Start with a fresh South Indian breakfast (idli, dosa, filter coffee) at a local hotel to fuel up for temple visits and the drive; many small eateries open by 7:00–8:00AM.
Visit the famed Kanipakam Vinayaka Temple known for its self-manifested (swayambhu) Ganesha idol and continuous abhishekam history; temple timings typically start around 6:00AM, morning poojas run until around noon.
Have a traditional Tamil thali or set-meal at a recommended local restaurant close to the temple — simple, wholesome food ideal before the afternoon rituals.
Explore the Annamalaiyar Temple complex (Arunachaleswarar), an important Shaivaite site with large gopurams and evening aarti; typical temple hours are 5:30AM–12:30PM and 4:00PM–8:30PM so plan to be there for evening rituals.
If energetic, take a short portion of the Girivalam (parikrama) route around Arunachala hill — many devotees circumambulate at dusk; wear comfortable shoes and carry water. Check local weather and safety for night walking.
Leave early (approx. 3–3.5 hour drive) to reach Mahabalipuram with time to explore the monuments before midday; roads can be busy closer to Chennai so early start helps.
Visit the UNESCO-adjacent Shore Temple and nearby Pancha Rathas, iconic 7th–8th century Pallava rock-cut monuments — ASI sites are usually open 6:00AM–6:00PM and are best seen in morning light.
See the cave temples with intricate bas-reliefs (Descent of the Ganges) and enjoy a brief beach walk; combine the archaeological sites with coastal views.
Have lunch at a seaside restaurant — choose fresh seafood or vegetarian coastal specialties depending on preference; many places open from late morning.
Scenic coastal/interstate drive from Mahabalipuram to Pondicherry (~2–2.5 hours); you'll enter a different cultural zone with French colonial architecture.
Visit the Sri Aurobindo Ashram (visiting hours roughly 9:00AM–12:30PM and 2:00PM–4:30PM — confirm current hours) and then explore Pondicherry’s White Town streets, French cafés, and boutiques.
Visit the historic Chidambaram Nataraja Temple, the cosmic-dance (Nataraja) shrine of Shiva; typical morning hours start around 5:30–6:00AM and continue until around noon — watch for scheduled pujas.
Have a late lunch at a local restaurant offering hearty Tamil meals, rice/curd-based dishes, or South Indian thali that will keep you going through afternoon temple visits.
Visit the Sthalam dedicated to Shiva in the water element (Appu sthalam) — the temple complex has distinctive architecture and is active in late afternoon rituals (check exact daily pooja timings).
Short drive to Srirangam island to explore the Ranganathaswamy Temple complex (Vaishnavite), one of the largest temple complexes — many sections open until early evening; plan time for walkthroughs and darshan.
Depart very early from Trichy to reach Madurai by morning (approx. 2.5–3 hours) so you can visit Meenakshi Temple during morning pujas; this day has the longest combined temple time and driving so start early.
Explore the magnificent Meenakshi Temple — renowned gopurams, mandapas, and morning rituals; main visiting hours are typically early morning to noon and again in the evening, so mornings are ideal for photography and quieter darshan.
Enjoy a late breakfast or brunch near the temple — try local specialties like paruthi paal sweets, pongal, or a hearty dosa before the long drive to Rameswaram.
Depart for Rameswaram (approx. 3.5–4 hours); plan for one rest stop en route; you will reach in the afternoon for temple darshan and Agni Theertham visit.
Visit the famous Ramanathaswamy Temple with its long corridors and sacred wells — temple hours usually include an afternoon session (check local schedule; main corridors and pujas often resume around 4:00PM).
Dinner at a local hotel or recommended seafood/vegetarian restaurant; overnight in Rameswaram or return to Madurai/next destination depending on onward travel plans.