A calm, historic landmark with gardens and museum about the freedom movement; good half-day visit if you leave Pune later in the night. Check opening times: typically ~9:00am–5:30pm.
Departs Pune/LTT region 22:10 on Dec 6; arrives Chennai Central ~16:10 on Dec 7. Night travel frees up Dec 7 daytime in Chennai. More convenient arrival time for sightseeing.
Departs Pune Junction 02:55 on Dec 6 and reaches Chennai Egmore 22:15 same day (longer travel time). Use only if your schedule/fare preference requires it.
If you took the LTT MAS EXP (arrive ~16:10), take an auto/taxi to your hotel, check in and freshen up. If you arrive later (other train arrives ~22:15), head straight to your hotel and rest.
Arrive Chennai Egmore late — transfer to hotel (taxi/OLA) and check in; tomorrow’s Chennai sightseeing will be compressed, so consider shifting activities to the next day or taking a later train to Rameswaram.
A beautiful Dravidian-style Shiva temple central to Chennai’s heritage; morning darshan hours generally 6:00am–12:30pm, then 4:00pm–8:30pm — visit in the morning for less crowd.
If you want a quick, reliable local lunch then Murugan Idli Shop; for a more formal southern thali try Dakshin. Both allow a timely return to your hotel.
Colonial-era fort with museum displaying administrative and military artifacts — generally open ~9:30am–5:00pm (closed Mondays). Check closing time to ensure you have enough time.
Departs Tambaram 19:42; overnight train to Rameswaram arriving ~07:55 next day — sleeper or 2A as per your booking. (Alternate departure from Chennai Egmore or other trains if timings differ.)
Main attraction in Rameswaram — famous for its long corridors and sacred jyotirlinga. Temple hours generally 4:00am–12:30pm and 4:00pm–9:00pm; morning is best for darshan and avoiding midday heat.
The abandoned town and pristine sand beaches at the tip of the island are dramatic and photogenic — a taxi round-trip from Rameswaram takes ~3–4 hours total; go early to avoid rough seas and heat.