Skip to content Imagine leaving behind the city hustle for a place just a short flight away, where you can drive on smooth highways through vast deserts one day and explore lush green mountains the next. That’s Oman.
While your friends are posting the same Dubai mall photos, you could be watching sea turtles nest under a blanket of stars or sipping traditional Omani coffee in a mountain village where the air is cool and crisp. This isn’t just another Middle Eastern destination – it’s a country that feels like nature’s playground, designed perfectly for the curious Indian traveler.
This is the only Oman trip planner you’ll need as an Indian family, couple, or solo adventurer. From navigating the e-visa process to finding delicious vegetarian meals, from driving through dramatic wadis to camping under desert stars – we’ve got every detail covered. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway or a family adventure, these things to do in Oman will transform your week into memories that last a lifetime.
Why Oman is a Perfect Getaway for Indians
It’s Closer Than You Think
A 3.5-hour flight from Mumbai or Delhi puts you in Muscat – shorter than most domestic trips to Goa. What surprised me most was how this proximity doesn’t compromise the exotic factor. You’re still stepping into a completely different world.
You’ll Feel Right at Home (Sort Of)
Oman hosts over 700,000 Indian expats, creating a familiar comfort zone without losing the thrill of being somewhere new. Shopkeepers greet you in Hindi, restaurants understand “kam mirch” (less spice), and you’ll spot familiar faces from Kerala working in hotels and restaurants. Yet the Omani culture shines through beautifully – it’s this perfect blend that makes Indian travelers feel welcomed, not just tolerated.
Safety That Lets You Truly Relax
Oman ranks as one of the world’s safest countries. Families can explore confidently, solo female travelers feel secure, and parents don’t spend their vacation worrying. The roads are pristine, the people are genuinely helpful, and petty crime is virtually non-existent.
Premium Experience Without the Premium Price Tag
While a week in Switzerland might cost ₹2 lakhs per person, Oman offers similar natural beauty and luxury experiences for roughly half that budget. Your money goes further, especially when you factor in the variety – mountains, deserts, beaches, and culture all in one trip.
Planning Your Oman Trip: The Essentials
Visa for Indians
Getting an Oman visa is refreshingly simple. Apply online through the Royal Oman Police e-visa portal – no embassy visits, no document submissions, no stress. The tourist visa costs around 20 OMR (approximately ₹4,300) and is valid for 30 days.
Quick Visa Facts:
- Processing time: 2-3 working days
- Required documents: Passport copy, return flight tickets, hotel bookings
- Payment: Online via credit/debit card
- Validity: 30 days from entry date
For the most current visa information, always check the official Royal Oman Police e-visa portal.
Best Time to Visit Oman
October to April: The Golden Window
This is when Oman transforms into paradise. Temperatures hover around 25-30°C – perfect for hiking, driving, and outdoor adventures. The mountains are pleasantly cool, and even the desert becomes enjoyable during these months.
May to September: Skip It (Mostly)
Summer temperatures regularly hit 45°C and above. However, there’s one exception – Salalah experiences the Khareef (monsoon) season from June to September, turning the southern region into a green oasis while the rest of the country bakes.
For detailed weather forecasts and historical climate data, check Weather.com’s Oman section
| Month | Temperature | Best For | Avoid If |
| Nov-Feb | 20-28°C | Everything! Peak season | You prefer fewer crowds |
| Mar-Apr | 25-35°C | Great weather, fewer crowds | You’re very heat sensitive |
| May-Sep | 35-45°C+ | Salalah’s Khareef season only | You’re doing desert/mountain activities |
| Oct | 28-38°C | Good weather returning | Still quite warm for some |
Connectivity & SIM Cards
Grab a local SIM card at Muscat Airport immediately after clearing immigration. Ooredoo and Oman Mobile both offer tourist packages starting from 10 OMR (₹2,150) for 5GB data valid for 30 days. Trust me, having Google Maps working flawlessly makes the entire road trip stress-free.
Currency & Budgeting
The Omani Rial (OMR) is pegged to the US Dollar, making 1 OMR approximately ₹215-220. Unlike other Middle Eastern countries, Oman operates primarily on cash, though cards are widely accepted in hotels and restaurants.
