Why go to Maldives
Think water villas, clear lagoons and snorkelling right off the beach. Each resort sits on its own island, so the resort you pick is the holiday.
Resorts are expensive, but there’s a cheaper way too. Local islands such as Maafushi and Thulusdhoo have guesthouses for a fraction of resort prices, with day trips for snorkelling and sandbanks. Many couples split their stay: a few nights on a local island, then one or two in a resort.
Best time to visit Maldives
December to April is the dry season, with sunshine and a calm sea. May to November is wetter and windier, with short storms, but resort prices drop. It’s warm all year, around 30°C.
- January: best time
- February: best time
- March: best time
- April: best time
- May: off season
- June: off season
- July: off season
- August: off season
- September: off season
- October: off season
- November: good time
- December: best time
Maldives visa for Indians
Free visa on arrivalLast checked October 2026
Indian passport holders get a free tourist visa on arrival, so there’s nothing to apply for in advance.
You need a passport valid for at least six months, a confirmed hotel or resort booking and a return ticket. Within 96 hours before you land, fill in the free IMUGA traveller declaration online.
Apply only on the official site, imuga.immigration.gov.mv, or through a trusted agent. Look-alike sites charge extra. Rules change, so check again before you book.
Flight time and fares from Delhi
Nonstop flights from Delhi take about 4 hours. Check your landing time against your resort’s transfer. Seaplanes fly only in daylight, so if you land after dark you may need a night near the airport or a speedboat transfer instead.
Fares and resort prices peak at Christmas and New Year, and are often lower from May to October.
Getting from the airport
Velana airport is on its own island next to Malé. Resorts collect you by speedboat or seaplane, which you book with the resort. For Malé city, take the ferry or a taxi over the bridge, about 15 minutes.
How many days you need
Four or five nights is common for a resort stay. With a local island first, plan six or seven nights.
Food for Indian travellers
Resorts usually have good vegetarian and Indian options, but ask before you choose a meal plan, as food is a big part of the cost. Local islands have simpler cafés; alcohol is not served on local islands.
