Often ranked among the city’s most breathtaking points of interest Qurum National Park is no ordinary public park in the heart of Muscat. Spread out over an impressive area of more than 1,715,449m2 this engaging green space also enjoys the rare honour of being the city’s largest parkland. Famed as a recreational hub for the masses the verdant environs of this decidedly natural enclave offers locals and tourists a welcome relief from the cityscape and fast paced nature of the bustling metropolis that is Muscat. Creating a unique landscape in a region that is littered with skyscrapers and cloud piercing concrete structures, the lush greenery and open spaces of Qurum National Park is a treat for the senses with vibrant blooms, towering trees and aromatic plants at every turn.
Built with the clear intent of using the area’s natural topographical elements to create a leisure enclave, the Qurum National Park was declared open to the public as far back as 1993. One of the venue’s chief highlights is of course the Sultan Qaboos’ Rose Garden which is home to an eclectic collection of one of the world’s most stunning floral varieties. The Rose Garden’s popularity is denoted by the fact that most locals identify Qurum National Park as the Rose Garden after its main attraction. With rows upon rows of multi-hued roses the Sultan Qaboos’ Rose Garden is a botanist’s dream come true while the park is also renowned as a prime bird watching hub due to its extensive bird life.
A reptile enclave is also on-site in addition to a mesmerizing lake where boating activities are available. Another point of interest is Waterfall Hill which affords visitors stunning views of the parkland in the evenings as the entire space is enveloped in hues of orange as the sun goes down. More than a lookout point Waterfall Hill offers guests a charming environment in which to unwind and soak up the atmosphere.
Travellers on the lookout for a luxurious hotel in Muscat should look no further than the elegant Ruwi Hotel Muscat. Offering guests a breathtaking hideaway in the desert this luxurious establishments is one of the finest Oman hotels in the region.