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Maldives Travel Guide - Explore & Plan Your Trip

Maldives Travel Guide - Explore & Plan Your Trip

Posted on October 10, 2025

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Planning the ultimate tropical escape? Maldives tourism offers an unparalleled paradise experience with crystal-clear turquoise waters, pristine white sand beaches, and luxurious overwater villas. This comprehensive Maldives travel guide provides everything you need to know about visiting this Indian Ocean archipelago, from the best season to visit Maldives to top resorts, activities, and complete trip planning from India. Discover why the Maldives remains the ultimate destination for honeymooners, luxury travellers, and anyone seeking an unforgettable tropical getaway.

Key Takeaways

The best time to visit Maldives is from November to April for clear skies and calm waters.

Direct flights make India to Maldives travel quick and easy (just 4–5 hours).

The Maldives offers experiences ranging from budget guesthouses on local islands to ultra-luxury overwater villas.

Maldives Visa for Indians is hassle-free, with a free 30-day visa on arrival.

The average Maldives trip cost from India can be tailored for budget or luxury travellers.

Best Season to Visit Maldives: Dry vs Monsoon Season

Understanding the ideal time to visit Maldives is important for your Maldives trip. The Maldives enjoys a tropical climate with two distinct seasons, each offering unique experiences for different types of travellers.

Weather and Seasonal Guide

Dry Season (November–April) icon

Dry Season (November–April)

  • The high tourist season with little to no rainfall and calm waters
  • Ideal for water sports, diving, snorkelling and beach activities
  • Average temperature: 26°C to 30°C with low humidity
Monsoon Season (May–October) icon

Monsoon Season (May–October)

  • Lower tourist crowds and better resort deals
  • Occasional rainfall, but still plenty of sunshine
  • Ideal for spa treatments and resort relaxation
  • Southwest monsoon brings seasonal storms but spectacular skies

Top Places to Visit in Maldives

The Maldives may be known for its resorts, but there are numerous Maldives attractions that showcase the country's natural beauty, culture, and marine life.

Natural Wonders

Cultural Attractions

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Bioluminescent Beaches

Witness magical glowing waters at Vaadhoo
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Sandbank Excursions

Private picnics on pristine, uninhabited sand
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House Reefs

World-class snorkelling and diving right from your
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Whale Shark Point

Swimming with gentle giants in South Ari

Top Things to Do in Maldives

From underwater adventures to romantic experiences, here are the top experiences to have in Maldives that will make your trip unforgettable.

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Underwater Adventures

Scuba DivingSnorkelingSubmarine ToursNight
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Water Sports & Activities

Dolphin WatchingDeep Sea FishingJet Skiing &
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Romantic & Luxury Experiences

Overwater Villa StaysCouples' Spa TreatmentsPrivate Beach DinnersSeaplane

Maldives Festivals & Cultural Events

Experience authentic Maldivian culture through these significant Maldives festivals and celebrations:

Major Festivals

  • Ramadan & Eid
  • Independence Day
  • Republic Day 
  • National Day 

Cultural Events

  • Bodu Beru Performances
  • Local Island Festivals
  • Fishing Competitions

India to Maldives Flights

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Travelling from India to Maldives has never been easier, with multiple convenient flight options and travel packages available.

Flight Options from India

  • Direct Flights: Available from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Kochi
  • Airlines: IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet, and Maldivian Airlines
  • Flight Duration: 1.5 to 2.5 hours for direct flights
  • Frequency: Multiple daily flights from major Indian cities

Transportation in Maldives

Understanding transportation in Maldives is essential for planning your island-hopping adventure and resort transfers.

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Airport Transfers

SeaplaneSpeedboatDomestic Flights +
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Inter-Island Transportation

Public FerryPrivate Speedboat CharterSeaplane CharterTraditional

Best Resorts in Maldives 2025: Luxury, Mid-Range & Budget Stays

The Maldives is synonymous with luxury, and choosing among the best resorts in Maldives can be overwhelming. Here's a curated selection for different preferences and budgets:

Ultra-Luxury Resorts (₹50,000+ per night)

  • Soneva Jani: Iconic overwater villas with water slides and an observatory
  • The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli: Overwater and beach villas with world-class dining
  • One&Only Reethi Rah: Spacious villas and exceptional service on a large island
  • Cheval Blanc Randheli: French luxury with pristine beaches and lagoons

Mid-Luxury Resorts (₹25,000-₹50,000 per night)

  • Kandima Maldives: Modern, vibrant resort perfect for families and couples
  • Centara Ras Fushi: Adults-only all-inclusive with excellent house reef
  • Meeru Island Resort: Large island resort with diverse accommodation options
  • Adaaran Prestige Vadoo: Adults-only with stunning overwater villas

Budget-Friendly Options (Under ₹25,000 per night)

  • Local Island Guesthouses: Authentic experiences on inhabited islands like Maafushi
  • Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma: Quality resort with good value for money
  • Biyadhoo Island Resort: Simple but charming resort with excellent house reef
  • Reethi Beach Resort: All-inclusive option with various villa types

