Maldives Trip Cost from India: A Complete Guide

The Maldives is one of the dreamiest destinations for Indian travelers. With its turquoise waters, powdery beaches, and luxurious overwater villas, it feels like paradise on earth. Yet, many believe the Maldives is only for luxury seekers. The truth is, this island nation can be explored on almost any budget, if you plan wisely.

A common question among first-time visitors is: “What is the Maldives trip cost from India?” The answer varies based on flights, accommodation, dining choices, activities, and transfers. In this detailed guide, we break down every aspect of the cost so you can plan whether your vacation will be a budget-friendly escape or a once-in-a-lifetime luxury indulgence.

Flight Costs from India to Maldives

Flights are usually the first big expense when planning a Maldives trip. Thankfully, major Indian cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Kochi, and Trivandrum have direct flights to Malé, which take around three to four hours.

For budget airlines, return tickets often fall in the range of ₹12,000–₹18,000 if booked early. Premium carriers like Air India or Vistara may cost ₹20,000–₹30,000. Travelers from southern cities such as Kochi or Trivandrum often find the lowest fares, while flights from Delhi and Kolkata tend to be costlier.

To save money, book six to eight weeks in advance and travel during the off-season between May and October. Using flight comparison tools like Skyscanner or Google Flights also helps find the best deals. On average, you should budget ₹15,000–₹25,000 per person for flights.

Accommodation Costs in Maldives

Your choice of stay will play the biggest role in deciding your overall trip budget. The Maldives offers a wide variety of accommodation options ranging from simple guesthouses to extravagant five-star water villas.

For those traveling on a budget, guesthouses on local islands such as Maafushi or Hulhumale cost around ₹3,000–₹6,000 per night. These usually provide air-conditioned rooms, Wi-Fi, and basic meals, making them a comfortable yet affordable option.

Mid-range hotels and boutique resorts fall in the range of ₹8,000–₹18,000 per night. These often include beach cottages, half-board dining, and access to more organized activities. Families and couples usually prefer this category as it balances comfort with cost.

At the top end are the iconic overwater villas and luxury resorts, where prices start from ₹30,000 per night and can go beyond ₹80,000. These properties often come with private infinity pools, all-inclusive dining, spa facilities, and seaplane transfers.

Many Indian travelers choose a “split stay,” spending a few nights in a guesthouse and a couple of nights in a luxury villa. This way, you get the experience of both worlds without overshooting your budget. For a four-night stay, expect to spend between ₹12,000 on the budget side and well over ₹1.2 lakh if you go fully luxury.

Food and Dining Costs

Dining in the Maldives can also vary widely depending on where you stay. On local islands, small cafés serve authentic Maldivian dishes like fish curry, roshi (flatbread), and coconut-based specialties for as little as ₹300–₹600 per meal.

In mid-range hotels, meals cost ₹1,000–₹2,000 per person, usually served buffet-style or à la carte. Luxury resorts, however, can charge ₹4,000–₹8,000 per person per day, though many offer all-inclusive meal plans.

On average, budget travelers spend ₹1,000–₹1,500 per day on meals, mid-range travelers spend ₹2,500–₹3,500, while luxury travelers may easily cross ₹5,000 daily. If you are staying at a resort, choosing a half-board plan (breakfast and dinner) can save significant money compared to full all-inclusive packages.

Activities and Experiences

The Maldives is not just about relaxing on the beach. It is a world-class destination for water sports and island adventures. Snorkeling trips cost around ₹2,000–₹4,000, while scuba diving comes in at ₹5,000–₹8,000 per dive. Dolphin-watching cruises and whale shark excursions range between ₹4,000 and ₹6,000.

For island hopping, expect to pay ₹3,000–₹6,000 depending on the number of islands included. Popular water sports like kayaking, jet skiing, and parasailing range from ₹2,000 to ₹7,000. If you’re on a budget, you can still enjoy free activities like swimming in lagoons, walking on sandbanks, exploring local villages, and watching magical sunsets.

