The Sultanate of Oman with a total area of 309,500 square kilometres, is the second largest country in the Arabian Peninsula. Oman occupies the eastern corner of the Arabian Peninsula, bordered by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to the northwest, Saudi Arabia to the west and Yemen to the southwest. At its northernmost point, it's just over 50 km south of Iran across the Strait of Hormuz. Pakistan and India are, respectively, 500 km and 1000 km across the Arabian Sea to the east. The Musandam Peninsula forms the country's northern tip, which is separated from the rest of the country by the United Arab Emirates' eastern coast and includes the only coast Oman has on the Persian Gulf. The Omani enclave of Madha is entirely surrounded by the UAE and lies halfway between the Musandam Peninsula and the rest of Oman. Oman has a magnificent coastline stretching 1,700 kilometres from the Straits of Hormuz in the north, to the borders of the Republic of Yemen in the south, overlooking the Arabian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea in the east. 

Oman's diverse geography includes rugged coasts, placid beaches, craggy mountains, salt flats, oasis and deserts. The northern coastal strip along the Gulf of Oman is known as the Batinah coast, a sand and gravel plain separated from the rest of the country by the Hajar Mountains. The highest peak is Jebel Akhdar ('Green Mountain') at 2980 m (9775 ft). Oman also has two large areas of salt flats, one in the central west and another opposite Massirah Island, off the eastern coast and just south of the Wahiba Sands desert area.

Oman has one of the world's most rigorous green governments and a fascinating range of animals thrives in the protected areas. Sanctuaries have been set aside for rare Arabian oryx, giant sea turtles which come to Oman to breed, the Arabian tahr, a wild goat which nearly became extinct but is now flourishing, Arabian wolf and leopard, striped hyena and the sooty falcon. 

His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, the ruler of Sultanate of Oman has devoted much attention to the country's plant life as well. Coastal areas are preserved and there are National Protected Areas scattered around the country.

Its varied geography means -Oman has a wide variety of climatic conditions. Muscat, the capital city of Sultanate of Oman, is hot and humid from mid-March until October and pleasant from October to March. In the southern Salalah area, humid weather with temperatures approaching 30°C is common even in December. The Salalah area gets drenched by monsoon rains from June to September.

Muscat

Oman's capital enchants visitors in a way that no other city in the Gulf can even begin to match. Maybe it's because Muscat doesn't have that artificial feel which many cities in the region have. There are three forts in Muscat, all of which were built in the 1580s during the Portuguese occupation of Muscat. Mutrah Fort sits on a hill while Jalali and Mirani forts guard the entrance to Muscat. 

Muscat, Muttrah, Ruwi and Al Khuwair are the capital's core districts. Muscat, the old port area, is the site of the Sultan's main palace and a fascinating place to wander around. Muttrah, northwest of Muscat, is the main trading and residential port area. A few kilometres inland from Muscat and Mutrah lies Ruwi, the capital's modern commercial district. Al Khuwair is a relatively new addition to Muscat. Ministries, embassies and large shopping centres have come up in this area in a short span of time. Madinat Sultan Qaboos and Qurum are two prime residential areas and shopping centres.

In Muscat, the best of the traditional houses were preserved and renovated and new gates and buildings were erected in harmony with the old buildings of the past. The residential areas and town roads have been beautifully landscaped with trees and flowers. The Mosques of Oman are well proportionate and distinguished in their design with simplicity and asceticism appropriate to the old Oman. 

Muscat Aquarium has specimens of aquatic life present in the native Omani waters accompanied by thorough descriptions in Arabic and English. 

The Omani Museum in the Madinat Qaboos, west of Muscat, covers the entire sweep of Oman's 5000-year history. There are displays on shipbuilding, Islamic heritage and fort architecture also. In Ruwi, the National Museum displays Omani silver-work and the Sultan's Armed Forces Museum in the Bait Al-Falaj Fort has an excellent outline of Omani history.

