Maldives Trip Cost From INDIA (Best In Budget)

The Maldives, an archipelago of 1,192 coral islands in the Indian Ocean, is a dream destination for many travelers.

Known for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and luxurious overwater villas, the Maldives offers a tropical paradise like no other.

However, planning a trip to this idyllic destination can be daunting, especially when it comes to understanding the costs involved.

For Indian travelers, the Maldives is a relatively accessible international destination, but the expenses can vary greatly depending on various factors.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the cost breakdown of a Maldives trip from India, covering everything from airfare and accommodation to activities and miscellaneous expenses.

Cost Breakdown of a Maldives Trip from India

1. Airfare

One of the most significant expenses for a Maldives trip from India is the airfare.

The cost of flights can vary depending on the departure city, airline, and travel dates. Here are some average costs of flights from major Indian cities to the Maldives:

• Delhi to Maldives: ₹15,000 – ₹25,000 (round-trip)
• Mumbai to Maldives: ₹12,000 – ₹20,000 (round-trip)
• Bangalore to Maldives: ₹14,000 – ₹22,000 (round-trip)
• Chennai to Maldives: ₹16,000 – ₹24,000 (round-trip)

To find cheap flights, it’s recommended to book well in advance, be flexible with travel dates, and consider budget airlines.

Additionally, using flight comparison websites and setting up price alerts can help you snag the best deals.

2. Accommodation

The Maldives offers a wide range of accommodation options, from budget hotels to luxurious overwater villas. Here’s a breakdown of the average cost per night for different types of accommodations:

• Budget hotels: ₹3,000 – ₹8,000 per night
• Mid-range resorts: ₹10,000 – ₹25,000 per night
• Luxury resorts: ₹30,000 – ₹100,000 per night (and higher)

It’s important to note that many resorts in the Maldives are located on private islands, which means you’ll need to factor in the cost of transportation (seaplane or speedboat) to reach your accommodation.

3. Food and Dining

The cost of food and dining in the Maldives can vary greatly depending on where you choose to eat. Here’s an approximate breakdown:

• Local eateries: ₹500 – ₹1,500 per meal
• Resort restaurants: ₹2,000 – ₹5,000 per meal (or more for fine dining)

If you’re staying at an all-inclusive resort, your meals may be included in the package. However, if you’re on a budget, dining at local eateries can be a more cost-effective option.

4. Transportation

Getting around the Maldives can be an expensive affair, especially if you’re traveling between islands. Here are some typical costs:

• Taxis (within islands): ₹500 – ₹1,000 per ride
• Ferries (between islands): ₹500 – ₹2,000 per person
• Seaplanes: ₹10,000 – ₹25,000 per person (one-way)

Additionally, you’ll need to factor in the cost of airport transfers, which can range from ₹2,000 to ₹10,000 per person, depending on the mode of transportation (speedboat or seaplane) and the distance to your resort.

5. Activities and Excursions

The Maldives offers a plethora of activities and excursions, many of which can add to your overall trip cost. Here are some typical costs:

• Snorkeling: ₹2,000 – ₹5,000 per person
• Scuba diving: ₹5,000 – ₹15,000 per person (for a single dive)
• Island hopping tours: ₹5,000 – ₹10,000 per person
• Spa treatments: ₹5,000 – ₹15,000 per treatment

Guided tours and excursions can also be quite expensive, ranging from ₹10,000 to ₹30,000 per person, depending on the duration and inclusions.

6. Miscellaneous Expenses

In addition to the major expenses mentioned above, there are several miscellaneous costs to consider:

• Travel insurance: ₹1,000 – ₹5,000 per person
• Souvenirs and shopping: ₹5,000 – ₹20,000 (or more, depending on your shopping habits)
• Tips and gratuities: 10-15% of the total bill at resorts and restaurants

Sample Itineraries and Their Costs

To better understand the overall cost of a Maldives trip from India, let’s look at some sample itineraries and their approximate costs.

1. Budget Trip (7 nights)

• Airfare: ₹15,000 (round-trip from Delhi)
• Accommodation: ₹5,000 per night (budget hotel on a local island)
• Food: ₹1,000 per day (dining at local eateries)
• Transportation: ₹3,000 (ferries and local taxis)
• Activities: ₹5,000 (snorkeling and island hopping)
• Miscellaneous: ₹5,000 (travel insurance, souvenirs, tips)
• Total cost: Approximately ₹60,000 per person

2. Mid-Range Trip (7 nights)

• Airfare: ₹20,000 (round-trip from Mumbai)
• Accommodation: ₹18,000 per night (mid-range resort on a private island)
• Food: ₹3,000 per day (resort restaurants and some local dining)
• Transportation: ₹15,000 (seaplane transfers and local taxis)
• Activities: ₹15,000 (scuba diving, island hopping, spa treatment)
• Miscellaneous: ₹10,000 (travel insurance, souvenirs, tips)
• Total cost: Approximately ₹2,00,000 per person

3. Luxury Trip (7 nights)

• Airfare: ₹25,000 (round-trip from Bangalore)
• Accommodation: ₹60,000 per night (luxury overwater villa resort)
• Food: ₹5,000 per day (fine dining at resort restaurants)
• Transportation: ₹25,000 (seaplane transfers and private speedboat)
• Activities: ₹30,000 (scuba diving, private island excursion, spa treatments)
• Miscellaneous: ₹20,000 (travel insurance, souvenirs, tips)
• Total cost: Approximately ₹5,50,000 per person

Best Time to Visit Maldives

The best time to visit the Maldives is during the dry season, which runs from November to April.

