By Baraah al Mujaini
Most probably you have visited different types of gardens. The word garden evokes immediately images of flowers in our minds, however, have you ever imagined a Rock Garden? Or have you ever visited such types of gardens? The Rocks Garden in Oman, located in a geological mesmerising area, Al Duqm of Al Wusta Governorate, is ranked among one of the most important industrial cities in the region.
The rocks in the garden have been sculptured and carved by different natural phenomena throughout thousands of years. The garden portrays the varied Omani landscape as it contains numerous kinds of rocks and their magical shapes.
The Rock Garden was discovered in 2009 by an investigative delegation, since then, the Omani government has been seeking to shed the light on this garden and market it as one of the rarest gardens around the world by introducing this Garden through different media platforms and making facilities for visitors. The Garden covers an area of about 3 kilometres.
The different natural phenomena like erosion shaped the rocks in a very attractive way, some of which are like animals, others like humans. Recently, the Rock Garden is considered one of the most popular destinations visited by tourists from around the world. According to visitors, what makes this garden a must-visit destination is its uniqueness, its rare-geographical nature, and the ideal weather.
According to Moosa al Ruzaiqi, a photographer and physics teacher, who has visited the Rocks Garden, the special about this Garden is the fact that it is not made by humans, but by nature and its different phenomena. “The rarity of the rocks’ shapes is the most significant feature in this garden”, Al Ruzaiqi said.
“Once you arrive at the garden, and start observing the shapes of the rocks, you will notice that some of them look like dead animals, others like human faces, and other like birds. It is magical how these rocks are shaped by nature”, Al Ruzaiqi added.
However, the Garden needs more facilities for tourists, for instance, a lounge to welcome the tourist and introduce them to the informative and historical background of the Garden. In addition, there should be informative panels in front of each rock, which address all the details about the rock, its name, age, and type.
The Rocks Garden is a must-visit destination for those who are interested in geology, nature, art and photography.
“I think photographers and artists, as well as those who are interested in geology, are most likely to enjoy the Garden compared to others. You can sit there watching the sunset with the cool weather and amazing shapes of rocks surrounding you, don’t forget to document your trip by taking photos!”, Al Ruzaiqi said.
Scientists and research indicate that the stone golems in the Garden going back to millions of years, and it is believed that they are 46 million years old, which makes this Garden a unique destination locally and internationally and a hub for many scientists to conduct their research.
Oman’s rich nature is full of mesmerising and outstanding sceneries. Locals and tourists around the world enjoy discovering its natural landscapes. As Oman embraces different elements of nature in all its cities from Musandam to Dhofar, it became one of the most recommended countries in the natural tourism category.
Moosa al Ruzaiqi Twitter: moosa_alruzaiqi
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