Tawi Atair Sinkhole (also spelled Tawi Atayr) is one of the most remarkable natural wonders in Oman, and certainly the most famous sinkhole in the Dhofar Governorate. Known locally as the “Well of Birds” due to the flocks that nest in its depths, Tawi Atair is among the deepest natural sinkholes in the world—measuring approximately 100 meters wide and 211 meters deep.

This geological marvel is located in a popular tourist corridor of Dhofar, making it a convenient stop during your exploration of the region. It’s situated close to several major attractions including Wadi Darbat, the historic town of Mirbat, the Samharam Archaeological Site, and the intriguing Anti-Gravity Point.

Surrounded by lush greenery during the Khareef (monsoon) season, the sinkhole offers a scenic, serene escape into nature, as well as a great opportunity for photography, nature walks, and birdwatching. If you’re traveling through eastern Salalah, Tawi Atair Sinkhole is a must-visit natural attraction in Oman.

East Salalah Full day tour is incomplete without visit to Tawi Attair Sinkhole in any season and weather.

What are Sinkholes?

As per Wikipedia, “A sinkhole, also known as a cenote, sink,sink-hole, shakehole, swallet, swallow hole, or doline (the different terms for sinkholes are often used interchangeably), is a depression or hole in the ground caused by some form of collapse of the surface layer.“

Tawi Atair Sinkhole Oman Walking Trek

The sinkhole at Tawi Attair is deep. Caution must be taken while visiting the place. The safe way to see the sinkhole is from the viewing gallery / platform. The gallery has a wall to protect against slip / fall. Don’t go near the sinkhole from any other place, specially during khareef when the land is slippery.

But if you want to have trekking on the natural track in the sinkhole, you can do that with caution or with a professional guide. In Khareef season, the land is slippery and fog obstruct the view. So a little mistake can make you fall. Please be cautious.

Get yourself a guide and stroll down a path to the very bottom.

The Well of Birds

Tawi Atair, translates to “Well of Birds”. There is water at the bottom of the sinkhole, which serves as preferred spot for the migrating birds.

The sinkhole is home to many species of birds that can be seen, and sometimes only heard – swooping in and out of the sinkhole especially during Khareef -monsoon season.

You can spot birds’ nest on the trees as well.

If you are lucky, you might be greeted by the camel at the location of the sinkhole, like the following camel, who greeted us at the sinkhole site.

Guided Tour to Tawi Atair Sinkhole Oman

Beautiful Salalah Tours can arrange the airport transfer from Salalah Airport to your hotel in Salalah. Also Beautiful Salalah Tours can take you on the sightseeing tours to mountains, waterfall, springs, beaches, sinkholes and caves.

All the guides of Beautiful Salalah Tours are Omani locals who know the area of Dhofar (in and Around Salalah) like none others.

The specialty of this number one tour company in Salalah (as per TripAdvisor) is that they arrange private and customized tours to cater the need of each family and group. The private tours are really helpful for privacy of the family and after the post Covid world they are safer. In addition to privacy and safety, these tours comes with customization option and pick up from your hotel in Salalah at your preferred time.

Journey to Tawi Attair sinkhole is covered in East Salalah Full day tour.

Drop a WhatsApp message at +968 9120 6678 or email at info@beautiful Salalah.com for a prompt reply.

Let’s begin your memorable journey to Salalah.

Location of Tawi Attair Sinkhole

There are two ways to reach this sink hole site. First one is to take the mountain route after Taqa (the same that of Wadi Darbat). The second one is to take a route to Tawi Atair from the Anti-Gravity point.

We would prefer that travelers take the route of Wadi Darbat (Tawi Atair) and first see Wadi Darbat, then see the the sinkhole and cave. Then head towards the Anti-gravity point.

Other Recommended Sinkhole: Shaat Sinkhole Walking Track