Quick AnswerA 5-night Maldives trip from India costs ₹90,000–₹3,00,000+ per couple depending entirely on accommodation choice. Local island guesthouse: ₹90,000–₹1,20,000 per couple total. Mid-range resort island: ₹1,60,000–₹2,80,000. Luxury overwater villa: ₹4,00,000–₹15,00,000+. Flights are ₹25,000–₹40,000 per couple return from most Indian cities.
Why does the Maldives have such a wide cost range?
The Maldives has the widest cost range of any destination in Asia. You can stay on a local island guesthouse for USD 80 per night or in a private island resort for USD 5,000 per night — in the same country, with the same ocean view. The difference is isolation, service level, and exclusivity. Understanding this range is the key to budgeting correctly.
How much do flights to Maldives cost from India?
Mumbai/Delhi to Male (Velana International) return per person:
- IndiGo (cheapest): ₹12,000–₹20,000
- Air India, SriLankan Airlines: ₹15,000–₹25,000
- Emirates/Qatar (via hub): ₹18,000–₹35,000
- Per couple return: ₹24,000–₹50,000
- Flight time: 2.5 hours from Mumbai, 4 hours from Delhi
How much does the seaplane transfer cost?
The seaplane from Male airport to your resort is one of the Maldives’ most extraordinary experiences — and one of its biggest hidden costs.
- Seaplane (Trans Maldivian Airways): USD 300–500 per person return
- Per couple: USD 600–1,000 (₹50,000–₹83,000)
Not all resorts require a seaplane — resorts within 30 minutes of Male are accessed by speedboat (USD 50–150 per person return). Ask about transfer costs before booking your resort.
How much does accommodation cost in the Maldives?
Per room/villa per night:
- Local island guesthouse (Maafushi, Thoddoo): USD 80–200 (₹6,500–₹16,500)
- Mid-range resort (beach bungalow): USD 200–450 (₹16,500–₹37,000)
- Overwater villa (mid-range resort): USD 400–800 (₹33,000–₹66,000)
- Luxury overwater villa (5-star): USD 800–5,000+ (₹66,000–₹4,15,000+)
How much does food cost in the Maldives?
This is where the Maldives gets expensive for resort stays:
- Resort breakfast: USD 40–80 per person
- Resort lunch: USD 50–100 per person
- Resort dinner: USD 80–150 per person
- All-inclusive plan (recommended): Add USD 150–300 per person per day
On local islands, food is much cheaper — ₹400–₹800 per meal at local restaurants. Our strong recommendation: always book all-inclusive at a resort. À la carte food costs at Maldives resorts can add USD 300–500 per person per day.
Complete Maldives cost summary
| Item | Guesthouse (couple) | Mid-resort (couple) | Luxury (couple) |
|---|
| Flights | ₹30,000 | ₹30,000 | ₹40,000 |
| Transfer (speedboat/seaplane) | ₹10,000 | ₹40,000 | ₹80,000 |
| Accommodation (5 nights) | ₹55,000 | ₹1,50,000 | ₹5,00,000 |
| Food (5 days) | ₹20,000 | ₹80,000 | Included |
| Activities | ₹10,000 | ₹20,000 | Included |
| Total per couple | ₹1,25,000 | ₹3,20,000 | ₹6,20,000+ |
Is the Maldives Worth It?
For the overwater villa experience — waking up above a turquoise lagoon, the glass floor, the private deck, the snorkelling directly from your room — the Maldives is worth every rupee for those who can stretch the budget. For those who cannot, a local island guesthouse delivers 80% of the Maldives experience at 25% of the cost. Either way, the Maldives is genuinely extraordinary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest way to visit the Maldives from India?
Fly IndiGo to Male, stay on Maafushi local island (guesthouse), take day trips for snorkelling. Total for a couple for 5 nights: ₹90,000–₹1,20,000.
Is the Maldives all-inclusive worth it?
Almost always yes for resort stays. Food costs at Maldives resorts are extremely high à la carte. All-inclusive plans typically cost USD 100–200 per person per day and save significantly on what would otherwise be USD 200–400+ per person per day in food and drinks.
Do Indians need a visa for the Maldives?
No — Indians get free 30-day visa on arrival at Velana International Airport in Male.
Is the Maldives better than Andaman for honeymooners?
The Maldives delivers an overwater villa experience that Andaman cannot match. Andaman is 30–40% of the cost with similarly beautiful water. Choose Andaman for budget, Maldives for the full luxury honeymoon experience.
When is the cheapest time to visit the Maldives?
May–October is the wet season — prices drop 20–40% from peak. Weather is still good, with occasional rain. October and May are the best shoulder season months — low prices, good weather.