Daily Budget Guide (Per Person):
| Budget Level | Daily Cost | Includes | Excludes |
| Budget | ₹5,000-7,000 | 3-star hotels, local restaurants, self-drive economy car | Luxury experiences, alcohol |
| Mid-range | ₹10,000-15,000 | 4-star resorts, mix of local and tourist restaurants, SUV rental | Premium desert camps, fine dining |
| Luxury | ₹20,000+ | 5-star properties, guided tours, luxury desert experiences | Nothing – go wild! |
Getting Around: The Great Omani Road Trip
Here’s the truth about transportation in Oman: you need to drive. This isn’t like Europe where trains connect everything, or like Thailand where tuk-tuks are everywhere. Oman’s beauty lies scattered across dramatic landscapes, and the journey between destinations is half the adventure.
Vehicle Choice Made Simple:
- Sedan/Economy Car: Perfect for Muscat, the coastal highway to Sur, and Nizwa
- 4×4/SUV: Essential for Jebel Akhdar’s mountain roads and proper desert exploration in Wahiba Sands
- Our Recommendation: Book a 4×4 for the entire trip. The additional cost (roughly ₹1,000 per day) is worth the freedom to explore everywhere without limitations.
Why Driving in Oman is a Joy: Roads are immaculate – better than most Indian highways. Speed limits are clearly marked and strictly enforced (good for safety-conscious families). Fuel is incredibly cheap, and parking is free almost everywhere.
The Ultimate 7-Day Oman Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Muscat & Souq Magic
Morning: Land in Muscat, collect your rental car, and check into your hotel. If you arrive early, grab lunch at a local restaurant – try the Omani breakfast of eggs with local bread.
Afternoon: Visit the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, one of the world’s most beautiful mosques. Important: Dress modestly (long pants and sleeves; women need headscarves). The mosque closes to visitors at 11 AM except Saturdays, so plan accordingly.
Check current visiting hours and guidelines at the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque official website
Evening: Lose yourself in Mutrah Souq. Unlike sterile Dubai malls, this souq pulses with authentic energy. Bargain for frankincense, Omani silver jewelry, and traditional khanjar daggers (decorative ones for tourists are fine to carry home).
Travel Tip: Download the Careem app – it’s like Ola but for Oman, perfect for short city trips when you don’t want to drive.
Food Highlight: End the day at Bait Al Luban restaurant for your first taste of authentic Omani cuisine in an elegant setting.
Day 2: Muscat’s Coast and Culture
Morning: Join a dolphin watching tour from Marina Bandar Al Rowdha. The waters around Muscat teem with playful dolphins, and the 2-3 hour boat trip offers stunning views of the city’s coastline.
Afternoon: Explore the Al Alam Palace area. You can’t enter the palace, but the colorful buildings and Portuguese forts (Al Mirani and Al Jalali) create perfect photo opportunities.
Evening: Relax at Qurum Beach or visit the Royal Opera House area for upscale dining and shopping.
Travel Tip: Many tours include snorkeling equipment. The water is crystal clear, and even beginners can enjoy watching tropical fish near the coral reefs.
Food Highlight: Try Majboos (Omani-style biryani) at a local restaurant – it’s milder than Indian biryani but equally flavorful.
Day 3: Journey to the Mountains (Nizwa)
Morning: Start your drive to Nizwa (1.5 hours). The scenery transforms from coastal plains to rugged mountains as you head inland.
Afternoon: Explore Nizwa Fort and the traditional souq. Friday mornings feature a livestock market that’s fascinating for photography (with permission). The fort offers panoramic views of the old city and date palm gardens.
Evening: Check into your Nizwa accommodation. Many hotels here offer traditional Omani architecture with modern comforts.
Travel Tip: Stock up on water and snacks in Nizwa – tomorrow’s mountain adventure requires preparation.
Food Highlight: Nizwa is famous for its dates and halwa. Try both at the souq, and don’t miss the local goat cheese if you’re feeling adventurous.
Day 4: Jebel Akhdar’s Green Terraces
Morning: Drive up Jebel Akhdar (Green Mountain) – this is where you absolutely need a 4×4. The checkpoint at the bottom verifies your vehicle before allowing access to the mountain roads.
Afternoon: Explore Diana’s Point for breathtaking views, then walk through the ancient terraced gardens where locals grow pomegranates, roses, and apricots using traditional irrigation methods.
Evening: Consider staying overnight in one of the mountain resorts if budget allows, or drive back to Nizwa.
