Foreign trip – Honeymoon Maldives – Villa park 4n -5d

Overview

Best Time to Visit Maldives

Maldives makes for an ideal international holiday destination around the year, thanks to its weather conditions. Generally, there are two main tourism seasons in the region, and as per your schedule, you can pick a time that fits your travel criteria the most. Summer, which usually stretches from December to April, is popularly considered the best season to visit Maldives. The region experiences a peak tourist crowd during this time, with an average temperature range of 24°C to 31°C. It also experiences very little to no rainfall during this dry season. Hence, the pleasant temperature and the clear days enable a wide range of tourist activities, such as sightseeing, sunbathing, beachside water adventures, etc. The Summer season is also the best time to visit Maldives for scuba diving and snorkelling adventures due to the increased underwater visibility. In addition, a number of renowned regional events and festivals are celebrated in Maldives during this period. As it is the peak tourism season, make sure to book flights and hotels a few weeks prior to the vacation to Maldives to avoid unavailability issues. Also, make sure to pack sufficient light-coloured clothes, swimwear and sunscreen for the journey. You can easily book a Maldives package from India scheduled within the summer season.

Following the dry season comes the wet season in Maldives. Monsoon in this archipelagic state usually stretches from May to November and is considered the shoulder season for tourism. If you are visiting the Maldives during this time, you will come across a comparatively lower tourist crowd and may secure some decent discounts on flights and accommodations. The average temperature during this period usually ranges from the mid to high 20s. However, the two main reasons that cause the tourist crowd to dip during the wet season in the Maldives are the high humidity and frequent rainfall. As it obstructs outdoor activities, some tourists like to avoid scheduling their Maldives travel during this time. But even so, these occurrences are not massive obstacles if you fancy exploring the rain-soaked islands and the cities. The regional flora also takes up a vibrant shroud, further enhancing the tourism experience. Massive festivals and events, such as Prophet’s Birthday, National Day, Republic Day, Eid Ul-Adha, etc., are celebrated during this period. Make sure to carry an umbrella and suitable clothes for the trip, and check the weather report before going out. If you schedule the journey during this period, you can save a good chunk of money from your overall Maldives trip cost from India.

How to Reach Maldives?

An important part of planning a trip to Maldives is to select a viable transport option. Here are some of the best ways to reach Maldives:

• By air
• By sea
• By road or rail

By air

One of the best ways to reach this archipelagic state is via flight. The Velana International Airport, also called the Male International Airport, is the largest airport serving the Maldives. In terms of international connectivity, this airport offers frequent flights from and to major countries within the Southeast Asian region. You can easily secure a flight to Maldives from places like India, Sri Lanka and China. Major airlines that operate on this route include names like SpiceJet, British Airways, Qatar Airways, etc. For instance, the fastest flight from India to the Maldives can take about 8 to 9 hours in total. The Velana International Airport is around 4-5 kilometres from Male, making it an ideal starting point for most Maldives vacations. Besides this, other international airports in the Maldives are Gan International Airport, Hanimaadhoo International Airport and Maafaru International Airport. Most customisable Maldives packages include the option to add flights.

By sea

Travelling to Maldives by sea is a popular alternative to flights. Despite being time-demanding, this method adds a unique perspective to the whole journey. Travelling by sea tends to be perfect for individuals who are starting their journey from a South-East Asian country. For instance, if you are travelling to the Maldives from India, you can look into cruise options for the Maldives from places like Mumbai and Kochi. You can also find cruise-based Maldives packages within various budget segments.

By road or rail

As the Maldives is an archipelagic state located around 750 kilometres from the mainland of Asia, it doesn’t have any sort of road or rail connectivity with other countries in the region. So, you can easily skip these transport options and look into available flights or cruises to reach Maldives for your trip. You can get a Maldives package from India that allows you to select between flight or cruise transport options.

Best places to visit in Maldives

There are tons of places that tourists can visit during their Maldives trip. Here are some of the most popular ones you can consider:

• The Tsunami Monument
• Banana Reef
• The Grand Friday Mosque
• National Museum
• Dhadimagi Kilhi
• Utheemu Ganduvaru

The Tsunami Monument

The Tsunami Monument is a freestanding architectural masterpiece located in Boduthakurufaanu Magu, southeast Male. It was raised as a memorial for the victims of the tragic 2004 tsunami that claimed the lives of 74 individuals. The monument features raised pillars representing the waves of the tsunami, while the steel spheres encircling it denote the 20 atolls of the country. Both locals and tourists visit the Tsunami Monument to pay their respect and glance at its artistic brilliance. It is one of the most important Maldives places to visit for sightseeing.

