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:

The Amangalla Hotel

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).

• Fun fact: Vanya was also the girl in the Save A Prayer video.
• Another fun fact: much of the black and white shots from Lonely In Your Nightmare were filmed in Maida Vale and London, almost a year later when the band was shooting the Is There Something I Should Know video.

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

City of Galle

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.

Unawatuna Beach

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

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 way, you’ll need to climb the 1,200 ancient steps.

Nissankamallapura and Polonnaruwa

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.

Burning The Ground

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

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.

Colombo Sri Lanka & the Pagoda Tea Room

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…

• Fun fact: Andy said that the plot of the Hungry Like The Wolf video where Simon chased model Sheila Ming around in the jungle was basically “Indiana Jones is horny and wants to get laid.”
• Fun fact: Hungry Like the Wolf won the Grammy Award for Best Short Form Music Video at the 26th Grammy Awards. It was the first video to ever win that award.

Taprobane Island

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.

Home Stay Strand (The Strand)

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:

Sri Lanka Historical Insights

1. Ancient Civilizations: Sri Lanka’s history dates back over 2,500 years. The island was home to ancient kingdoms, with significant archaeological sites like Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, which were capitals of early Sinhalese civilization and are UNESCO World Heritage sites today.
2. Sigiriya Rock Fortress: One of Sri Lanka’s most famous historical sites is Sigiriya, a 5th-century rock fortress built by King Kasyapa. Often referred to as the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” Sigiriya features elaborate frescoes and a sophisticated water management system.
3. Colonial Influence: Sri Lanka was colonized by the Portuguese, Dutch, and British over the centuries. The British influence is particularly evident in cities like Colombo and Kandy, where colonial-era architecture and tea plantations still thrive.
4. Religious Significance: Sri Lanka is an important center for Buddhism. The Temple of the Tooth in Kandy houses what is believed to be the tooth relic of Buddha, making it one of the holiest sites for Buddhists worldwide.

Sri Lanka Travel Destinations

1. Galle Fort: A UNESCO World Heritage site, Galle Fort is a well-preserved colonial-era fortification on the southwest coast. The fort’s cobblestone streets, Dutch architecture, and ocean views make it a must-visit.
2. Ella: Nestled in the central highlands, Ella is a small town known for its stunning views, waterfalls, and hiking trails. The hike to Ella Rock or the famous Nine Arch Bridge offers breathtaking scenery.
3. Yala National Park: For wildlife enthusiasts, Yala National Park is the place to go. It’s one of the best places in the world to see leopards, along with elephants, sloth bears, and a variety of bird species.
4. Adam’s Peak (Sri Pada): A sacred pilgrimage site for Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims, and Christians, Adam’s Peak is a conical mountain with a footprint-shaped mark at the summit. Pilgrims and travelers alike climb the mountain to witness the spectacular sunrise.
5. Arugam Bay: Known for its world-class surf breaks, Arugam Bay on the east coast is a laid-back beach destination perfect for surfing, beachcombing, and enjoying the coastal vibe.

Sri Lanka Little-Known Facts

1. World’s Oldest Living Tree: Sri Lanka is home to the Sri Maha Bodhi, a sacred fig tree in Anuradhapura, which is believed to be the oldest living tree in the world with a known planting date. It was brought from India in the 3rd century BCE.
2. Ceylon Tea: Sri Lanka is famous for its tea, commonly known as Ceylon Tea. The tea industry was introduced by the British in the 19th century and remains a significant part of the economy and culture.
3. Diverse Ecosystems: Despite its small size, Sri Lanka boasts a wide range of ecosystems, from rainforests to coastal lagoons. The Sinharaja Forest Reserve, another UNESCO World Heritage site, is a biodiversity hotspot teeming with endemic species.
4. The Kingdom of Kandy: The Kingdom of Kandy was the last independent kingdom in Sri Lanka, resisting colonial rule until 1815 when it was ceded to the British. Kandy remains a cultural capital, known for its traditional arts and the annual Esala Perahera festival.
5. Festivals: Sri Lanka is a country of festivals, with the Sinhala and Tamil New Year in April being one of the most important. The Kandy Esala Perahera is another grand festival featuring processions, traditional dances, and the revered tooth relic of Buddha.
6. Legend of Ravana: According to Hindu mythology, Sri Lanka is believed to be the kingdom of Ravana, the antagonist in the ancient Indian epic Ramayana. Sites like Sigiriya are sometimes associated with Ravana’s legendary palace.