On a four-night trip, budget travelers usually spend around ₹5,000–₹10,000 on activities, mid-range travelers around ₹15,000–₹20,000, and luxury travelers often cross ₹25,000.

Transportation within Maldives

Getting around in the Maldives requires ferries, speedboats, or seaplanes. Public ferries are the cheapest option at ₹50–₹300 per ride, but schedules are limited and routes are slower.

Most mid-range travelers choose speedboats, which cost between ₹3,000 and ₹6,000 per person for transfers from Malé to resort islands. Luxury resorts often require seaplane transfers, which cost ₹15,000–₹25,000 per person one way but offer stunning aerial views of the atolls.

For most Indian travelers, speedboats are the most practical option, offering a balance between cost and convenience.

Maldives Trip Cost from India: Budget Breakdown

Let’s put everything together for a four-night, five-day trip.

• A budget trip includes cheap flights, guesthouse stays, local food, and selective activities. Expect to spend ₹40,000–₹45,000 per person.
• A mid-range trip involves better flights, boutique hotels, half-board dining, and a few adventure activities. This usually comes to ₹80,000–₹90,000 per person.
• A luxury trip with water villas, premium transfers, all-inclusive dining, and multiple excursions can cost ₹1.8–₹2 lakhs per person.

Families should budget around ₹1.2–₹1.5 lakhs for a comfortable mid-range trip, while honeymoon couples may spend closer to ₹2 lakhs for a premium experience.

Best Time to Visit Maldives

The Maldives is a year-round destination, but the season you choose affects both the cost and the weather.

From November to April, the islands enjoy bright sunshine, calm seas, and excellent water visibility, making it the peak tourist season. Prices for flights and resorts are highest during this period, especially in December and January when holiday surcharges apply.

From May to October, occasional rain showers are common, but this is also when you will find cheaper flights and discounted hotel stays. If you’re looking for a balance of affordability and decent weather, the shoulder season is ideal.

Hidden and Miscellaneous Costs

When planning a Maldives budget, don’t forget hidden costs. Indians get a free 30-day visa on arrival, but resorts charge a “green tax” of $6 (around ₹500) per person per night. Many resorts also add 10–12% service charges and GST.

Travel insurance, which costs around ₹1,000–₹2,000, is highly recommended. Finally, small extras like souvenirs, snacks, or tips can add another ₹5,000–₹10,000. Always keep some buffer in your budget to cover these.

Money-Saving Tips for Indians

If you want to lower your Maldives trip cost, there are several simple strategies. Traveling in the off-season between May and September helps reduce both flight and accommodation expenses. Staying on local islands instead of private resort islands cuts costs significantly.

Using public ferries is much cheaper than speedboats, though less convenient. Booking flights and hotels together through Indian online travel portals can also secure discounts. Many Indian travelers save money by carrying packaged snacks and ready-to-eat meals to avoid overspending on resort dining.

Perhaps the best hack is choosing a split stay, spending a couple of nights in a budget guesthouse and the rest in a luxury water villa. This way, you enjoy both affordability and indulgence in the same trip.

A trip to the Maldives is truly a dream escape for Indian travelers, offering turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, and luxury experiences tailored for every budget. Whether you’re a honeymooner looking for an overwater villa, a backpacker seeking affordable guesthouses, or a family planning a relaxing getaway, knowing the Maldives trip cost from India helps you plan smartly. From flights and stays to food and activities, every choice can shape your budget without reducing the magic of the experience.

At Travelfika, we believe every journey should be about creating memories without stress. That’s why we aim to simplify your planning with clear cost breakdowns, practical tips, and genuine insights. By planning wisely and booking early, you can enjoy the Maldives at a price that suits you. So pack your bags, embrace island life, and let Travelfika guide your perfect Maldives holiday.

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