Maldives Trip Cost from India: Complete Budget Breakdown

Planning your Maldives trip from India? Here's a detailed 7-day cost breakdown for two people:

CategoryBudget (₹)Mid-Range (₹)Luxury (₹)
Flights (Round-trip)60,000-80,00080,000-1,20,0001,20,000+
Accommodation (6 nights)60,000-1,20,0001,50,000-3,00,0004,00,000+
Airport Transfers20,000-40,00040,000-80,00080,000+
Meals30,000-50,00060,000-1,00,0001,20,000+
Activities & Excursions20,000-40,00050,000-80,0001,00,000+
Miscellaneous10,000-20,00020,000-30,00040,000+
Total₹2.0L-3.5L₹4.0L-7.1L₹8.6L+

Money-Saving Tips

  • Book Maldives tour packages that include flights, transfers, and accommodation
  • Consider all-inclusive resorts to control food and beverage costs
  • Travel during shoulder season (May-July, September-November) for better rates

Maldives Visa for Indians: Entry Requirements

Good news for Indian travellers! Maldives Visa for Indians is completely hassle-free with the following requirements:

Visa-on-Arrival

  • Free 30-day visa granted on arrival for Indian passport holders
  • No advance visa application required for tourist visits
  • Extensions available for up to 90 days total stay

Entry Requirements

  • Valid Passport: At least 6 months' validity from the entry date
  • Return/Onward Ticket: Confirmed flight booking
  • Accommodation Proof: Resort booking confirmation or invitation letter
  • Sufficient Funds: Bank statements or cash equivalent to $50-100(- ₹4300-8500) per day

Essential Travel Tips for Maldives Visitors

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Packing Essentials

  • Reef-safe sunscreen
  • Submarine camera or waterproof cell phone cover
  • Light clothes, clothing suitable for the islands, and not too exposing in general
  • Prescription medications (limited pharmacy availability)

Cultural Considerations

  • Respect local customs on inhabited islands (modest dress, no public displays of affection)
  • Alcohol restrictions on local islands (available only at licensed resorts)
  • Friday prayers may affect local island activities and services
  • Tipping culture: 10% service charge usually included, additional tipping appreciated

Health & Safety

  • Travel insurance is required in case of a medical emergency and evacuation
  • Drink bottled water or use filtered water to keep stomach problems at bay

Quick Reference: Essential Information for Maldives Tourists

Essential

Details

CurrencyMaldivian Rufiyaa (MVR) - ₹1 ≈ 0.85 MVR; USD widely accepted
VisaMaldives Visa for Indians: Free 30-day visa-on-arrival
AirportVelana International Airport (MLE), Malé
TransportationSeaplanes, speedboats, domestic flights, public ferries
WeatherTropical climate (26-30°C). Dry: Nov-Apr; Wet: May-Oct
Emergency NumbersPolice: 119, Medical: 102, Coast Guard: 191
LanguageDhivehi (local), English are widely spoken in tourism areas
Time ZoneMaldives Time (MVT), UTC+5 (same as India)

Final Thoughts: Why Visit the Maldives With Pickyourtrail

The Maldives is truly a paradise, whether the traveller is seeking adventure, nature, relaxation or a gorgeous destination to enjoy their honeymoon. A trip to this country can be made even more magical as you make your booking through Pickyourtrail, where you get access to expertly curated travel itineraries. If that does not suit you, then customise your own package that meets your travel preferences and interests. Additionally, you also get constant customer support to ensure that all your travel needs are met. Make your bookings now and enjoy a completely hassle-free trip experience with Pickyourtrail, and enjoy a memorable trip to Maldives.

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Why choose Pickyourtrail?

Expertise in International Travel

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FAQs: Maldives Travel Guide

1. What's the best season to visit Maldives for a honeymoon?

December to March offers the best weather with minimal rainfall, calm seas, and perfect sunset conditions for romantic moments.

2. How much does a Maldives trip cost from India??

While luxury resorts are expensive, the Maldives offers options for various budgets, from Budget travel (₹2.0L-3.5L) to mid-range (₹4.0L-7.1L) and Ultra luxury trip to Maldives (₹8.6L+). This is the 7-day trip cost for 2 people.

3. Do Indians need a visa for Maldives?

No, Maldives Visa for Indians is free! Indian passport holders receive a 30-day visa-on-arrival for tourism purposes.

4. What should I pack for a Maldives trip?

Reef-safe sunscreen, light cotton clothes, swimwear, underwater camera, modest clothing for local islands, and any prescription medications.

5. How do I plan a 7-day Maldives itinerary?

Spend 2-3 days exploring Malé and local islands for culture, then 4-5 days at a resort for relaxation, water sports, and romantic experiences. Include day trips for snorkelling and island hopping.

Customer Reviews

4.6

From 65+
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5

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1

Asif Malik-Profile

Asif Malik

Reviewed on: 27 Jul 2025

My name is Asif Mallick i travel to Maldives with my family from Pickyourtrial and my co-ordinator was Sakshi. I can say that this trip was amazing and wonderful, from the start to end Sakshi from Pickyourtrail she was there and made my journey very smooth. We got Sun Siyam Olhuveli and the resort was too good with proper amenities and good staff. I recommend first Pickyourtrail and of you got Sakshi then your trip definitely without any hassle.

