{"id":16489,"date":"2020-03-05T17:46:44","date_gmt":"2020-03-05T17:46:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.experiencetravelgroup.com\/blog\/?p=16489"},"modified":"2024-03-07T10:50:51","modified_gmt":"2024-03-07T10:50:51","slug":"oman-and-india","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/archive.experiencetravelgroup.com\/blog\/oman-and-india\/","title":{"rendered":"Oman and India: a surprisingly suited pair"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces”][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”16495″ img_size=”full”][vc_empty_space height=”50px”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/6″][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”2\/3″][vc_column_text]Oman and India might not strike you as the most obvious combination for a holiday. But, in fact, the two countries have been tied for centuries. Salalah in South Oman was once the gateway of trade linking the Mediterranean to India as far back as 5th century. Both are rich in Islamic architecture, with fascinating ancient histories. And, perhaps most significantly for travellers, there are multiple direct flight routes between the two countries, making it an easy hop from one to the other.<\/p>\n

As I found out on my latest trip, connecting the two countries doesn\u2019t just make sense practically: holidays combining Oman and India<\/a> make for a remarkable experience, too.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/6″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/6″][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”2\/6″][vc_single_image image=”16491″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”2\/6″][vc_single_image image=”16494″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/6″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/6″][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”2\/3″][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]Working as a travel specialist for Experience Travel Group (ETG), I take a research trip to Asia every year (yes, I know \u2013 it\u2019s a cross I must bear). I was trying to decide between Oman<\/a> and India<\/a> – India is a country I know incredibly well, but with an endless amount to discover, and Oman a place I had visited before, but wanted to get to know in-depth. After several days agonizing over this achingly first-world problem, it occurred to me: why not combine both?<\/p>\n

How to Combine Oman and India<\/h2>\n

For my trip, I took advantage of the Oman Air flight route between Muscat and Hyderabad, exploring Salalah and Deccan Plateau in Karnataka<\/a>, South India. There are indeed similarities between the two places: in both, the Islamic heritage is palpable in beautiful mosques; the architecture generally is stunning and there is a warm, welcoming ambience throughout. Yet there is also enough variety to make a comparison between the two places fascinating.<\/p>\n

Culture<\/h3>\n

Oman has its own cultural identity, humour and playful manner. The souqs of Muscat<\/a> are calm for a colourful wonder, with aromas of burning frankincense filling the air. Its beaches are remote with golden sand in bays accessed by rugged coastal roads. The scenery is genuinely staggering, from deserts to mountains to wadis where flamingos and camels graze.<\/p>\n

India\u2019s Deccan Plateau, on the other hand, where my trip took me next, is starkly different. It is a region just south west of bustling Hyderabad<\/a>.\u00a0 You\u2019ll find incredible Indo-Islamic tombs<\/a>, mosques, and forts in remote locations. Plus, you can visit easily accessible rural regions, which Hindus from local villages visit to offer incense and flowers to their Baba or Saint or Sufi.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/6″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/6″][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”2\/6″][vc_single_image image=”16493″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”2\/6″][vc_single_image image=”16497″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/6″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/6″][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”2\/3″][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

Cuisine<\/h3>\n

Both Oman and India offer exceptional cuisine. However, the flavours you\u2019ll encounter in either are worlds apart. In Oman, you can expect delicious mezzes, shwarmas and dates \u2013 a lot of dates! By contrast, Hyderabad is the home of the biryani, the famous dish of rice, meat, spices and herbs. Mouthwatering curries and soups are abundant here, too.<\/p>\n

Accommodation<\/h3>\n

There are some great places to stay in both Oman and India. In Salalah, you\u2019ll find lovely resorts like the Anantara Al Baleed<\/a>, a luxury property on a stretch of white sand beach. Within this region of India, there are few comfortable hotels from which to explore the remote monuments, although in Hyderabad you can begin your journey in style at the Taj Falaknuma<\/a>.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/6″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/6″][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”2\/3″][vc_single_image image=”16490″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/6″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/6″][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”2\/3″][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

There are Many Ways to Combine Oman and India in One Holiday<\/h2>\n

My journey was just one of the ways you can enjoy an Oman-India combo: there are many more direct flights between the two. Another route that I think would work particularly well is between Muscat and India\u2019s golden triangle<\/a>, blending the likes of the Taj Mahal and bustling Delhi with Muscat\u2019s beaches. This is also a great way to break up the journey from the UK to India, as it\u2019s just seven hours from here to Muscat, and there\u2019s no need for an internal flight in India either.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019d like to discuss the best Oman-India route for you, please don\u2019t hesitate to get in touch. Together we can help plot a route that caters to all your needs and interests. I\u2019m always happy to talk travel!<\/p>\n

But ultimately, don\u2019t be fooled by this unlikely-sounding combination \u2013 it works wonderfully well, and I know I\u2019ll be talking about this trip for many years to come![\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”50px”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

CURIOUS ABOUT\u00a0OMAN, INDIA OR BOTH?<\/h2>\n

Take a look at our website for itineary ideas between Oman and India<\/a>.<\/p>\n

We create bespoke holidays to Asia for curious travellers<\/a> – you can read more about us on our website.<\/p>\n

Alternatively, you are always welcome to get in touch on 020 7924 7133<\/span>\r\n \t<\/p>\n

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