Travel Tip: The temperature drops significantly at 2,000 meters elevation. Bring a light jacket even during winter months.
Food Highlight: Mountain villages serve the freshest Omani bread (khubz) baked in traditional ovens. Ask locals – they’re usually happy to point you to the best bakery.
| Jebel Akhdar Highlights | Time Needed | Difficulty Level |
| Diana’s Point | 30 minutes | Easy |
| Rose Garden Walk | 1-2 hours | Easy to Moderate |
| Village Terraces | 2-3 hours | Moderate |
| Wadi Bani Habib | 3-4 hours | Moderate to Challenging |
Day 5: Desert Adventure in Wahiba Sands
Morning: Drive to Wahiba Sands (2 hours from Nizwa). Stop in Ibra for fuel and supplies – this is your last proper town before the desert.
Afternoon: Meet your desert guide and deflate your tires for sand driving. Experience the thrill of dune bashing – it’s like a natural roller coaster. Visit a traditional Bedouin family to learn about desert life and enjoy their hospitality.
Evening: Settle into your desert camp as the sun sets. Most camps offer camel riding, traditional entertainment, and incredibly comfortable accommodations under the stars.
Travel Tip: Bring sunglasses, a hat, and closed shoes for walking on sand. The desert gets surprisingly cold at night, so pack warm clothes.
Food Highlight: Desert camps typically serve a feast of grilled meats, rice, and vegetables cooked in traditional underground ovens. Vegetarians are well catered for with rice dishes, salads, and bread.
Day 6: From Desert to Sea (Sur & Turtle Watching)
Morning: Watch the sunrise over the dunes (trust me, set that 5:30 AM alarm), then drive to Sur (2.5 hours).
Afternoon: Explore Sur’s traditional dhow boatyard where craftsmen still build these iconic wooden vessels using techniques passed down through generations. The attention to detail is mesmerizing.
Evening: Drive to Ras Al Jinz for the turtle watching experience. This is one of the most important nesting sites for green turtles in the Indian Ocean.
Book your turtle watching tour in advance through the Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve official website.
Travel Tip: Turtle watching tours start around 9 PM and last 2-3 hours. Bring a flashlight with red filter – white lights disturb the turtles.
Food Highlight: Sur is famous for its fish markets and seafood restaurants. Try the local catch grilled with Omani spices.
Day 7: Wadis and Sinkholes
Morning: Early start for Wadi Shab, one of Oman’s most spectacular wadis. The hike involves walking through water, scrambling over rocks, and swimming through a narrow canyon to reach a hidden waterfall.
Afternoon: Visit Bimmah Sinkhole on your drive back to Muscat. This limestone crater filled with turquoise water is perfect for a refreshing swim after your wadi adventure.
Evening: Return to Muscat for your final night. Celebrate with dinner at one of the city’s rooftop restaurants overlooking the Gulf of Oman.
Travel Tip: Bring a waterproof bag for your phone and camera during the Wadi Shab hike. The swimming sections are mandatory, not optional.
Food Highlight: Your farewell dinner should include Shuwa – slow-cooked lamb that’s been buried underground for 24+ hours. It’s Oman’s national dish and absolutely worth trying.
| Wadi Shab Experience | Details | What to Bring |
| Hike Duration | 3-4 hours round trip | Water, snacks, waterproof bag |
| Swimming Required | Yes, in several spots | Swimwear, quick-dry clothes |
| Difficulty Level | Moderate | Good fitness level |
| Best Photo Spots | Hidden waterfall, canyon walls | Waterproof phone case |
What to Eat in Oman (For the Indian Palate)
One concern I hear from Indian travelers is “Will we find good food?” The answer is absolutely yes, but Oman’s culinary scene offers so much more than just familiar flavors.
Must-Try Omani Dishes:
Shuwa – The crown jewel of Omani cuisine. Lamb marinated in a paste of spices, wrapped in palm fronds, and slow-cooked underground for 24+ hours. The meat falls off the bone and has a unique smoky flavor you won’t find anywhere else.
Majboos – Think of it as Omani biryani. Fragrant basmati rice cooked with meat, vegetables, and a blend of spices including saffron, cardamom, and cinnamon. It’s milder than Indian biryani but equally satisfying.
Mashuai – Whole roasted kingfish served with lemon rice. The fish is incredibly fresh, and the preparation highlights its natural flavors.
