6‑Day End‑to‑End Journey: Pune → Chennai → Vellankani → Pune

Day 1: Pune to Chennai – Arrival

Morning: Board the 22:30 PM overnight express train from Pune Junction to Chennai Central (approx. 24 hrs). Enjoy comfortable sleeper cabins and onboard meals.

Afternoon: The train passes through the scenic Western Ghats, offering a great chance for photos and a quick stretch at the Kalyan halt.

Evening: Arrive in Chennai around 22:30 PM. Transfer to Hotel Savera (3‑star) in T. Nagar for a restful night.

Day 2: Chennai – City Exploration

Morning: After breakfast, visit the iconic Marina Beach for sunrise and a stroll along the promenade.

Afternoon: Explore the historic Fort St. George and the adjoining St. Mary's Church, then enjoy a South Indian thali at a nearby restaurant.

Evening: Wander through Kapaleeshwarar Temple in Mylapore and experience the vibrant street market before returning to the hotel.

Day 3: Chennai to Vellankani – Transfer

Morning: Check out and catch a state‑run bus (TNSTC) from Chennai Central Bus Stand to Vellankani (≈ 8 hrs, scenic coastal route).

Afternoon: Arrive in Vellankani, settle into Vellankani Beach Resort (budget‑friendly beachfront lodge) and enjoy a light lunch.

Evening: Take a leisurely walk along Vellankani Beach, watch the sunset and savor fresh seafood at the resort’s sea‑view restaurant.

Day 4: Vellankani – Local Highlights

Morning: Visit the historic Vellankani Lighthouse and climb to the top for panoramic ocean views.

Afternoon: Explore the nearby Thiruchendur Murugan Temple, a major pilgrimage site, and enjoy a traditional Tamil lunch.

Evening: Return to the resort for a relaxing spa session and a beach bonfire organized by the hotel staff.

Day 5: Vellankani to Chennai – Return Journey

Morning: After breakfast, check out and board a bus back to Chennai, stopping at Mahabalipuram for a quick tour of the UNESCO‑listed Shore Temple.

Afternoon: Continue the journey, arriving in Chennai by late afternoon. Check into Hotel Savera for the final night.

Evening: Enjoy a relaxed dinner at Murugan Idli Shop and stroll through the bustling Ritchie Street market for souvenirs.

Day 6: Chennai to Pune – Departure

Morning: Early checkout and board the 06:30 AM express train from Chennai Central back to Pune (≈ 24 hrs). Grab breakfast on the train.

Afternoon: The train traverses the Eastern Ghats; take this time to rest or read about the trip’s highlights.

Evening: Arrive in Pune around 22:00 PM, concluding the journey.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Train (Pune–Chennai round trip, 2nd Class AC) – 48 hrs total, ₹6,000
• Bus (Chennai–Vellankani round trip) – 16 hrs total, ₹1,000
• Hotel Savera (2 nights, 3‑star) – 2 nights, ₹3,000/night = ₹6,000
• Vellankani Beach Resort (3 nights, budget) – 3 nights, ₹2,500/night = ₹7,500
• Meals (average ₹800/day) – 6 days, ₹4,800
• Entry Fees (Marina Beach, Fort St. George, Lighthouse, Temple) – ₹500
• Local Transport & Miscellaneous – ₹1,200
• Total Estimated Cost: ₹26,000

Tips

If you have extra time, add a full day in Chennai to explore the Government Museum and the vibrant Adyar Eco‑Park. To shorten the trip, skip the Vellankani leg and spend the entire week discovering more of Chennai’s coastal attractions, reducing both travel time and accommodation costs.