Maldives Travel Guide 2026

Why Visit Maldives?

The Maldives is about 1,200 coral islands scattered across the Indian Ocean: turquoise lagoons, white sand and some of the best snorkelling and diving in the world. It's a short flight from India (Kochi, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Delhi and others) and one of the easiest international trips for Indians, with a free visa on arrival.

You can stay at a private-island resort (from overwater villas to more affordable beach rooms) or on a local island such as Maafushi or Thulusdhoo, where guesthouses cost a fraction of resort prices. Many travellers combine both.

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Maldives Itineraries: 3, 5 or 7 Days

Pick 3, 5 or 7 days. Each longer plan builds on the shorter one: the first days stay the same and the extra days add more places. Costs are approximate per person per day; prices and timings change, so check before you book.

Maldivian Food to Try

• Mas huni — Shredded tuna with coconut, onion and chilli, eaten with roshi (flatbread) for breakfast.
• Garudhiya — Clear, fragrant tuna broth served with rice, lime and chilli.
• Hedhikaa — "Short eats" such as bajiya (samosa-like pastries), gulha (fish balls) and kavaabu (fritters), sold at local cafés.
• Fihunu mas — Fish grilled with chilli and spices.
• Bis keemiya — Pastry filled with egg, cabbage and tuna.
• Fresh coconut and reef fish — Simple and excellent.

For Indian travellers: most resorts serve international buffets with Indian dishes and vegetarian options; tell your resort about dietary needs before you arrive. Food at resorts is expensive, so meal plans (half or full board) often save money.

Best Time to Visit Maldives

Dry season (November–April): sunny, calm seas and the best visibility for snorkelling. December to March is peak season, with the highest prices.

Wet season (May–October): more rain and wind, often in short bursts, with lower prices and good conditions for seeing manta rays and whale sharks in some atolls.

Temperature: warm all year (about 27–32°C), with sea temperatures to match.

Getting Around Maldives

Speedboats: the usual transfer to resorts in North and South Malé atolls, typically 20–90 minutes.

Seaplanes and domestic flights: needed for distant atolls. Seaplanes are scenic but expensive and only fly in daylight, so plan arrival times carefully.

Public ferries: very cheap ways to reach local islands from Malé, but with limited schedules and no Friday service on many routes. Shared speedboats are faster.

In Malé: the city is small and walkable; taxis are cheap. Velana Airport is on Hulhulé island, connected by bridge.

Travel Essentials

Visa for Indians: the Maldives gives a free 30-day visa on arrival to visitors of all nationalities, including Indians, if you have a passport valid for at least 6 months, a confirmed hotel or resort booking and a return or onward ticket. You must also submit the online IMUGA traveller declaration within 96 hours before arrival. Rules as of October 2026; always check the official website before you travel.

Money: Maldivian rufiyaa (MVR), but resorts price everything in US dollars and cards are widely accepted. US$1 is roughly ₹85. Bills usually add a service charge, tax and a per-night green tax; check what your quote includes.

Daily budget (per person): local-island guesthouses and excursions can cost around US$100–200 a day, while mid-range resorts with meals are more like US$150–300 and luxury resorts far more.

SIM card: Dhiraagu and Ooredoo sell tourist SIMs at the airport; most resorts have Wi-Fi.

Plugs: type G (and D), 230V.

Local customs: the Maldives is a Muslim country. On local islands dress modestly away from bikini beaches and don't bring alcohol, which is only served at resorts and liveaboard boats. Importing alcohol or pork is not allowed.

Maldives FAQs

Prices, visa rules and opening details change often. Figures here are approximate as of October 2026, so please check official websites before you book.