Must-See Travel Destinations for Duranies
Sri Lanka holds a special place in the hearts of Duran Duran fans, serving as the backdrop for some of the band’s most iconic music videos, including “Hungry Like the Wolf,” “Save a Prayer,” and “Lonely in Your Nightmare.” For Duranies planning a pilgrimage, here are the essential sites that celebrate the band’s Sri Lankan legacy:
Save a Prayer video, directed by Russell Mulcahy, April 1982.
The Amangalla, located in Galle, Sri Lanka, is a luxurious heritage hotel originally built in the 17th century as the residence for the Dutch commander and his officers. Nestled within the historic ramparts of the 17th-century Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Amangalla provides an ideal starting point for exploring Sri Lanka’s cultural treasures. The Zaal (or The Great Hall), one of the rooms where “Save a Prayer” was filmed, is a grand hall that showcases this colonial charm with its high ceilings, polished wooden floors, and large windows that let in plenty of natural light.
Scenes from Lonely In Your Nightmare were also shot at The Amangalla (such as the scene where Simon is creeping around while model Vanya Seager is trying to sleep).
The Amangalla was also the location of the quick scene from Hungry Like The Wolf when the band has traded their Indiana Jones safari outfits for Anthony Price suits and are laughing it up in a bar.
See Street View of the Amangalla Hotel
Situated on Sri Lanka’s southwest coast, Galle is rich in history. The city is adorned with picturesque beaches, Dutch-style residences, charming shops, elegant mansions, and museums dedicated to its heritage including a 16th-century Portuguese fort.
Looking for a beach day? Koggala, Unawatuna and Weligama are the most-visited beaches around the Galle area. Located on the south coast, the picturesque bay boasts a wide, curving stretch of golden beach, protected by a natural reef. Many Duran Duran video scenes were filmed throughout the area. Whether you want to SCUBA dive, snorkel, surf, paddleboard, or just take selfies where Duran Duran walked along the shore, this is the perfect spot
The beach where Simon sat contemplating his one night stand was shot at Rock Bay in Galle. It’s a stunning stretch of coast renowned for its golden sands, clear blue waters, and rock-studded shoreline. Today, the street view of Rock Bay shows that the beach isn’t quite as isolated as it appeared to be in the video. See street view of Rock Bay
Sigiriya (or Lion Rock) isn’t just a UNESCO World Heritage Site; it’s a journey back in time, a step into the ancient world of Sri Lanka’s past rulers. This towering geological wonder rises approximately 660 feet (200 meters) above the surrounding jungle, and is probably the most famous tourist attraction in Sri Lanka, and one Duranies will easily recognize.
Before it starred in Duran Duran’s “Save a Prayer” video, it was the royal residence of King Kasyapa in the 5th century. Want to make it to the top? Unless you can be dropped off by helicopter like the band, you’ll need to climb the 1,200 ancient steps.
Nissankamallapura is a city in North Central Province, Sri Lanka. It has many popular attractions, including Polonnaruwa Gal Viharaya, Polonnaruwa Nelum pokuna (Lotus Pond), and much more.
Polonnaruwa, located a few hours from Sigiriya in Sri Lanka’s North Central Province, served as the island’s medieval capital, thriving between the 11th and 13th centuries. Built in the 12th century by King Parakramabahu I, the Gal Vihara, known originally as the Uttararama, is renowned for its stunning rock-cut statues of Lord Buddha, widely regarded as some of the finest examples of ancient Sinhalese sculpture.
The Gal Vihara complex comprises four magnificent Buddha statues carved into a single granite rock face. Each statue represents a different aspect of Lord Buddha: standing, seated in meditation, and in two reclining postures. The largest of these is a 46-foot (14-meter) long reclining Buddha, depicting the parinirvana (final passing away) of the Buddha. See street view of Gal Vihara
John, Andy, and Nick assembled here for a little sing-a-long.
Apparently, according to Russell Mulcahy, while filming temple scenes, the band would sometimes shout “Fuck you, Russell! Fuck yoooouuuuuuuuu” instead of “save a prayer for me now…” because their bare feet were burning on the hot ground.
The Lankatilaka Temple, situated in Polonnaruwa, is a remarkable Buddhist temple built by King Parakramabahu I in the 12th century AD. Renowned as one of the finest examples of ancient Sinhalese temple architecture, it features a massive image house with a statue of the Buddha, accompanied by several smaller shrines. The band filmed the temple scenes here.
Hungry Like the Wolf video, directed by Russell Mulcahy
Nestled in the heart of Colombo, the Pagoda Tea Room (now called the Green Cabin) is a beloved historic gem that offers a quintessential Sri Lankan tea experience. Established in 1884, this charming tea room exudes colonial elegance with its vintage decor and timeless ambiance. Patrons can savor a wide selection of Ceylon teas, perfectly complemented by a delectable array of pastries, cakes, and traditional Sri Lankan snacks. Check out the steet view of the Pagoda Tea Room
Duranies will recognize it as the location of Simon’s man-baby fit when he shooed away the guy with the monkey and then flipped the table over…
Lonely In Your Nightmare video, director Russell Mulcahy
Taprobane Island, a private paradise located off the southern coast of Sri Lanka, is a secluded retreat steeped in luxury and history. Accessible only by a shallow walk through the Indian Ocean, this lush, five-acre island boasts a stunning neo-Palladian mansion built in the 1920s by Count de Mauny-Talvande. The mansion, with its open verandas, sweeping ocean views, and opulent interiors, has hosted numerous celebrities and dignitaries over the decades. Surrounded by tropical gardens and pristine beaches, Taprobane Island offers an exclusive escape where guests can indulge in tranquility, breathtaking scenery, and unparalleled privacy, making it a dream destination for discerning travelers.
Duranies will recognize it as the location where the lady in the flowy yellow dress beckoned Simon to come hither only to disappear before he could get there.
Need a place to stay while you’re visiting Duran Duran’s Sri Lanka? Check out the Duran Duran Suite at Home Stay Strand in Unawatuna.
Sri Lanka is a fascinating country with a rich history, diverse culture, and breathtaking landscapes. Here are some interesting aspects of Sri Lanka, including its history, travel destinations, and little-known facts:
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