Journey into the Mysteries of Ancient Karnataka, where mountains become monuments, stone tells stories, and empires reveal their greatness. From the magnificent rock-cut caves of Badami and the architectural birthplace of Aihole to the UNESCO heritage splendour of Pattadakal and the majestic ruins of Hampi, discover the extraordinary legacy of the Chalukyas and Vijayanagara Empire. A five-day expedition through art, architecture, engineering, trade and civilisation, transforming historical exploration into meaningful learning and unforgettable discoveries.


OUR PHILOSOPHY

 


OUR LEARNING FRAMEWORK

At Crazy Holidays, we believe learning happens best when students experience, reflect, and apply.

We don’t organize trips.We design curriculum-connected learning journeys that build:

  • Critical Thinking
  • Collaboration
  • Resilience
  • Environmental & Social Awareness

HOW WE DELIVER OUTCOMES


 

DAY 1 | BENGALURU TO BADAMI

THE JOURNEY THROUGH FOUR HISTORICAL LANDSCAPES

The Heritage Journey Begins

An overnight journey into the heart of Karnataka's architectural and cultural heritage.

08:00 PM – Assemble at School, Bengaluru

The expedition begins as students assemble at school and board the vehicle. The journey sets the stage for an exploration of the kingdoms, ideas and artistic traditions that shaped ancient Karnataka.


08:30 PM – Depart for Badami (approximately 450 km | 7–8 hrs)

“Every civilisation leaves behind a story. This journey begins where history was carved into stone.”

Travel through the Karnataka landscape towards Badami, the historic capital of the Badami Chalukyas. En-route refreshment and washroom breaks will be provided.


Overnight: On board the vehicle


DAY 02 | BADAMI

 

DISCOVERING THE ARTISTRY OF ROCK-CUT ARCHITECTURE

Where mountains became monuments and stone was transformed into an expression of art, faith and engineering.

06:00 AM – 07:00 AM | Arrive at Badami

Arrive in Badami, the historic seat of the Chalukya dynasty. The striking sandstone landscape introduces students to a region where architecture and geography are deeply intertwined.


07:00 AM – 08:30 AM | Freshen Up & Breakfast at the Hotel

A refreshing start to the day before beginning the heritage exploration.


08:30 AM – 11:00 AM | Explore Badami Cave Temples

“A masterpiece does not always need to be built. Sometimes, it needs to be revealed from within a mountain.”

Explore the celebrated rock-cut cave temples of Badami, where ancient artisans transformed solid sandstone cliffs into remarkable architectural spaces.

Discover the sculptural traditions represented through the depictions of Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and Jain Tirthankaras. The intricate pillars, carved ceilings and monumental figures reveal the artistic imagination and technical mastery of the Chalukyan period.


11:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Visit Agastya Lake & Bhutanatha Temple

“Where sacred architecture meets the wisdom of water and the rhythm of ancient settlements.”

Surrounded by sandstone hills and historic shrines, Agastya Lake offers a glimpse into the relationship between water resources, religious traditions and settlement planning.

Explore the Bhutanatha Temple complex and observe how its architecture harmonises with the natural landscape.


12:00 PM – 01:00 PM | Return to Hotel & Relax

 

Time to refresh after the morning's heritage exploration.


01:00 PM – 02:00 PM | Lunch at the Hotel


02:00 PM – 04:00 PM | Rest & Leisure Time at the Hotel


04:00 PM – 05:00 PM | Heritage Quiz & Team-Building Activities

“History becomes meaningful when curiosity turns into discovery and discovery becomes shared understanding.”

An engaging session bringing together the day's discoveries through a heritage quiz and collaborative team-building activities.


07:30 PM | Dinner & Overnight Stay at Badami


DAY 03 | AIHOLE & PATTADAKAL TO HAMPI

 

THE EVOLUTION OF INDIAN TEMPLE ARCHITECTURE

From early architectural experimentation to the grandeur of monumental temple design, discover how India's temple architecture evolved through the Chalukyan era.

