Visit Jaffna 2026 Blog

Close your eyes and imagine postcard-perfect beaches with the softest white sand and bluest waters you’ve ever seen. There are ancient ruins simmered in history and vibrant culture peeking around every corner. For most of us, these types of destinations represent the ultimate escape and a chance to experience what paradise must actually be like. But what happens when the paradise becomes overwhelmed? All over the world, countries are pressing pause on having an open-door policy on tourism. They’re adding in rules, fees and regulations that limit tourism and focus on protecting their space. Today, we’re exploring which counties might be making these shifts and what they could mean for the future of travel.

There are several destinations /countries which don't want any more tourists. They include Venice for overcrowding and cruise-ship water pollution danger; Amsterdam being tired of over tourism; Barcelona -residents are being priced out by ABAB'S. Dubrovnik - cruise ship congestion; Santorini  says it has too many tourists and not enough places for locals; Kyoto- tourists too aggressive; Bali - too much bad behaviour; Ireland -environmental stress due to over tourism; Paris- complaints about disrespectful behaviour among visitor-tourists and Edinburgh- too much of festive waste.
 

The 25 best places to visit in 2026 according to Lonely Planet, International Tour Guide: 

 1.  Peru, South America             .

          2.  Jaffna, Sri Lanka

          3.  Maine, USA

          4.  Cadiz, Spain

          5.  Reunion, (Indian Ocean)

          6.  Botswana, Africa

           7.  Cartagena, Colombia

           8.  Finland,Europe

            9. Tipperary, Ireland

         10.  Mexico City, Mexico

         11.  Quetzaltenango (Xela) Guatemala

         12.  British Columbia, Canada

         13. Sardinia, Italy

         14. Liberdade, Sao Paulo, Brazil

         15. Utrecht, Netherlands

         16. Barbados, Caribbean

         17. Jeju-Do, (Jedu, Island)

         18. South Korea North Island

         19. New Zealand

         20. Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota, USA

         21. Quy Nhon, Vietnam

         22. Siem Reap,

         23. Cambodia

         24. Phuket

         25. Thailand

             

Best under the radar. 

 Jaffna is considered great for several reasons:  It's Rich Heritage: Jaffna has a deep historical background, with roots dating back to at least 300 B.C. and being the capital of the Jaffna Kingdom. 

Cultural Immersion: The region offers a unique blend of Tamil culture, Hindu temples,  Buddhist viharas at Nagadipa Island and ancient domed dagobas near Jaffna City as well as vibrant public spaces, making it a fascinating destination for cultural enthusiasts. 

 1. Authentic Cuisine: Jaffna is renowned for its spicy flavors and unique dishes, such as crab curry and dosas, which reflect its culinary heritage. 

 2. Historical Sites: Key attractions include the Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil and the Jaffna Dutch Fort, which provide insights into the region's history and colonial past. 

3. Accessibility: Jaffna's accessibility from  Colombo and South India via direct flights makes it a popular destination for Indian travelers, enhancing its appeal as a travel destination. 

 More on the radar among other worldwide destinations.

 Jaffna until recently, the north of Sri Lanka was scarcely visited due to the 25-year civil war, with the Tamil-controlled northern regions engulfed in conflict. 

With the war long since over, travellers are returning to Jaffna, the biggest city in the north and previously completely inaccessible.

 India is the cultural force here, not necessarily the indigenous Sinhalese of Sri Lanka, and you immediately sense the difference. But, Sinhalese tourists too are to be seen all over the Jaffna Peninsula, in trains and tour buses.

Language, food, atmosphere are all south Indian; Tamil rather than Sinhalese, masala dhosa rather than kottu roti, Shiva rather than Lord Buddha. The biggest Hindu temple in Sri Lanka, Nallur Kandaswamy, is as vibrant and impressive as any in India, and if you’re hazy about the differences between Hinduism and Buddhism, exploring Nallur Kandaswamy temple after being in the south will sharpen you up. Jaffna’s fort is smaller than Galle’s but is much less crowded, and especially beautiful at sunset. And fewer tourists means the locals are less accustomed to dealing with foreigners, though no less welcoming.

 Jaffna is considered great for several reasons, most of all it's unspoilt population. its value for money frugal lifestyle and as a shopping centre.

 Overall, Jaffna stands out as a culturally rich and historically significant region, offering a  a culturally rich and historically significant region, offering a unique travel experience that is outstanding tourist destination for cultural enthusiasts, offering a unique travel experience that is both authentic and diverse. 

     

   VICTOR CHERUBIM -  Promotions Director,

   Destination Travel,Visit Jaffna 2026 

   35 Crystal Way Dagenham, Essex RM8 1UE, U.K. 

   Mobile: 0094 7958 522 888 email:victorcherubim@aol.com