh and chic

September this year. Further to the traffic

begin international operations – when

look, thereby encouraging travellers to fly

rights it received earlier, the airline plans

would that be?

with us frequently.

to make Singapore, Dubai and Bangkok

The airline is set to launch its first ever

as routes operational to its customers.

international routes to Singapore, Dubai

IndiGo’s cabin crew is known for their

The move would not only help the airline

and Bangkok in the month of September,

professionalism and courtesy and they

expand its market but would also help

this year. Muscat will follow soon.

actively seek feedback from passengers

boost tourism between India and the

on board. This not only helps us remain

desired locations. With the launch, the

Which are the targeted destinations

sensitive towards any problems faced by

airline aims to further replicate its India

and is Muscat one of them?

the passengers but also helps us improve

success story, redefining its unique

The

on the facilities we could provide them for

flying experience and brand value in the

Singapore, Dubai, Bangkok, Kathmandu

their convenience.

aviation industry. IndiGo will connect

and Muscat. Muscat would be made

Mumbai to Muscat in 2011.

operational within this year.

Keeping in mind the approaching holiday

Being a low-cost airline, would it be

Which

season, the airline has launched a new

an ideal vehicle for tourists flying

which the airline would be travelling

initiative by the name Get Packing - an

domestic destinations?

to Muscat and when (a tentative date

exclusive packaged holiday offering for

Definitely, low cost is one of our core

would be fine)?

its valued customers. Get Packing gives

values through which we aim to offer our

IndiGo will initially connect Muscat to

IndiGo travellers the chance to plan for

customers flexibility and affordability.

Mumbai, followed by Raipur.

the perfect trip enabling them to book

Our tickets are even cheaper if they are

holiday and business packages in one

booked in advance.

children and physical ailments can board

targeted

destinations

include

Get Packing is/are

the

city/cities

from

(*) Source: Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation

go.

May-July 2011

63

Celebrity say

64

May-July 2011

Big ‘B’ falls for Oman’s pristine environment “March 12, 2010, Fri 10:25 PM No more intrigue, no more suspense, no more riddles and no conjectures. Its Muscat the capital of this uniquely positioned Sultanate of Oman, South East of the United Arab Emirates, West across the Arabian Sea from the coast of India, salubrious, quiet, peaceful with a distinct culture of its own…”

This was what the Big ‘B’ wrote in his blog the night he landed in Oman in March last year (2010). Amitabh Bachchan, the greatest actor India has seen, came to Oman for the first time to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Muscat International Film Festival. Amitabh was bowled over by the Sultanate’s pristine environment. (“…dry picturesque mountains leading into the deep blue crystal clear waters of the sea.

And further south I am told, large expanses of green (Salalah much like our own state of Kerala during the monsoons)!”

Amitabh wore the musr and the dishdasha at the festival going a bit in-depth into the Omani psyche, so to speak!

May-July 2011

65

Foot forward

The Malaysia International Shoe Festival (MISF) by the Ministry of Tourism at the Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) held in April this year was co-organised by the Malaysian Footwear Manufacturers Association (MFMA). The event saw more than 166 booths featuring over 50 famous local footwear labels including Zang Toi, Larrie, Princess, Carlo Rino, Nose, Bill Keith, Paula Moda, Fiorucci, Vern’s and Dr Cardin. Themed “Walking in Unity – Sole of the Nation”, MISF 2011 attracted over 80,000 local and foreign visitors.