Q Hamirani-Profile

Q Hamirani

Reviewed on: 23 Jul 2025

Absolutely phenomenal experiencebeyond expectations! Our entire company had the privilege of partnering with PickYourTrail for an offsite event in the Maldives, and the experience was nothing short of surreal. From the moment we began planning until we boarded our flights back home, their team delivered excellence at every touchpoint. They created a seamless, end-to-end experience that balanced luxury, adventure, team bonding, and cultural immersion. Every detailfrom airport pickups and welcome kits to curated excursions and gala nightswas handled with professionalism and heart. The accommodations were breathtaking, the logistics flawless, and the personalized touches made each of our team members feel truly valued. What impressed us most was their ability to combine scale with personalization. Managing a large group in an international location is no easy feat, yet PickYourTrail made it look effortless. They anticipated our needs, solved problems before we even knew they existed, and operated like an extension of our internal team. This wasnt just a trip. It was a memory of a lifetime for our companyand PickYourTrail made it happen. If youre considering an international corporate retreat or just want a life-changing travel experience, look no further. PickYourTrail is best-in-class.

Harshitha M R-Profile

Harshitha M R

Reviewed on: 02 Jul 2025

I recently booked my Maldives trip through pick yourtrail and Im really happy with the experience. The stay was very comfortable and pleasant. The food was good with plenty of options to choose from. The highlight of the trip was definitely the water villa it was excellent and exceeded our expectations. We also had an amazing time snorkeling right from the villa the experience was truly unforgettable. Thanks for helping us have such a memorable vacation!

Swarada Barve-Profile

Swarada Barve

Reviewed on: 26 Jun 2025

We booked our Maldives honeymoon through PickYourTrail, and it was an amazing experience! Centara Ras Fushi was beautiful great food, stunning views, and the staff were so kind and polite. Their service really made our stay special. Big thanks to the PYT team: Roshni for handling our bookings so well Revanth, our trip custodian, for helping with all our queries on the app Samson for his support during the trip There was a small hiccup with the overwater villa upgrade, but it was quickly resolved. Really impressed with how smoothly everything was handled. Overall, a perfect honeymoon. A solid 10/10 from us!

Kanya Merugu-Profile

Kanya Merugu

Reviewed on: 24 Jun 2025

Exotic, exuberant ,and luxurious stay at centara ras fushi Maldives with my hubby ,it was so peaceful, relaxing with gentle sound of waves ,fresh air ,slight rain and I can't stop reflecting on the amazing experiences we shared . Spa was so relaxing. You guys made us feel so special. Thankyou pick your trail ,you never fail us to give best itinerary. You give us trips full of memories.

Koushik Mondal-Profile

Koushik Mondal

Reviewed on: 22 Jun 2025

Planned our Maldives trip with Pickyourtrail and very satisfied with awesome support provided by the entire crew from booking till completion of the trip. We had an unfortunate circumstance when we had to reschedule our trip and the team provided the full support and cooperation for the same and made the reschedule smooth and hasslefree. Thanks to the entire crew with special mention to Vijay for providing the entire support and clarifying the doubts. I would totally recommend Pickyourtrail.

Sunitha Britto-Profile

Sunitha Britto

Reviewed on: 18 Jun 2025

I was initially hesitant to book a high-value trip online, especially without meeting anyone in person. Being someone who usually doesn't trust online transactions, I was worried but due to the sudden travel plan and limited time, I decided to go ahead with PickYourTrail. To my surprise, it turned out to be one of the best decisions I've made! From start to finish, the team provided exceptional service. Every inclusion that was promised for our Maldives trip was delivered exactly as assured no last-minute surprises, no hidden charges. The entire experience was smooth, transparent, and completely hassle-free. What truly stood out was the professionalism, constant support, and attention to detail shown by the team. Thanks to PickYourTrail, we were able to just relax and enjoy the trip, creating some of the best memories of our lives. I now have complete trust in them and will definitely be planning all my future trips through PickYourTrail. A big thank you to the entire team for making our journey so memorable and stress-free!

Vidya Sagar-Profile

Vidya Sagar

Reviewed on: 17 Jun 2025

My first travel with Pickyourtrail to Maldives was the most unforgettable one. From start to end of the trip we were assisted with all the required information and what really caught my eye is they were ready to accommodate any changes to customize our needs with patience. Entire trip felt like tailor made for us, looking forward to more trips with them.

Lalith Kiran-Profile

Lalith Kiran

Reviewed on: 03 Apr 2025

It was good. We had booked an amazing stay with them in Maldives. Travel advisor interaction could have been better but overall it was an amazing experience for us

Rakshith Mahadev-Profile

Rakshith Mahadev

Reviewed on: 01 Apr 2025

We had a well organised trip to Maldives by Pickyourtrail.

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