Taqa (or Taqah) is one of the ten wilayat in Dhofar Governorate of Oman and it’s the nearest wilayat from the beautiful city of Salalah. 

Details about the wiliyat of Dhofar: Salalah is the capital of Dhofar Governorate. The other 9 wilayats in alphabetic orders are Al-Mazyona (المزيونة), Dhalkut (ضلكوت), Mirbat (مرباط), Muqshin (مقشن), Rakhyut (رخيوت), Sadah (سدح), Shalim and the Hallaniyat Islands (شليم وجزر الحلانيات), Taqah (طاقة) and Thumrait (ثمريت). 

Due to this proximity, many tourists prefer to visit this wilayat when they are visiting Salalah.

Another reason to visit Taqa is that it’s on the way from Salalah to other popular tourist attractions and the other wilayats in Dhofar. Some of the places to visit in Dhofar are located in Taqa. 

After the Mamora Roundabout, drive on Highway 49 to reach Taqa. The round about of Taqa has a wooden boat.

Stay Near Taqa Oman

There are some great resorts nearby Taqa Oman, within 5 to 10 minutes drive. 

• Salalah Rotana Resort
• Fanar Hotel Salalah

Both of the above resorts are 5 star and are on the shore of an Indian Ocean. What’s better to have on vacation then to open the window of your room and see the ocean?

Places to Visit in Taqa Oman

Taqa is just few kilometers away from Salalah on the Eastern side. Due to its amazing beaches, rich history, park and beautiful mosques, Taqa has many places to visit. I am trying to cover most popular tourist attractions and things to do in Taqa in this post. 

Recommended Read: Salalah Places to Visit in Khareef and Salalah Places to visit all year round

1. Taqa Castle Taqah

Taqa Castle (also written as Taqah Castle and in Arabic حصن طاقة) is not only the most prominent landmark of Taqa but also one of the most distinguished landmark of Dhofar. This castle was built in 19th century as a private residence of Sheikh Ali bin Timman Al Ma’shani.

During the reign of Sultan Taimur bin Faisal, which was from 1913 until 1932, Taqa Castle became government property and served two purposes – administrative center and residence for local governors (in Arabic Walis).

After Sultan Taimur, it remained the residence of ten other succeeding governors until 1984. Sheikh Marhoon bin Ali bin Saif al Ma’mari had two tenures as the governor. The last governor to reside in this castle was Mohammad bin Abdullah bin Ali Swakhroun. 

The list of all the governors residing in the castle is mounted on the wall at the entrance of the castle. 

In 1991, the Ministry of Heritage and Culture assumed the responsibility of the castle and restored the castle in accordance with its original design in 1992, which was 1412 as per Islamic Hijri calendar. 

Located on Al Husn Street, off Taqah Street, Taqa Castle GPS Coordinates are 17°02’20.7″N 54°23’43.3″E. Its estimated covered area is 600 square meters.

The rooms in castle are filled with ancient weapons, jewelleries, furnitures, paintings and day to day use items, making the castle looks like someone is living.

Ground Floor of the Castle

In the lower floor (ground level), there are Barza, Guard Room, Prison, Well, Tannur Oven, Bath, and Stores for Household items, weapons, equipment, firewood and food, a courtyard and the Exhibits Hall.

Barza is the main entrance of the castle, where the Wali receive the public and the dignitaries.

The castle was well designed for protection of the Wali. For the defense requirement, there was a guard room and weapon store. The food stores stockpiled large quantities of dried fish, grain, dates and other important supplies. Firewood were kept in a dedicated store.

A Well (called Tawi in Arabic) is located in the courtyard. The purpose of this well was to provide ample supply of water to the residents for drinking. This water couldn’t be poisoned from outside.

The outdoor well ventilated oven was used for roasting the meat and fish and for making the bread for daily consumption. The well is nearby the oven.

This roofless jail was used to keep the prisoners under surveillance by the soldiers. There are shackles in the prison.

First Floor of the Castle

The stairs lead to First floor, where Kitchen, Ablution Room, Rest Places for Morning, Afternoon and Nighttime, Wali’s Private Suite.
The elegant private suite of Wali comprises of lobby, Wali’s Bedroom, Children’s Bedroom and a majlis.

