The biggest attraction here are the flames coming out of vents in the mountainside. According to legend, the monster Chimera, which had three fire-spewing heads, was chased by the Lycian hero Bellerophon on his winged horse Pegasus. He killed the monster, but the fire-spewing heads fell on the mountain where they still burn.

Just 45 minutes out of the city, the East Coast Road first stops at the historic town of Mahabalipuram. The 7th century erstwhile port city is famous for its rock-cut shore temples. A lone lighthouse on a hill watches over a group of temples below. Mahabalipuram also has some great cafes that serve good sea food. A backpacker’s delight, one can find cheap accommodations and plenty of activities.