Salalah is bidding adieu to this year’s Khareef (autumn in Arabic), but for the nature lovers and holidaymakers, the place still holds its charm due to the arrival of asurb (spring).
Officially, Khareef runs from June 21 to September 21. Visitors still flock to the majestic mountains of Dhofar for its greenery and natural springs.
Slush on roads and tourist spots caused by the continuous drizzling is missing. This is the time when photography lovers can have their best clicks.
“Though the visitors might be missing drizzling all through their stay, the sunny Salalah has its own charm. It not only gives them an opportunity to have the best of clicks, but also a sense of confidence while driving, because roads have mostly clean by now. They are no more slushy and muddy,” said Ali al Shahri, who has his ancestral house in one of the mountain villages very close to Salalah.
Even though the city this time around is warmer by Salalah standards, those who are coming here from any of the GCC countries including other Omani cities, would find the place a perfect destination to beat the heat, he said.
For nature lovers, Salalah offers ‘buy one and get many’ because more new charming spots are emerging.
For example, Ain Garziz is known for its natural spring and a wadi close to it. But this time a waterfall has emerged very close to it, offering breathtaking views.
Similar is the situation with all other sites like Wadi Darbat, Ain Homran, Mughsail Bay, Itin, Ain Jarjij, Ain Rajat, Sahlanout and Ain Athum.
Most out of the 36 natural springs, which had started flowing due to excellent weather conditions during the Khareef this year, are still full and giving a glimpse of silver linings amid lush greenery on the mountains.
Ali enjoys this season more than Khareef due to nice sunny winter, pleasant and green yet not slushy mountain paths.
“At the mountain we have not yet started using fans and air conditioners due to nice weather and enjoying locally grown fresh vegetables and fruits, which give entirely different taste during the winter season,” he said.
Photo: Krishnakumar
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