Nakhal and Barka

Nakhal (Arabic: نَخَل‎) or Nakhl (Arabic: نَخْل‎) is a town in Al Batinah Region in Oman. It is home to Nakhal Fort.Barka (Arabic: بركاء‎) is a coastal city in the region Al Bāţinah, in northern Oman. Bordered by the Sea of Oman and the Al Hajar mountains in southern Batinah.

Nakhal Fort it is one of the most prominent historical monuments in the Sultanate. It derives its name from the Wilaya itself. The fort lies amidst palm orchards in Wilayt Nakhal in Al Batinah South Governorate. It is an entrenched building that rises above a rocky hill at the base of Mount Nakhal in the northeast of Al Jabal Al Akhdar (Green Mountain).The fort, also called Husn Al Heem, lies 120 kilometres from the capital Muscat and is located at the entrance of Wilayt Nakhal in Wadi Ar Raqeem.The construction of the castle dates back to the pre-Islamic era.

A few kilometres beyond the fort is a twisty road that leads from the lush greenery and date palm plantations to Al Thowarah hot springs.The name ‘Thowarah’ derives from the Arabic word to ‘boil’, the springs are pleasantly warm here.As well as the free flowing spring water, there is a concrete tub with a small inviting waterfall to bathe in. At the hot springs get a free fish pedicure, Simply sit on one of the many rock formations at the side of the wadi and dip your feet in. Before long there is movement in the water, as small fish begin to give a refereshing pedicure.