Area Information

Only an hours drive from the Seeb International Airport, Muscat and a short distance from Nizwa city, the Golden Tulip Nizwa hotel is set amidst the rugged Hajar Mountains and is ideally located for adventure tours into Oman's interiors.

Nizwa fort
The city, famous for its historical monuments, handicrafts and agricultural products, has an expansive Souq showcasing a wonderful array of handicrafts - coffee pots, swords, leather goods, silverware, antiques, and household utensils. Nizwa fort, completed in the 1650's, was the seat of power during the rule of the Al Ya'ruba dynasty and is Oman's most visited National monument. 

Bahla
A few kilometers from Nizwa lies the mysterious town of Bahla. Bahla is the home of myths and legends that have carried through the centuries. This little town is famous for its pottery. The old Bahla fort with its 12 km wall is the oldest fort in Oman. The fort is believed to have been built in pre-Islamic times.

Jabreen Castle
A short distance beyond Bahla lies the Castle of Jabreen. This massive three-storied was also built during Al Ya'ruba dynasty of the mid 1600's. It is a fine example of Islamic architecture with beautiful wooden inscriptions and paintings on the ceilings.

Jabal Akhdar in Arabic means "Green Mountains" .To go there requires a 4-wheel drive ( and a road permit because of military installations in the area). One of the most scenic areas in Oman, coupled with the friendly local inhabitants, this region is a natural spot for tourism. Points of interest include the towns of Wadi Bani Habib, Saiq and Al Ayn, where local farmers raise grapes, pomegranates, apricots and walnuts. The climate is moderate year round as the mean altitude is about 1800 metres. Also of interest is the lookout over the canyon recently named Diana's Point, for the late Princess of Wales who spent time here in the late 80s

Al Hoota Cave
A half and hour drive from Golden Tulip Nizwa, the Al Hoota cave is one of the most accessible cave in Oman. Its is situated at the southern side of Jabal Akdhar near Al Hamra. The Al Hoota cave system like many other caves in Oman was formed by the dissolution of limestone by acidic water. The Cave system is occurs in the Cretaceous Natih Formation.
You don't have to be a serious ''caver'' to appreciate the geology of Al-Hoota cave.