Jaffna named one of the best places to visit in 2026 by Lonely Planet

Global travel publication Lonely Planet has named Jaffna as one of the Top 25 Best Places to Visit in the World for 2026.

The selection of Jaffna underscores Sri Lanka’s rich cultural and historical heritage and highlights the country’s ongoing efforts to promote regional diversity as a part of its tourism development strategy.

The inclusion of Jaffna alongside other iconic destinations marks a significant milestone for Sri Lanka’s international tourism profile.

Founded in 1970, Lonely Planet is one of the world’s most trusted travel media brands, with more than 150 million guidebooks sold globally and an extensive digital reach.

These are the 25 best places to travel in 2026, according to Lonely Planet

• Peru, South America
• Jaffna, Sri Lanka
• Maine, USA
• Cádiz, Spain
• Réunion, Africa
• Botswana, Africa
• Cartagena, Colombia
• Finland, Europe
• Tipperary, Ireland
• Mexico City
• Quetzaltenango, Guatemala
• British Colombia, Canada
• Sardinia, Italy
• Liberdade, São Paulo
• Utrecht, Netherlands
• Barbados, Caribbean
• Jeju-Do, South Korea
• North Island, New Zealand
• Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota
• Quy Nhon, Vietnam
• Siem Reap, Cambodia
• Phuket, Thailand
• Ikra-Flinders Ranges and Outback, South Australia
• Tunisia, Africa
• Solomon Islands, Oceania