There are three watch towers – Southeast, Southwest and Northwest. These towers are on the corner of the castle and provided surveillance over land and sea movement towards the castle.

Opening Hours of Taqa Castle

The castle is open 6 days a week (Saturday to Thursday) from 9 am to 4 pm daily. On Friday, which is weekly holiday in Oman and a day with weekly afternoon prayer of Jumma, the castle is only open from 8 am to 11 am. On the Friday afternoon it’s closed.

Taqa Castle Ticket Price 

There is a nominal entrance ticket to Taqa Castle. For adults its 500 Biazas i.e. 1.3 USD, while for children with families its 100 Biazas. (Conversion: 1,000 Biazas make 1 Omani Rial and 1 Omani rial is pegged with 2.6 USD)

2. Taqah Beach

One of my favorite things on this beach is the birds watching. There are lots of birds in the morning. If you walk along the beach or even run, the birds will start to fly creating a great scenery. 

3. Taqa Cliff View Point

Since there is no particular name for his spot, I call it as Taqa Cliff View Point. The view point is over a small cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean and the Town of Taqa.There is an off track dirt road that leads to this place, which is not marked and not illuminated. GPS Coordinates are 17°02’05.1″N 54°24’31.0″E.
This is my personal favorite spot to view Sunset. The sun sets into the Indian Ocean and the view from cliff overlooking Taqa is beautiful.

If you are planning to view the sunset, beware there is no light on the cliff and no street light on the track from cliff to the main road. Being your portable chairs and mats. Sit and enjoy nature.

4. Samharam Old City

If you are a history lover, visiting the places used for Frankincense trade in the past is a must. The Frankincense grow at Wadi Dawkah, the inland trade was done via Uber / Shisr and were shipped via the ports at Al Baleed and Samhurum. These are now open air archaeological sites along the Arabian Sea with a nominal entry fees.

Book East Salalah Trip Half Day to see Sumharam and other places

5. Wadi Darbat

Wadi Darbat is one of the most popular destination and a must visit all year round. Located on Qara Mountain, this valley offers boating and kayaking activities to the visitors along with experiencing the nature. Kids can do kite flying here while adults prepare barbecue.

The waterfall at Wadi Darbat was not there in all the Khareef seasons since I am in Salalah. This stunning waterfall is a result of rains last year due to Mekunu. Since then, the waterfall is present and is now more than a year old without disappearing.

A perfect place ideal picnic in the mountains, as called Jabal in local language, for the entire family. Book Trip to Wadi Darbat for boating and seeing waterfall

6. Taqa Public Park

Taqa Public Park is located in North Taqa and GPS Coordinate of the garden entrance is 17°03’24.4″N 54°23’58.2″E. There are specific days for families, ladies and all. The park is open in the evening in working days, while on weekend its open from morning till night.

This park is a big one and the only notable space with grass in Taqa. 
We visited Taqa Park only once and that too when there was Taqa Festival and the park at that time it had shopping stalls and food pavilions.

Pray in Taqa Oman

There are many big mosques in Taqa, Subhan Allah. I am going to list only 2 of them here. 

1. Sheikh Al Afif Mosque Taqa

Sheikh Al Afif Mosque is a new mosque in Taqa, besides Taqa Castle. When i visited Taqa in July 2019, I saw it operational for the first time.  

The interior of the mosque is as beautiful as the exterior.

There is a ladies praying area as well, which is on the Taqa Castle side.
A graveyard is beside the mosque and Taqa Castle.

2. Jama Sheikha Salma Mosque Taqa

Masjid Jama Shiekha Salma Bint Ahmed is another one in Taqa for praying. If you are on the way from Salalah to Mirbat or Darbat or other place on Eastern Dhofar and it is praying time this mosque will be the first on the way.

This mosque is a big one and has beautiful courtyard and interior. There is a large ablution area, which is on the right side of the courtyard.

The main praying hall is air-conditioned. The carpet is of blue color with a great texture of the beige color. There are many chandeliers on the roof.

There is ladies praying area in Jama Salma Mosque, which has a separate entrance.