Vegetarian Travelers, Rejoice:
Omani cuisine includes plenty of vegetarian options. Mezze platters are common, featuring hummus, baba ghanoush, fresh salads, and Omani bread. Many restaurants serve dal (they call it “lentils”), vegetable curries, and rice dishes that will remind you of home.
Where to Eat:
- Local Cafeterias: Budget-friendly options serving generous portions. Don’t be put off by simple decor – the food is authentic and delicious.
- Hotel Restaurants: Safe choices with international and local options, perfect for families with varying tastes.
- Fine Dining: Muscat offers excellent high-end restaurants combining Omani ingredients with international techniques.
Practical Tips for a Smooth Trip
What to Pack:
- Modest clothing (long pants and sleeves for both men and women)
- Lightweight scarf for women to cover hair in mosques
- High SPF sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat
- Comfortable hiking shoes with good grip
- Universal travel adapter (Type G, same as UAE)
- Quick-dry clothes for wadi adventures
- Light jacket for mountain areas and desert nights
Cultural Etiquette:
- Dress modestly, especially when visiting mosques or traditional areas
- Ask permission before photographing people
- Accept Omani coffee (qahwa) when offered – it’s considered polite
- Use your right hand for eating and greeting
- Avoid public displays of affection
- Remove shoes when entering someone’s home
Safety Reminders:
- Oman is exceptionally safe, but standard travel precautions apply
- Keep copies of important documents in separate luggage
- Inform someone of your daily plans, especially during desert and mountain activities
- Stay hydrated – dehydration happens faster in dry climates
- Follow local driving rules strictly – speed cameras are everywhere
For updated safety information and travel advisories, consult the Ministry of External Affairs travel advisory before your trip.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Is Oman a good destination for a family trip from India?
Absolutely! Oman is one of the most family-friendly destinations in the Middle East. The country is incredibly safe, attractions cater to all ages, and the infrastructure is excellent. Children will love the beaches, turtle watching, and desert adventures, while adults appreciate the culture and natural beauty.
Do I need an international driving permit for Oman?
No, Indian driving licenses are accepted in Oman for tourist purposes. However, your license should be valid and in English (or accompanied by an official translation). Some rental companies may prefer an International Driving Permit, so check when booking.
For detailed driving requirements and car rental information, visit Oman Tourism’s official transportation guide.
Is alcohol available in Oman?
Yes, but with restrictions. Licensed hotels and restaurants serve alcohol to non-Muslim guests. Some supermarkets have dedicated sections for alcohol sales. You cannot drink alcohol in public spaces or while driving (strict enforcement).
Can I find Indian food easily in Oman?
Very easily! The large Indian expat community means Indian restaurants are everywhere, especially in Muscat. You’ll find everything from South Indian dosas to North Indian curries. Many local Omani dishes also suit Indian palates due to similar spice usage.
What is the best way to carry money in Oman?
Carry a mix of cash (OMR) and cards. While cards are accepted at hotels and restaurants, smaller shops and local attractions often prefer cash. ATMs are widely available, and most accept Indian debit/credit cards. Inform your bank about international travel to avoid card blocks.
Check current exchange rates and banking information at Central Bank of Oman.
Is Oman expensive compared to Dubai?
Oman is generally more affordable than Dubai for accommodation and dining, but similar for activities and fuel. The major advantage is that you get more authentic cultural experiences and natural beauty for your money, rather than shopping malls and artificial attractions.
Your Omani Adventure Awaits
From the moment you drive your first desert highway with rust-colored mountains rising on one side and endless dunes stretching on the other, you’ll understand why Oman captures hearts so completely. This isn’t just another vacation destination – it’s a country that offers genuine adventures alongside luxurious comforts, ancient culture alongside modern conveniences, and warm hospitality that makes every traveler feel like a welcomed guest rather than just a tourist.
Your week will be filled with moments that become lifetime memories: watching baby turtles make their first journey to the sea, swimming through canyon passages carved by thousands of years of flowing water, sharing tea with Bedouin families under a ceiling of desert stars, and discovering that the world still holds places where authenticity thrives alongside progress.
Which day of this itinerary excites you the most? Are you dreaming of the mountain terraces, the desert adventure, or perhaps the turtle watching experience? Share your thoughts in the comments below – I’d love to help you plan the perfect Omani adventure!
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