Located about 203km from Muscat in the beautiful Arabian state of Oman, the Wadi Bani Khalid is the best-known Wadi in the Sharqiyah region. Wadi is the Arabic term for “valley”, and in the arid desert landscape, it can either refer to a dry riverbed that only sees water during times of heavy rain or a periodical stream, but in areas of live water, the term can also apply to a river or lake. Along the course of the Wadi Bani Khalid, nature lovers can see an endless flow of water forming huge pools dotted with boulders, and the stream ensures a constant water level throughout the year. With such amazing water spots scattered along the area, the Wadi Bani Khalid is an amazing place to visit, take a dip in, or simply marvel at.
This Wadi covers a large area of mountains and low-lands. There are several caves within this area including the Kahf Magal, which is famed as an underground chamber used by the Sultanate. If visitors to this beautiful site are up for a bit of adventure, the climb up to the cave should prove an interesting and worthwhile challenge to take on. Commonly known springs of water, the Ain Hamouda, Ain al Sarook and Ain Dawwa are all within this Wadi and form beautiful spots to linger on while exploring this fascinating piece of heaven. As one ventures along the banks of the Wadi, these natural marvels will no doubt add pleasure to any adventure. Located close by, Badda is a well-known village and a popular tourist hot spot within the valley.
While exploring the city of Oman and its historic monuments, the Wadi Bani Khalid will be a exciting getaway from the scorching desert sun. With pools of water, shady spots to relax in and local Arabian culture at full display in the village within the Wadi, it’ll no doubt be a absorbing, authentic Omani experience. One’s Arabian nights are bound to be soothing and relaxing as one watches the red dunes first illuminated by the sunset and then slip into the cool comfort of the night.
There are several Oman hotels in the area that offer comfortable accommodation to travellers. A Hotel in Oman that has earned its fame owing to its authentic hospitality is The Desert Nights Camp. These camps offer sleeping arrangements within luxury camp dwellings equipped with state-of-the art facilities.
Uditha Dharmawardhane is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Roland Lefevre. He specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe.
