A Maldives trip from India can cost anywhere between ₹55,000 and ₹3,00,000+ per person depending on how you travel — the single biggest swing factor isn't the flight, it's whether you stay on a budget local island or a private overwater resort. This guide breaks down exactly where the money goes so you can pick the right style before you book.
Do Indians Need a Visa for the Maldives?
No advance visa is required. Indian passport holders get a free 30-day Tourist Visa on Arrival, stamped at Velana International Airport, provided you have a confirmed onward/return ticket, proof of hotel or resort booking, and sufficient funds for your stay.
Flights from India
Direct flights connect Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kochi, and Chennai to Malé, run by IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet, and Maldivian, roughly 3.5–4.5 hours.
Typical round-trip fare: ₹15,000–₹25,000 per person from major metros in economy
Peak season (December–March): Expect fares toward the higher end or above this range
Cheaper window: May–October often brings noticeably lower flight and resort prices, sometimes 30–40% cheaper than peak
The Real Cost Driver: Where You Stay
Local islands (budget route): Guesthouses on inhabited local islands like Maafushi or Thulusdhoo offer a genuinely affordable Maldives experience. A 5-night trip staying this way can come in around ₹70,000 per person all-in.
Private resort islands (mid-range to luxury): This is the postcard Maldives — overwater villas, private beaches, all-inclusive dining. Mid-range resorts run roughly ₹20,000–₹50,000 per night, while luxury overwater villas can exceed ₹75,000–₹1,50,000+ per night.
Resort Transfers Aren't Included
Transfer type | Approx. round-trip cost (per person) |
|---|---|
Shared speedboat | $100–$490 (~₹8,500–₹41,000) |
Private speedboat | $250–$600 (~₹21,000–₹50,000) |
Seaplane | $400–$850 (~₹34,000–₹71,000) |
Always check your resort's specific transfer cost before comparing package prices.
Budget Breakdown: 5 Nights, Per Person (INR)
Category | Budget (local island) | Mid-range (resort) | Luxury (resort) |
|---|---|---|---|
Flights | ₹18,000–22,000 | ₹18,000–25,000 | ₹25,000–35,000 |
Stay (5 nights) | ₹15,000–25,000 | ₹1,00,000–2,50,000 | ₹3,75,000–7,50,000+ |
Transfers | ₹3,000–8,000 | ₹20,000–40,000 | ₹40,000–70,000 |
Total (approx.) | ₹55,000–80,000 | ₹1,55,000–3,45,000 | ₹4,70,000–8,55,000+ |
When to Go
December to March is peak season: driest weather, calmest seas, highest prices. April to November covers the wetter southwest monsoon, with July–August often bringing rougher weather but resort discounts of 30–40%.
Getting Around Once You Land
Resort transport is handled entirely by the resort. On local-island budget trips, excursions cost $20-60 per person, and public ferries connect nearby islands for a few dollars.
How Many Days Do You Need?
Most Indian travellers book 4-6 nights. Given the short flight, even a long weekend of 3 nights is workable, though resorts often have minimum-night requirements in peak season.
Practical Tips
Currency: Officially Maldivian Rufiyaa, but USD is accepted almost everywhere for tourists.
Tipping: Not mandatory but customary — $5–$10 for transfer staff.
Alcohol: Only on resort islands, not local/inhabited islands.
Connectivity: Resort Wi-Fi varies by property; some luxury resorts still charge extra.
If you're weighing the Maldives against a more budget-friendly island escape, our Sri Lanka cost breakdown is a useful comparison. And if comparing for a honeymoon specifically, see our Bali vs Maldives honeymoon guide.
Since resort selection makes or breaks a Maldives budget, Zippy Trips' AI planner can pull together resort, flight, and transfer options that fit your number.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Maldives affordable for a budget traveller?
Yes, staying on a local island like Maafushi, a 5-night trip can come in around ₹55,000–₹80,000 per person.
Do I need to pay for a Maldives visa in advance?
No. The 30-day Tourist Visa on Arrival is free and issued at the airport.
Why do resort packages look cheaper than they turn out to be?
Because transfers are almost always priced separately and can add $100–$850 per person round trip.
Is the Maldives worth it compared to Bali or Sri Lanka?
The Maldives offers overwater luxury and privacy neither destination matches, but Bali and Sri Lanka offer more activities per rupee.
What is the cheapest time to visit?
May to November, particularly July-August, bring the steepest discounts.