AL
Haylayn's dramatic geology
The
tour of the wadi begins at Al Khowa'i where the chasm appears along
a 600-metre rocky course, created perhaps by the incessant action
of torrential flows over millions of years. A downpour in the area
can turn this stretch into a raging torrent, making any tour of the
wadi at this time a foolhardy exercise. It flows with a dull roar
for several weeks thereafter
The
Sultanate's mighty wadis, created by ancient rivers that criss-crossed
the peninsula many million years ago, have spawned in their wake a
spectacular legacy of dramatic gorges, precipitous ravines, picture-book
landscapes and verdant oasis swathes. However, none is as striking
as the splendid chasm produced by Wadi Haylayn as it meanders through
the wilayat of Al Suwaiq in the Batinah region. It is unique in that
the wadi makes a dramatic breach in solid rock at Al Haylayn —
so called because the wadi cuts a swathe right through the middle
of the village.
To
explore this fascinating geological formation, drive from Muscat towards
Al Suwaiq along the Batinah highway. Turn left at the Al Musannah
roundabout and head in the direction of Al Rostaq. Some 27km down
this road is Mabrah, known for its verdant countryside and idyllic
ambience (discussed later in this article). Just 15km ahead is Al
Haylayn, a charming Omani village where modern brick house jostle
with atmospheric mud dwellings belonging to a previous age. The narrow
trail meanders through the peaceful village, offering you a glimpse
of rustic village life. Scattered around the village are several splendid
sidr trees, under whose canopies people sit and banter away animatedly.
Another
trail skirts the edge of the village and leads up a nearby hillock,
from where you can enjoy panoramic views of Al Haylayn and the spectacular
course of the wadi. Wadi Haylayn appears to cleave the village into
two halves with houses located on both sides amid lush date palm swathes.
Your tour of the wadi begins at Al Khowa'i where the chasm appears
along a 600-metre rocky course, created perhaps by the incessant action
of torrential flows over millions of years.
A
downpour in the area can turn this stretch into a raging torrent,
making any tour of the wadi at this time a foolhardy exercise. It
flows with a dull roar for several weeks thereafter. The fissure snakes
through the rocky strata, plunging six metres in places and widening
to about three metres at its broadest point. The gentle burble of
water through the narrow channel can be heard all year round, save
when the wadi is in spate. In some places, you may have to wade through
knee deep water as you trek through the chasm.
About
3km downstream, the flow is channelled back to Al Haylayn through
conduits that lead to the village's splendid heritage of date palm
groves and fruit orchards. You can stroll through this pleasant canopy
of gardens and explore ancient mud homes with their unique architectural
features.While exploring the countryside around Al Haylayn, be sure
to visit Mabrah, a tiny hamlet of breathtaking charm. A lush spread
of fodder fields surrounds the village, edged by verdant date palm
gardens.
Standing
sentinel over this tranquil setting is a ruined tower perched on a
nearby hill. In the far distance are the rugged profiles of the Eastern
Hajar mountains obscured by the noonday haze. Beyond Mabrah, the trail
leads to a couple of charming hamlets, all boasting their picturesque
date palm swathes, watchtowers and aflaj. Mesafeyah and Bedet are
places worth exploring. En route from Mabrah to Al Suwaiq, you can
explore the great quarries of the wilayat where raw Omani marble is
excavated and polished into fine slabs at factories in Rusayl.
©
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