Asian Destinations You May Not Have Heard of But Will Be Huge in 2026

Lisette Marie

December 8, 2025

20. Jaffna, Sri Lanka – A Rising Star of Tamil Culture and Cuisine

Nallur Kandaswamy Temple. Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons @Aathavan jaffna

While most tourists flock to Colombo and the south, Jaffna in northern Sri Lanka is emerging as a cultural and culinary powerhouse. This vibrant, Tamil-majority city boasts ancient temples, colonial forts, and untouched beaches. Must-visit spots include Nallur Kandaswamy Temple, the Jaffna Fort, and the idyllic Casuarina Beach. Food lovers will appreciate Jaffna’s spicy seafood curries and unique dishes like Kool soup and Jaffna crab curry, flavors that are distinctly different from Sri Lankan cuisine in the south. As Sri Lanka continues to recover from past conflicts, Jaffna is experiencing a renaissance in tourism, arts, and gastronomy, making it one of Asia’s most exciting off-the-beaten-path destinations.

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Asian Destinations You May Not Have Heard of But Will Be Huge in 2026

20. Jaffna, Sri Lanka – A Rising Star of Tamil Culture and Cuisine

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