Galle is a major city in Sri Lanka and has a population of around 100 000, It is situated on the southwestern tip of the island lying approximately 119 km from Colombo. Galle is also the administrative capital of Southern Province of Sri Lanka. Ibn Batuta the famed 14th century traveller has recorded that the port city was known as Qali. After the arrival of the Portuguese the port and the city underwent changes, at the height of its development in the 18th century it was the main port serving the island. The Dutch from 1649 onwards fortified the city the remains of which well preserved can be seen in the Galle fort. It is also a world heritage site. Attractions in Galle include the National Maritime Museum, St. Mary’s Cathedral founded by Jesuit priests, and Amangalla the historic luxury hotel.