06:30 AM – 07:30 AM | Wake Up & Breakfast at the Hotel


07:30 AM – 08:30 AM | Drive to Aihole (approximately 35 km | 1 hr)


08:30 AM – 10:00 AM | Explore Aihole – The Cradle of Indian Temple Architecture

“Every architectural masterpiece begins with an idea. Aihole is where those ideas began taking shape in stone.”

Discover Aihole, an important centre of early Chalukyan temple architecture. Its remarkable collection of temples offers an opportunity to observe the experimentation, innovation and craftsmanship that influenced later Indian temple design.

  • Durga Temple: Observe its distinctive architectural form, sculptural details and the relationship between structure and sacred space.
  • Lad Khan Temple: Explore one of the early examples of temple architecture and understand the distinctive design elements of its construction.

10:00 AM – 10:30 AM | Drive to Pattadakal (approximately 13–15 km | 30 mins)


10:30 AM – 12:30 PM | Explore Pattadakal – UNESCO World Heritage Site

 “Where architectural traditions converge, and the achievements of an empire are immortalised in stone.”

Step into Pattadakal, a celebrated centre of Chalukyan architecture recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Visit the magnificent Virupaksha Temple, observing its intricate carvings, sculptural narratives and architectural proportions.

Discover the distinctive features of the Nagara and Dravidian architectural styles, understanding how different design traditions found expression within the same architectural landscape.


12:30 PM – 01:30 PM | Lunch


01:30 PM – 05:30 PM | Drive to Hampi (approximately 140 km | 3–4 hrs)

“The journey continues from the architectural experimentation of the Chalukyas to the monumental ambitions of the Vijayanagara Empire.”

Travel towards Hampi, once the magnificent capital of the Vijayanagara Empire. En-route refreshment break.


05:30 PM – 06:30 PM | Hotel Check-in & Freshen Up


07:30 PM | Dinner & Overnight Stay at Hampi


DAY 04 | HAMPI

 

THE GLORIOUS VIJAYANAGARA EMPIRE

An extraordinary encounter with a civilisation that transformed architecture, trade, engineering and administration into an enduring legacy.

07:00 AM – 08:00 AM | Breakfast at the Hotel


08:00 AM – 09:30 AM | Visit Virupaksha Temple & Hampi Bazaar

“A sacred landscape and a thriving marketplace reveal the cultural and commercial spirit of a powerful empire.”

Explore Virupaksha Temple, one of Hampi's most significant historic landmarks, and discover the cultural and religious traditions associated with the Vijayanagara Empire.

Walk through the historic Hampi Bazaar, imagining its role as a vibrant commercial centre where traders, artisans and communities contributed to the economic life of the empire.


09:30 AM – 10:00 AM | Travel to Vittala Temple (approximately 4 km | 15–20 mins)


10:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Explore Vittala Temple & The Iconic Stone Chariot

 “A celebration of imagination, precision and craftsmanship, where stone takes the form of movement and music.”

Discover the architectural brilliance of the Vittala Temple complex, one of Hampi's most celebrated monuments.

Witness the iconic Stone Chariot, an extraordinary example of Vijayanagara craftsmanship. Explore the remarkable architectural detailing and sculptural artistry that reflect the sophistication of the period.


12:00 PM – 01:00 PM | Lunch


01:00 PM – 02:30 PM | Visit the Royal Enclosure

“Beyond magnificent temples lies the story of an empire – its rulers, ceremonies, administration and remarkable understanding of water management.”

Explore the Royal Enclosure, a historic complex that offers insights into the administrative and ceremonial life of the Vijayanagara Empire.

  • Mahanavami Dibba: Discover the grand ceremonial platform associated with royal celebrations and important public events.
  • Stepped Tank: Observe the precision of ancient water architecture and the engineering principles reflected in its geometric design.

