Sri Lanka has been named one of the “50 Best Places to Travel in 2026” by the magazine Travel + Leisure.
The annual list by Travel + Leisure identifies destinations based on accessibility, cultural significance, unique experiences, and emerging travel trends. This year, Sri Lanka was recognized for its diverse attractions, natural beauty, and rich cultural heritage.
Experts featured in the magazine recommend exploring the northern city of Jaffna, the highlands of Horton Plains, and scenic tea estates for adventure and hiking. Along the southern coast, visitors can enjoy sailing trips from Mirissa, remote beaches, and tours of fishing villages such as Kudawella.
Tour operators are expanding their Sri Lanka itineraries for 2026. Insight Vacations is launching a 13-day tour covering nine cities, starting with a tuk-tuk tour of Colombo, while Trafalgar will introduce train journeys through tea plantations and wildlife spotting at Yala National Park. New luxury accommodations, including the Kotiyagala Luxury Villas with private pools and nearby wildlife, are also attracting tourists.
Rumit Mehta, a Travel + Leisure A-List advisor, said Sri Lanka has become a “stand-alone destination,” noting its eight UNESCO World Heritage sites, multicultural heritage influenced by Portuguese, Dutch, and Burgher traditions, and ongoing post–civil war recovery.
