Oman - Oman, UAE and Arabian Peninsula - page 374

The whole area surrounding Salalah is dotted with ayns (fresh water springs), and any
of these make a good half-day trip from the city. To reach them, follow the brown signs
from the Salalah-Mirbat road. Some of the most picturesque springs include Ayn Razat,
set in gardens; Ayn Tabraq and Ayn Athum, in the heart of a subtropical thicket; and Ayn
Garziz, which can be visited off the Ittin Rd on the way to Job's Tomb. With eccentric
limestone cliffs, gnarled with wild fig-tree roots and hanging with maidenhair ferns, this is
a good spot to appreciate the transformation brought about by a drop of water.
Job's Tomb
In religious terms, this tomb (admission 500 baisa; daylight) is probably the most important site
in Dhofar. Regardless of your religious convictions, the tomb, situated on an isolated hill-
top overlooking Salalah, is a must-see for the beautiful drive, especially during the
khareef, and for the excellent view over the Salalah plain on a clear day.
Surrounded by bright-yellow weaver birds and their tunnel-like nests, the tomb is just
over 30km northwest of Salalah. Take the main westbound road towards Mughsail and
follow the signs along the Ittin Rd. Turn left at the signpost for An-Nabi Ayyub after
22km. A small restaurant below the tomb has wonderful views - but precious little else!
There is no public transport.
If you are visiting Job's Tomb during the khareef, return to the main road and turn right
to Ayoon. If you continue along here for another 10km or so, through a grove of frankin-
cense trees, you'll reach the end of the monsoon catchment. The contrast between the
green slopes and the desert floor beyond is remarkable. You can continue along this road
until you meet the Thumrait road where a right turn brings you back to Salalah.
TOP OF CHAPTER
East of Salalah
Taqah
This pretty fishing village, at the end of the magnificent white-sand beach that extends
from Salalah, has recently smartened itself up for tourists. It has several attractions, in-
cluding a landscaped khor , a fine corniche, a fort on the hill (closed to visitors) and, for
some inexplicable reason, a multi-storey branch of Bank Dhofar. The star of the show,
however, is the small but well-preserved 19th-century Taqah Castle (adult/child OR500/200;
9am-4pm Sat-Thu, 8-11am Fri) . With a furnished interior, video display, excellent signage, craft