During this period, the weather is generally sunny and dry, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F).

However, this is also the peak tourist season, which means higher prices for flights, accommodations, and activities.

If you’re looking to save money, consider traveling during the shoulder seasons (May-June or September-October) or the wet season (July-August).

While the weather may be more unpredictable, with occasional rain showers and higher humidity, you can often find better deals on flights and accommodations.

Visa and Entry Requirements

Indian citizens can obtain a visa on arrival in the Maldives, which is valid for 30 days.

The cost of the visa is included in the government tax and service charges, which are typically added to your hotel bill or package cost.

If you plan to extend your stay beyond 30 days, you’ll need to apply for a visa extension, which can cost around $100 (₹8,000) per person.

Tips for Saving Money on a Maldives Trip

While a trip to the Maldives can be expensive, there are several ways to save money and make your vacation more budget-friendly:

• Book flights and accommodations well in advance to take advantage of early bird discounts and promotions.
• Consider all-inclusive packages, which can often provide better value for money by bundling accommodation, meals, and activities.
• Use local transportation (ferries and taxis) instead of seaplanes or private speedboats whenever possible.
• Dine at local eateries instead of resort restaurants for some meals.
• Travel during the shoulder or wet seasons to take advantage of lower prices.
• Look for package deals that include activities and excursions at discounted rates.

Popular Maldives Tour Packages from India

Many travel agencies and tour operators in India offer pre-packaged Maldives tour packages, which can be a convenient and cost-effective way to plan your trip.

Here are some popular options:

• Thomas Cook: 4 nights/5 days package starting from ₹60,000 per person
• SOTC: 5 nights/6 days package starting from ₹70,000 per person
• Make My Trip: 6 nights/7 days package starting from ₹80,000 per person
• Yatra: 7 nights/8 days package starting from ₹90,000 per person

These packages typically include airfare, accommodation, airport transfers, and sometimes meals and activities.

However, it’s important to carefully review the inclusions and exclusions to ensure that the package meets your needs and budget.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Ques 1: How much does a Maldives trip cost from India?

Ans: The cost of a Maldives trip from India can vary greatly depending on your travel style, accommodation preferences, and the duration of your stay.

A budget trip can cost around ₹60,000 per person for a week, while a mid-range trip can cost around ₹2,00,000 per person.

For a luxury trip, you can expect to spend upwards of ₹5,00,000 per person.

Ques 2: Is the Maldives expensive for Indian travelers?

Ans: While the Maldives is generally considered an expensive destination, it can be relatively affordable for Indian travelers compared to those from other countries.

The proximity to India and the availability of budget accommodation options make it a more accessible destination for Indian travelers.

Ques 3: What is the cheapest way to travel to the Maldives from India?

Ans: The cheapest way to travel to the Maldives from India is to book flights well in advance, opt for budget accommodation on local islands, use local transportation (ferries and taxis), and dine at local eateries.

Additionally, traveling during the shoulder or wet seasons can help you save money on flights and accommodations.

Ques 4: How many days are enough for a Maldives trip?

Ans: A minimum of 5-7 days is recommended for a Maldives trip, as it takes time to travel between islands and experience the various activities and excursions.

However, if you have a larger budget and want to fully immerse yourself in the Maldivian experience, a 10-14 day trip would be ideal.

Ques 5: What currency is used in the Maldives?

Ans: The official currency of the Maldives is the Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR). However, many resorts and tourist establishments also accept US Dollars (USD) and major credit cards.

Conclusion

Planning a trip to the Maldives from India can be a rewarding experience, but it’s essential to understand the costs involved.

By carefully considering factors such as airfare, accommodation, transportation, activities, and miscellaneous expenses, you can create a budget that aligns with your travel preferences and financial capabilities.

Remember, the Maldives offers a wide range of options, from budget-friendly local island stays to luxurious overwater villa resorts. By being flexible with your travel dates, exploring package deals, and taking advantage of off-season discounts, you can make your Maldives dream vacation a reality without breaking the bank.

Ultimately, the cost of a Maldives trip from India is an investment in creating unforgettable memories in one of the world’s most beautiful and serene destinations. With proper planning and budgeting, you can ensure that your Maldivian adventure is not only memorable but also financially manageable.