66

May-July 2011

May-July 2011

67

Information

Traveller’s guide Airlines Flight Information (24 hours): 24 519456 Aeroflot: 24 704455 Air Arabia 24 700828 Air France 24 562153 Air India 24 799801 Air New Zealand 24 700732 Biman Bangladesh Airlines 24 701128 British Airways 24 568777 Cathay Pacific 24 789818 Egypt Air 24 794113 Emirates Air 24 792222 Ethiopian Airlines 24 660313 Gulf Air (toll-free number) 800 72424 Indian Airlines 24 791914 Iran Air 24 787423 Japan Airlines 24 704455 Jazeera Airways 23 294848 Jet Airways 24 796680 Kenya Airways 24 660317 KLM 24 566737 Kuwait Airways 24 701262 LOT Polish Airlines 24 796387 Lufthansa 24 796692 Malaysian Airlines 24 560796 Middle East Airlines 24 796680 Oman Air 24 707222, 24519953 PIA 24 792471 Qatar Airways 24 771900 Qantas 24 559941 Royal Jordanian 24 796693 Saudi Arabian Airlines 24 789485 Singapore Airlines 24 791233 Sri Lankan Airlines 24 784545 Sudan Airways 24816565 Swiss Air 24 787416 Syrian Airways 24797567 Thai Airways 24 705934 Turkish Airlines 24 475030 Art galleries Al Madina Art Gallery Bait Muzna Gallery Omani Heritage Gallery Omani Society for Fine Arts Raj Relics 99329842 Yitti Art Gallery Bookshops Borders Family Bookshop, Qurm Madinat as Sultan Qaboos Turtles House of Prose (Used books) Cinemas Al Nasr Cinema Al Shatti Plaza 68

August-October 2010

24691380 24739204 24696974 24694969 24564297

24558089 24564391 24600084 24696217 24564356

24831358 24693557

Markaz al Bahja Cinema Stars Cinema

24540855 24791641

Embassies and consulates Algeria 24 605593 Austria 24 793135 Bahrain 24 605074 Bangladesh 24 567379 Belgium 24 562033 Canada 24 788890 Chile 24 561977 China 24 696698 Colombia 24 816264 Cyprus 24 490200 Denmark 24 526000 Egypt 24 600411 Finland 24 701454 France 24 681800 Germany 24 832164 Greece 24 706648 Holland 24 603706 India 24 814120 Iran 24 696944 Iraq 24 604178 Ireland 24 797083 Italy 24 693727 Japan 24 601028 Jordan 24 692760 Korea 24 691490 Kuwait 24 699627 Lebanon 24 695844 Malaysia 24 698329 Mexico 24 561977 Morocco 24 696152 Mozambique 24 594207 Netherlands 24 603719 Norway 24 603706 Pakistan 24 603439 Palestine 24 601312 Philippines 24 605140 Portugal 24 561400 Qatar 24 691153 Russian Federation 24 602894 Rwanda 24 487978 Saudi Arabia 24 601744 Somalia 24 697977 South Africa 24 694793 Spain 24 691101 Sri Lanka 24 697841 Sudan 24 697875 Sweden 24 708693 Switzerland 24 568202 Syria 24 697904 Taiwan 24 605695 Tanzania 24 601174 Thailand 24 602684 Tunisia 24 603486 Turkey 24 697050 United Arab Emirates 24 600988 United Kingdom 24 609000

Uruguay USA Yemen Libraries Bibliothèque Française: British Council Knowledge and Learning Centre: Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry: Public Technical Library Science: United States Information Service: Raspberry’s Books: Museums Bait Adam 99356676 Bait Al Baranda Bait Al Zubair Children’s Museum 24605368/9 Currency Museum Muscat gate Museum Nakhal Fort museum National Museum Natural History Museum Omani-French Museum Oman Heritage Museum Planetarium: Sayyid Faisal bin Ali Museum Salalah Museum Sohar fort Museum Sultan’s Armed Forces Museum Sur Maritime Museum

24 568202 24 643400 24 600815

24681874 24681000 24707684 24673111 24643400 95086074

24605033, 24714262 24736688

24641510 24739005 26781384 24701289 24641366 24736613 24600346 24675542 24641650 23294549 26844758 24588700 24541466

Special interest groups American Women’s Group 24594751 Environment Society of Oman 24482121 Historical Association of Oman 24563074 Horticultural Association 24605493 Indian Social Club 99322713 Muscat Amateur Theatre 24562511 Oman Bird Watching Camp 24695498 Omani Women Association 24602800 Royal Omani Amateur Radio Society 24600407 Woman’s Guild of Oman www.womensguildoman.org Taxis Al Dar Taxi Hello taxi Muscat Cab

24700555 24697997 96429096

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In Oman on October 26, 2011 For more details: 24565697/98675976, blackandwhiteoman@gmail.com

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