Many countries located along the Silk Route are steeped in history and have been forced to reckon even a millennium ago. Today, they have blossomed into every wanderer’s dream and every tourist’s haven as these countries have a lovely blend of history and modernity including remarkable accommodation such as Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara. Many of the Salalah hotels are located within a short distance from the celebrated ruins of Al Baleed making it most convenient for all travelers to get about.
Pronounced a UNESCO site in 2001, Al Baleed or Balad which means ‘town’ is a large piece of land towards the south of the Sultanate of Oman, overlooking the Arabian Sea on one side and bordered by a trickle of water named Khawr Al Balid on the other.
Archaeologists consider Al Baleed to be one of the most important ancient cities in the whole of the Gulf as one of the main exports of Oman, frankincense grew in the area. The area is believed to have been inhabited since the Iron Age and developed in to a fine metropolis as per those times. There are remains of a mosque, buildings a fortress and what would have once been a strong foyer.
Some of the boulders, pillars, and foundations which are still in existence cause everyone to marvel as they have been well engineered and undoubtedly stood the test of time. The excavations conducted in the 640,000 odd square metres have brought about the discovery of several artifacts, weaponry and traces of olden day business.
Today, the location is fenced off and preserved as a heritage of the country. The area is earmarked for bird watching, relaxing and taking boat trips, thus making it attractive for tourists. One would be amazed at how well the grass grows and the palms flourish due to the waterways and salty breeze.
Caleb Falcon is a travel writer who specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+
