Maldives

Tour Guide

The best time to visit the Maldives is during the dry season from November to April, with peak conditions from December to March. During this period, expect clear skies, calm seas, and excellent underwater visibility for snorkeling and diving. Temperatures remain tropical year-round (26-32°C). The wet season (May-October) brings occasional tropical showers and livelier seas, but it's also the best time for surfing and manta ray encounters, especially in Baa Atoll. This period offers better value with fewer crowds. Note that the Maldives has no 'winter' or snow - it's tropical throughout the year. The country is 30 minutes behind Indian Standard Time, which is helpful for planning transfers and activities.Read also Best time to visit in Maldives

The easiest way to reach the Maldives from India is by direct flights to Velana International Airport (MLE) near Malé. Multiple airlines operate direct flights from Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Kochi, Chennai, and Thiruvananthapuram, with flight times ranging from 2-3.5 hours. Once in the Maldives, transportation options include speedboats (10-120 minutes to resorts), scenic seaplanes (daytime only to distant atolls), domestic flights to regional airports followed by speedboat transfers, and budget-friendly public ferries for local islands. Within Malé and Hulhumalé, taxis are available. Most resort transfers are pre-arranged and included in packages, so confirm your transfer method when booking accommodation.

Indian citizens receive a free 30-day visa on arrival in the Maldives - no advance application required. You'll need a valid passport with at least 6 months validity, confirmed accommodation booking, return flight tickets, and sufficient funds for your stay. The immigration process is straightforward at Velana International Airport. Ensure you have your hotel confirmation or guesthouse booking details readily available, as immigration may ask for these. If you plan to stay longer than 30 days, you'll need to apply for an extension through Maldivian immigration authorities. The visa allows for tourism purposes only, and you cannot work on a tourist visa.

Transportation in the Maldives is primarily water-based due to its scattered island geography. Speedboats are the most common option for resort transfers and inter-island travel, taking 10 minutes to 2 hours depending on distance. Seaplanes offer scenic transfers to distant atolls but operate only during daylight hours. Domestic flights connect to regional airports like Gan, Maafaru, and Hanimaadhoo, followed by speedboat connections. Public ferries provide budget-friendly inter-island transport but are less frequent and slower. Within Malé and Hulhumalé, taxis and buses are available. On resort islands and local islands, walking and bicycles are common due to their small size. Most resort transfers are pre-arranged, so coordinate with your accommodation.

The Maldives offers accommodation for every budget. Luxury resorts feature overwater villas and beachfront suites on private islands, with options like Conrad Maldives, Baros, and Gili Lankanfushi. Mid-range resorts like Kurumba and Meeru offer excellent value with good facilities. Budget travelers can stay in guesthouses on local islands like Maafushi, Fulidhoo, or Ukulhas, which offer cultural experiences and are significantly cheaper. North and South Malé Atolls provide quick speedboat access from the airport. Baa Atoll is perfect for manta ray encounters, while South Ari Atoll offers whale shark experiences. Choose based on your priorities: quick transfers (Malé Atolls), marine life (Baa/Ari), or budget (local islands). Book early for peak season (December-March).

Top attractions include Malé City with its Grand Friday Mosque, Islamic Centre, and vibrant local markets. Hulhumalé offers family-friendly beaches and a relaxed atmosphere. Baa Atoll's Hanifaru Bay is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve famous for seasonal manta ray aggregations (June-November). South Ari Atoll is renowned for year-round whale shark encounters. Addu Atoll lets you cross the Equator and explore WWII history. Vaadhoo Island occasionally displays bioluminescent 'Sea of Stars' phenomena. Don't miss house reef snorkeling, sunset dolphin cruises, private sandbank picnics, and island-hopping to experience local culture. Each resort typically has excellent house reefs for snorkeling, and many organize excursions to nearby attractions. The key is choosing your base atoll according to your interests.Read also Top places to visit in Maldives

Maldivian cuisine centers around fresh seafood, coconut, and rice. Must-try dishes include Mas Huni (shredded tuna with coconut and chili, served with roshi flatbread), Garudhiya (clear tuna broth with rice and condiments), and Rihaakuru (rich tuna paste). Sample hedhikaa snacks like gulha (tuna dumplings), bajiya (curried pastries), and bis keemiya (vegetable rolls). Coconut and seafood curries range from mild to spicy. Resorts offer extensive international menus with vegetarian and Jain-friendly options. In Malé, try Seagull Café House for local flavors or Sala Thai for excellent Thai cuisine. Local islands provide authentic Maldivian experiences at lower prices. Fresh tropical fruits, coconut water, and locally-made ice cream are perfect for the tropical climate.