Plan a Budget Trip to Maldives From India
Author
Akshaya Manoharan
Updated Date
September 19, 2025
Read
6 minutes
The Maldives is a beautiful tropical destination and ranks among the most visited places in the world. Despite its reputation as an ultra-luxury destination, one can easily plan a budget trip to the Maldives from India and experience the natural wonders of the island. If you are one of the many who have avoided travelling to the Maldives simply because it is hyped as a luxury destination, this budget Maldives itinerary is just for you. It is possible to plan a magical Maldives vacation with the correct approach and flexible timing without breaking the bank. Let us look at some possible ways to plan a cheap Maldives holiday from India.
Key Takeaways
- Budget Range: A comfortable Maldives trip from India costs Rs. 50,000-1,00,000 per person for 4-5 nights, including flights, accommodation, meals, and transfers
- Best Savings Strategy: Travel during off-season (May-July, September-November), book flights 2-3 months early, and choose beach villas over water villas
- Accommodation Options: Budget-friendly resorts start from Rs. 8,000-15,000 per night for beach villas, while water villas range from Rs. 20,000-40,000 per night
- Transfer Costs: Speedboat transfers (Rs. 1,500-3,000) are significantly cheaper than seaplanes (Rs. 8,000-15,000), but limit resort choices to closer islands
- Money-Saving Tip: All-inclusive packages often provide better value than booking components separately, especially for food and activities.
Maldives Trip Cost Breakdown from India
| Cost Component | Budget Option | Mid-Range Option |
| Flights (Round-trip) | Rs. 15,000-25,000 | Rs. 25,000-40,000 |
| Accommodation (Per night) | Rs. 8,000-15,000 | Rs. 20,000-40,000 |
| Transfers (Round-trip) | Rs. 1,500-3,000 | Rs. 8,000-15,000 |
| Meals (Per day) | Rs. 2,000-4,000 | Rs. 4,000-8,000 |
| Activities (Per person) | Rs. 3,000-8,000 | Rs. 8,000-20,000 |
| Total 4-Night Trip | Rs. 50,000-80,000 | Rs. 1,00,000-2,00,000 |
Cheapest Way to Visit Maldives from India: How to Save on Flights
Best Time to Book Maldives Flights
Book your flights weeks in advance and save up to 15-30% as compared to last-minute bookings.
Cheapest Indian Cities to Fly from
Bangalore–
- Duration: 2-3 hours
- Starting Ticket prices: From Rs. 12,000
Mumbai–
- Duration: 3-4 hours
- Starting Ticket prices: From Rs. 15,000
Delhi–
- Duration: 4-5 hours
- Starting Ticket prices: From Rs. 18,000
Chennai–
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- Starting Ticket prices: From Rs. 14,000
Travel Season: Peak vs Off-Season Prices
The Maldives is a year-round destination and is best enjoyed in its luxurious overwater villas. May in the Maldives marks the beginning of the wet season. When you decide to travel to the Maldives off-season, you are likely to save a considerable amount of money on flights and accommodation.
Pro Tip: It is best to avoid Indian holidays and festival seasons when the demand for Indian travellers is very high.
Budget-Friendly Maldives Resorts & Affordable Water Villas
Choosing a reasonably priced accommodation from the list of the best resorts in the Maldives requires smart planning, especially when you choose the cheapest way to visit the Maldives.
Beach Villas vs Water Villas: Which is Better for Budget Travellers?
Water villas are highly priced due to their exclusive location and higher maintenance costs. Instead, beach villas are very economical with direct access to the beach and offer breathtaking ocean views.
A combination of a beach villa and a water villa is a smart way to balance the cost and experience. Booking 2-3 nights in a beach villa (Rs. 8,000-15,000 per night) and spending 1-2 nights in a water villa (Rs. 20,000-30,000 per night) will help you to control your budget and also get the best of both worlds.
Checkout: Beach Villa Maldives vs Water Villas
Maldives Transportation & Transfer Costs
The wide network of Maldives transportation connects all the major islands in the country. Once you land at the Velanna International Airport in Male city, you can transfer by using a seaplane, speedboat or a domestic flight, depending on your resort’s location.
Speedboat Transfers: Cheapest Maldives Transfer Option
- Cost: Rs. 1,500-3,000 per person one-way
- Best For: Budget travellers and families.
Seaplane Transfers: Luxury but Expensive Choice
- Cost: Rs. 8,000-15,000 per person one-way
- Best For: Luxury travellers
How to Save on Food & Dining in the Maldives
All-Inclusive Packages vs À La Carte Dining
Food and drinks are costly in the Maldives. This is where an all-inclusive package comes to the rescue and saves you a lot of money.
All-Inclusive Benefits:
- Typically includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, and selected beverages
- Works out cheaper than paying individually
Top Maldives Activities on a Budget
Free & Low-Cost Things to Do in the Maldives
- House reef snorkelling
- Beach volleyball and games
- Sunset watching from different viewpoints
- Library and indoor games
- Basic water sports equipment
Must-Do Paid Experiences Worth the Cost
- Snorkelling excursion: Rs. 2,000-3,000 per person
- Dolphin watching: Rs. 1,500-2,500 per person
- Local island visit: Rs. 1,000-2,000 per person
Common Budget Travel Mistakes to Avoid in the Maldives
Overspending Traps to Watch Out For
- Airport Shopping: Duty-free prices in the Maldives aren’t necessarily better than in India.
- Resort Shops: Souvenirs and sundries are heavily marked up.
- Spa Bookings: Spa treatments are extremely expensive.
Smart Money-Saving Tips for Indian Travellers
- Bring Cash: Many resorts charge credit card processing fees. USD cash often gets better exchange rates.
- Travel Insurance: Coverage costs start at Rs. 1,000-2,000 but could save thousands when required.
Final Thoughts: Budget Trip to Maldives from India
Planning a budget trip to the Maldives from India is possible with the right approach. By choosing off-season travel, early bookings and selecting the right resort and transfer combination, you can plan a low-cost Maldives vacation for Rs. 50,000-80,000 per person. The Maldives’ true appeal is its crystal-clear waters, pristine beaches and tropical serenity, which is not exclusive to any ultra-luxury resorts. Book your Maldives budget itinerary with the travel experts at Pickyourtrail and customise your Maldives Holiday Packages or Maldives Honeymoon Packages according to your needs.
FAQ’s
A comfortable budget trip to Maldives from India costs Rs. 50,000–80,000 per person for 4–5 nights. If you’re looking for the cheapest way to visit Maldives, travel off-season, choose budget-friendly Maldives resorts, and consider an affordable water villa Maldives upgrade for 1 night.
May to July is the best period for a low-cost Maldives vacation, with savings of up to 40% on flights and resorts. September and October also offer good deals while balancing budget and weather.
All-inclusive packages typically offer better value, especially for food and basic activities. Individual bookings work better if you have specific resort preferences or want to mix budget and luxury elements. For first-time visitors, packages often provide better overall value and peace of mind.
Expect Rs. 2,000-4,000 per person per day for meals. All-inclusive options usually provide the best value, as individual restaurant meals can be expensive. Half-board (breakfast + dinner) offers a good middle ground, allowing flexibility for lunch while controlling costs.
Yes, but with significant compromises. You’d need to choose the most budget-friendly resorts (Rs. 6,000-8,000/night), travel during peak off-season, book the cheapest flights, and limit activities. A more realistic, comfortable budget starts around Rs. 60,000-70,000 per person for 4 nights.
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