02:30 PM – 03:30 PM | Return to Hotel


03:30 PM – 05:30 PM | Rest & Refreshments


05:30 PM – 06:30 PM | Student Reflection & Heritage Learning Challenge

“The true value of exploring history lies not merely in what we see, but in how deeply we understand and interpret it.”

An opportunity for students to revisit the discoveries of the expedition, consolidate their observations and engage with the heritage learning challenge.


06:30 PM – 07:30 PM | Dinner


08:00 PM | Depart for Bengaluru (approximately 350 km | 6–7 hrs)

“As the expedition draws to a close, the monuments remain behind, but the stories, discoveries and perspectives travel home with every student.”


Overnight journey towards Bengaluru.


DAY 05 | ARRIVAL AT BENGALURU

BACK TO HOME

05:00 AM – Arrive at Bengaluru & Drop-off at School

The heritage expedition concludes with an enriching journey through the architectural, cultural and engineering achievements of ancient Karnataka.


THE LEARNING LEGACY

FROM EXPLORATION TO UNDERSTANDING

What Students Take Home Is More Than What They See.

Through the common learning theme, Civilisations in Stone, students will develop an integrated understanding of how ancient Indian kingdoms expressed their knowledge, beliefs, creativity and organisational capabilities through architecture and urban development.

Learning objectives

By the end of this expedition, students will be able to:

1. Interpret Historical Civilisations: Explain the historical significance and contributions of the Chalukya and Vijayanagara dynasties to Karnataka's cultural heritage.

2. Analyse Architectural Evolution: Identify and compare rock-cut architecture, early structural temples and the Nagara and Dravidian architectural traditions.

3. Understand Engineering & Innovation: Examine the craftsmanship, construction techniques and engineering principles reflected in ancient temples, stone structures and stepped tanks.

4. Explore Society & Governance: Interpret the relationship between religious institutions, trade, royal administration, celebrations and urban settlements.

5. Recognise Sustainable Resource Planning: Understand the historical importance of water management and its relationship with settlement planning.

Measurable learning outcomes

At the conclusion of the programme, students will be better equipped to:

  • Compare architectural features across Badami, Aihole, Pattadakal and Hampi using observations from the field.
  • Connect historical structures with concepts in art, mathematics, engineering, geography and social studies.
  • Interpret monuments as evidence of the technological, cultural and administrative capabilities of ancient societies.
  • Develop critical observation, historical interpretation and comparative thinking.
  • Communicate their discoveries with greater clarity, confidence and appreciation of India's heritage.

SAFETY | TRANSPARENCY | TRUST

Our Commitment to Your Child's Safety


CRAZY HOLIDAYS | BOOKING & PROGRAMME PROTOCOL
A seamless, structured journey from confirmation to completion.


 Booking Journey

Step 01 | Confirm Your Experience
Once your preferred itinerary and travel dates are finalized, connect with our team to secure availability and initiate the booking process.

Step 02 | School Approval & Parent Communication
Upon confirmation, a formal payment circular will be issued.
An optional parent orientation (online presentation) can be arranged to ensure complete transparency and confidence.

Step 03 | Participant Finalisation
After the student list is closed, our team will schedule a pre-departure engagement session with the school.

Step 04 | Pre-Departure Briefing
A comprehensive orientation for students and parents covering:

Programme overview & expectations
Travel readiness guidelines
Project and engagement framework
Introduction to our exclusive “Track My Tour” system
Supervision & Safety Commitment


Student: Teacher Ratio – 10: 1
(Inclusive of teaching and non-teaching staff)

Ensuring optimal supervision, personalized attention, and a secure learning environment.


Programme Flexibility

All experiential components are thoughtfully curated; however, schools have the flexibility to customize participation by selecting one or two activities per day, aligned with their academic priorities.