Salalah

Oman's second city Salalah, is a striking change from Muscat. Salalah, better known as the Perfume City of Arabia, is the capital of Dhofar region. Dhofar's fame and prosperity emerged from the trade in frankincense. It is the only corner of Arabian plateau that catches the Indian summer monsoon. From June to September, the monsoon (rainy) season in Dhofar sets up the celebration mood with Kharif Festival, drawing people from all the around the world to partake of nature's blessings through the festivities. Song and dance evoke the natural response to such a spirit-filled season when mountains, meadows and streams are attired in their colourful best to thrill people with their scenic beauty. 

It is also the best base for exploring the villages and archaeological sites of southern Oman. Two compelling reasons draw visitors to this mystical land - historical and religious factors dating back thousands of years and the scenic splendours of the magnificent mountains, captivating beaches such as Hafa , Taqa and Mughsail and an awe-inspiring desert. The coastline to the west of Salalah is magnificent with great cliffs and little sandy beaches. The ruins of Al-Balid, site of the ancient city of Zafar, lie about 5km east of the centre, on the coast. Zafar's heyday was in the 11th and 12th centuries when it was an active trading port. Coins from as far away as China have been found at the site. The lost city of Ubar and queen Sheba's ancient city of Samhuram, quietly overlook the creek of Khawr Rori between Mirbaat and Taqa on Salalah's eastern fringe- a must see for the visitor to Salalah. Visitors also pay obeisance to Al Nabi Ayoub's tomb on the way to Raysut and Mohamed bin Ali 's mausoleum- the founder of Islam in Oman.

Nizwa

Nizwa was once the capital of Oman. Today it is best known for its large fort and silver souq. Nizwa's fort was built in the mid-17th century by Sultan bin Saif, the first Imam of the Al-Ya'ribi dynasty. For the next 300 years, it was the primary seat of the imamate, serving as a palace, seat of government and prison. The fort stands in the centre of town, dominated by a huge circular tower surrounded by local markets and ancient mud-brick homes. Not too far from Nizwa, is Bahla. Another small town with magnificent fort. Bahla Fort is worth a visit as it is listed among the World Heritage List for its unique design.

Nizwa is famous for its bustling souq where tourists can buy exquisite copper and silver jewellery and other craft items. Despite having moved into more 'modern' quarters, the souq retains much of its colour and vitality. Nizwa has also long been an important agricultural centre -thanks to farms fed by Oman's largest falaj called the Falaj Daris, built in 1680 by the Imam, Sultan Saif.

Sohar 

Sohar is located on the lush Batinah coast and lapped by the calm waters of the Gulf of Oman. Sohar stands at the mouth of the great Wadi Jizzi, a major route through the northern mountains. Sohar is ideally situated for those wishing to explore the countryside. Located close to Sohar are ancient copper mines and a short journey into the foothills of Jebel Akdar (the Green Mountain) reveals the fortified towns of Ibri, Nakhl, Rustaq and Nizwa. 

Sohar is the homeport of the fictional sailor Sinbad and one of those places where history casts a shadow over modern reality. A thousand years ago, it occupied three times its present area and was the largest town in the country. During the tenth century AD, Sohar was richer in fine buildings and foreign merchandise than any other port in the Islamic world. The great fort at Sohar pre-dates the Portuguese who carried out modifications and additions. Most of the towers were built many times with only the north-western one retaining its original shape. This fort has now been beautifully restored. 

Sur

The eastern region of Oman is known as the Sharqiya or eastern in Arabic. The Eastern Region is best known for its village oasis many of which retain their old fortified Arab houses and watch towers. Sur, the capital of the region, is an important fishing port and Oman's centre for the building of traditional Arab sailing vessels, called 'dhows.' These ancient vessels are still hand-built in the traditional way to supply to the town's in-shore fishing fleet. 

In days gone by, Omani captains from Sur plied the trade routes to India, Africa and the West, trading exotic spices and prized products. In the fourth and third millennia BC Oman, was renowned as a seafaring and mercantile nation. Today the modern town still celebrates its links with the sea, being one of the few places in the world where traditional Arab ships (dhows) are still made.

Nearby the town of Qalhat houses the Bibi Mariam's mosque-a splendour in ruins