October 27, Colombo (LNW): Jaffna has earned a coveted spot on Lonely Planet’s list of the Top 25 Best Places to Visit in 2026, placing the northern Sri Lankan city alongside some of the world’s most celebrated destinations.
Renowned for its deep-rooted cultural heritage and unique character, Jaffna has seen a surge in visitor numbers in recent years, establishing itself as one of Sri Lanka’s most distinctive travel experiences. Its inclusion in the global travel guide highlights the nation’s historical and cultural richness while reinforcing efforts to position Sri Lanka as a premier international tourism hotspot.
The announcement was made through Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2026, an annual publication that showcases 25 of the most inspiring destinations and experiences around the globe. The guide, brought to life through vibrant photography and local insights, offers curated recommendations from the travel brand’s expert team.
Founded in 1970, Lonely Planet remains one of the most respected names in global travel media, with more than 150 million guidebooks sold worldwide and a significant digital audience.
Other destinations featured alongside Jaffna include Peru, Cádiz, Botswana, Finland, Mexico City, and the Solomon Islands — further placing the Sri Lankan city in an elite league of must-visit locations for global travellers in the coming year.