Important Guidelines
Final student count must be submitted at least 20 days prior to departure
Quoted land package pricing remains valid for 20 days from proposal date


Track My Tour | Transparency & Assurance

A secure, real-time digital experience for parents featuring:

Live location tracking
Curated photo & video updates
Controlled access via unique school credentials


Privacy Assurance:
Only verified group photographs will be shared through a secure platform.
A copy of all curated memories will be provided to the school as a keepsake.

To opt out of this service, kindly notify us via email at neha@crazyholidays.in

In the absence of a restriction request, participation will be considered approved by the institution.


Dedicated Support Team

For any assistance post-confirmation, our operations team remains at your service:

 

 


NB: Once the trip is confirmed with the marketing executive , for any further information or status or details regarding the bookings kindly coordinate with our Opertaion overnight Georgei Joseph : 9341227800, Email ID: georgei@crazyholidays.in

The Tour Cost Includes:Local Transportation by  private Coach, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (veg/non veg), Morning and Evening light snacks, Guide Charges, State Taxes, Sightseeing, General Entrance Fees as per the Programme, Stay at hotels on four sharing basis (1 king size bed with 1 extra mattress), Experienced tour manager from Crazy Holidays throughout the trip.

The Tour cost does not include: Transfer from school to airport and transfer back from the airport to the school,, Any Expenses of Personal Nature (like still camera or video camera, porter charges, Laundry expenses, phone calls, food/beverages not included in the package, usages of mini bar in the hotel), Sightseeing or Activities which are not mentioned in the package

IMPORTANT NOTE

1. As this is NOT THE FINAL ITINERARY at the time of confirmation, kindly ask the marketing executive to check the availability of all the services as specified in this itinerary i.e., (TRAIN/FLIGHT/COACHES/HOTELS/ENTRY TO MONUMENTS, FARMS, RESORTS ETC) based on the period of travel and to submit the FINAL ITINERARY.

2. As the availability and pricing keeps on changing for flights/train dynamically we request your good self to make sure to collect the 30% of the airfare within 24 hours as soon as a trip is confirmedwhich is nonrefundable and handover the same amount to Crazy Holidays marketing executive so that we can go ahead with the booking of flight/train on immediate hours.

CANCELLATION POLICY:

Cancellations are effective on the date written intimation is received by the Tour In charge / School Office. Cancellation will not be received orally or over the phone. Refund if any will be settled within 21 days of the arrival of the Tour.

1) 25 days or more prior to departure date: 25% of the tour cost will be non-refundable

2) 20 days to 24 days prior to departure date: 40% of the tour cost will be non-refundable

3) 15 days to 19 days prior to departure date: 50% of the tour cost will be non-refundable

4) 10 days to 14 days prior to departure date: 75% of the tour cost will be non-refundable

5) 9 days or lesser prior to departure date: 100% of tour cost will be non-refundable

*In case of flight journey, Air ticket amount will be non-refundable (100% cancellation charges) once the tickets booked

POSTPONEMENT POLICY:

If due to any reason the group tour is postponed to the next/forthcoming vacation, an additional postponement charges over and above the tour cost will be applicable

CHECK IN/OUT POLICY: 

Standard check in and checkout time of most of the hotels are 12:00 noon. Early check in and late checkout will be subject to availability. We will try to give as many rooms as possible for early check in or late checkout but we don’t promise to give all the rooms for the same. For guaranteed early check in or late checkout, the hotel(s) should be booked at the time of package booking by paying additional amount charged by the hotel.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTION

Since the Indian Railways had made the ticket reservations 4 months (120 days) in advance, for any itinerary with departure by train, we request you to kindly give the name list of the students and escorts -WELL IN ADVANCEfor this we SUGGEST you to forward the name list of the students and escorts who are “ EXPECTED”to attend the trip on the date of confirmation of the tour  itself , once the final name list is forwarded 30 days before the date of departure the tickets of those who are not travelling could be  CANCELLED–this is to make sure your journey more safe & comfortable