Ayn Razat is one of the fresh water springs in Dhofar Governorate, outside the city of Salalah. This part of Oman has plethora of natural springs, some of which are seasonal and can only be found during the monsoon season (known as Khareef). However, Ayn Razat is perennial and you can visit it at any part of the year.
Further Reading: List of Waterfalls in Salalah
Contents
The Details About Ayn Razat
Ain Razat is one of the main fresh water sources in Salalah today and continues its prominent role in providing water for farms. It uses the traditional falaj irrigation system.
A Popular Tourist Attraction in Khareef Season
Razat Spring is usually crowded with tourists during Khareef season, most of whom have come from the warmer cities in the Middle East. The weather in the monsoon season is great for the outdoor picnic and explore the amazing landscapes.
Usually, the monsoon season is from the end of June to the mid of September each year.
During this time, there are many makeshift stalls are made on this tourist spot, selling kids toys, kites, cut pieces of fresh fruits, umbrellas and other stuff that you might need. Some cabins sell ice cream and other snacks.
As khareef gains momentum, the water level goes higher and the surrounding mountains turns greener.
Wadi Razat and As San Valley
The wadi (valley) through which the spring flows from the mountain is Razat Valley, which is very beautiful in the monsoon season. The road from Ayn Razat goes up to the beautiful valleys, one of them is As San valley from where to view of the Salalah city is stunning.
On the way to As San, Matam Arzat is located, which is one of the best spots for a spectacular city view.
The Pound with Lilies
The water streams coming out of the mountain gathers in a small concrete pool at the foothills, sometimes referred to as a pound. The clear water is home to small fish, which are in abundance.
Ain Razat pound has water lilies, a unique feature that enhances the natural beauty of this place. The lilies are scattered over the crystal clear water, specially across the tiny bridge that goes over the pound and makes the cave accessible, which is across the watercourse.
Ain Razat Cave
Another attraction of Ain Razat is its cave, which is accessible via stone staircase. The steps are barricaded from both sides to prevent fall from height. Prior to the steps, the cave was only reachable via slippery mud.
Inside the cave, there is a stone curved bench, where you can take rest after climbing the steps.
It will be 2 to 3 minutes to reach to the top, which is cave with amazing view of Ain Razat’s surroundings including the pound, water channel and the garden.
Ain Razat Garden
Ain Razat also has a small ornamental garden, which is fenced and has one gate for entrance and exit. The entrance is free.
At the entrance of the park, the national emblem of Oman, which consists of a khanjar inside its sheath and is superimposed upon two crossed swords, is curved on the stone and the emerging plants takes the shape of the emblem.
The garden is open to visitors throughout the year. However, the opening timing of the park are different. During monsoon season, it is open all days, both weekdays and weekends, from 2 pm to 6 pm.
During the other seasons of the year, from September to June, the garden is only open on weekend from 9 am to 6 pm. timing on weekends. In Oman, weekends are the days of Friday and Saturday.
There are a variety of flowers including red and pink roses. The trees are spread across the plain and one tall tree at the center stands out in the garden.
The view of the cave and the surroundings is spectacular, which can be seen while walking or siting in the garden. You will see many people sitting on a mat or the chairs and picnicking here.
Guided Tour to Ayn Razat Salalah
There are couple of sightseeing tours, which can cover this beautiful spring, cave and garden. The Half Day East Salalah Tour or Full Day East Salalah Tour are ideal to explore Ayn Razat together with other beautiful natural sites in Dhofar like Wadi Darbat and Taqa Beach.
For booking the tour, you can contact Beautiful Salalah Tours, which is the leading online tour operator in Salalah. The company arranges the tour with the licensed guide, who are Omanis and know Salalah pretty well.
Booking the memorable tour with professional team of Beautiful Salalah is very easy. Just drop a Whatsapp message to our 24/7 customer support numbers +968 9120 6678 or +968 9012 3004 and book the trip.
Alternately, you can drop an email to info@beautifulsalalah.com or book via TripAdvisor.
Beautiful Salalah Tours has 4.5 star review in TripAdvisor and is operating in Salalah since 2018. You can read all the reviews on TripAdvisor before making a decision.
Ayn Razat Location
This natural spring gushes out from the base of Jabal Qara, which is one of the three series in Dhofar mountains. This ayn is located 23 kilometer east of Salalah city and the drive will take around 25 to 30 minutes.
Recommended Place to Stay in Salalah
For a memorable and comfortable family vacation, the best place to stay in Salalah are the Resorts, located on the Indian Ocean coastline.
The white sandy beaches, palm trees, tropical and Khareef weather and the hospitality of the Salalah hotels 5 star is incomparable to any place in the world.
If you are traveling on budget, there is nothing to worry about as Salalah also has clean and spacious apartments to stay.
There are Over 100 Hotels and Apartments on Booking.com for Salalah, which you can consider for your comfortable and memorable stay.
Below are our recommendations:
Luxury: Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara
There couldn’t be any better choice of staying in Salalah other than Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara. This is the finest and premium resort in the city with private pool villas, which are not available in other resorts.
Anantara is located next to the famous tourist location of Al Baleed Archeological Site, Frankincense Land Museum and is on the white sand beach of the Arabian Sea.
Indeed, it is a great place to have a fun filled family vacation. Check prices, reviews, and availability here
Mid Range: Fanar Hotel and Residences
Although Fanar Hotel and Residences is a 5 star resort, but since it’s a little bit away from the city, its price is almost equal to that of a 3 star hotel in the center of the city. It is located at Hawana Salalah Marina, and is by far the largest resort in Salalah.
The only drawback is that this hotel a little away from the city. But hotel will arrange the airport transfers, so there is nothing to worry about. Also if you have rent a car, or are planning to book guided tours by Beautiful Salalah then it’s an ideal pick. Check prices, reviews, and availability here
Budget: Star House Elite
There are many apartments by the name of Star House, but this one is preferred as it is a nice apartment in the center of the city. There are many restaurants, including Indian cuisine and local food, at walking distance. It’s right opposite of the largest mosque in Salalah – Sultan Qaboos Mosque.
The most unique feature of this apartment is that its on the bus route of Mwasalat public transport and you can arrive here from airport using the bus. Also Star House Elite is at walking distance from the bus station of Mwasalat, GTC, GLT, and other intercity buses. Check prices, reviews, and availability here
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