Banana Reef

Banana Reef is one of the most visited Maldives tourist places. The place is decorated with colourful corals, fascinating cliffs, majestic caves, etc., which gives it a unique tone. In terms of marine life, the Banana Reef area is populated with black snappers, trevally, barracudas and so on. It is a prime spot for scuba diving and snorkelling adventures for tourists due to its calm currents and clear underwater visibility. Located in North Male Atoll, the Banana Reef is one of the best places to check out in the Maldives. If you are interested, you can look into a Maldives package from India that include a stay near Banana Reef.

The Grand Friday Mosque

In terms of religious sites, the Grand Friday Mosque in Male is one of the most famous Maldives places to visit. Its spiritual importance and architectural beauty pique the interest of thousands of tourists around the year. Founded in 1984, this white-marble-built mosque features a beautiful golden dome on top of its main square, and its spacious interior can accommodate over 5,000 devotees at once. Outside of prayer hours, tourists can visit the Grand Friday Mosque between 9 AM to 5 PM.

National Museum

Individuals interested in learning about the history of this archipelagic state can visit the National Museum. It was built to preserve the rich history of the region and strike feelings of patriotism among the Maldivian residents. The antique collection of the National Museum of Maldives includes items ranging from the Buddhist era to the Islamic era. You can find items like ancient artefacts, royal ornaments, weapons, coins, costumes, etc., within the museum’s collection. Here is the best Maldives package for a short vacation that you can consider.

Dhadimagi Kilhi

Dhadimagi Kilhi is one of the most beautiful Maldives tour places. It is a massive freshwater lake covering an area of 6.37 hectares, located in Fuvahmulah Atoll. Dhadimagi Kilhi is surrounded by tall trees and lush greenery on all sides, creating a magnificent visual delight. The clean water of this lake is often used by the government for medicinal purposes. Besides this, the beauty and serenity of the place make it a popular weekend getaway for locals and tourists. Dhadimagi Kilhi is also suitable for tons of fun activities, like boating, fishing and swimming.

Utheemu Ganduvaru

Located on the renowned Utheemu Island, the Utheemu Gandvaru is among the most important Maldives tourist places. It used to serve as the residence of one of the most powerful kings of the Utheemu Dynasty, Sultan Mohamed Tahrufaanu. Primarily made of wood, one can witness swinging beds, palm-thatched sheds, antique oil lamps, wooden carvings, etc., within the premises of this ancient building complex. Apart from being a place of immense historical significance, Utheemu Ganduvaru is also known for its peaceful ambience and scenic beauty.

Things to do in the Maldives

Besides sightseeing, individuals can indulge in a number of fun activities during their stay in the Maldives. Here are some popular things to do in this archipelagic state:

• Ride the whale submarine
• Witness bioluminescence
• Go for diving and snorkelling adventures
• Consider a romantic sunset cruise
• Go fishing

Ride the whale submarine

If you are looking for fun adventures and unique things to do in Maldives, consider going for a whale submarine ride. It is a bucket list time for thousands of tourists visiting this island country. In this activity, you will be taken on a thrilling underwater journey in an AC submarine. The ride usually stretches from 45 to 60 minutes, during which you will witness beautiful coral reefs and majestic marine life, 45 metres below the ocean surface. It is truly an experience of a lifetime that you shouldn’t miss out on.

Witness bioluminescence

Another must-try thing to do in Maldives is to check out the majestic bioluminescence. It is a natural phenomenon that results in glowing waves, which can be seen at Vaadhoo Island in Raa Atoll. The fluorescent blue light emitted by millions of phytoplanktons in the water is responsible for this phenomenon. Bioluminescence is best visible as the sky gets darker following the sunset. It is one of the most romantic things to witness with your loved one. The best time to see this natural phenomenon in Maldives is between the months of June and October. You can find a viable Maldives tour package for couple scheduled during this period.

Go for diving and snorkelling adventures

Maldives is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Asia for underwater adventures. There are tons of locations across this archipelagic state that are suitable for diving and snorkelling adventures. The clear blue water and underwater visibility in the region enable individuals to witness the vibrant beauty of the coral reefs and marine life. One can expect to spot manta rays, snappers, reef sharks, bannerfish, hawksbill turtles, etc., during these activities. Some of the best places in Maldives for diving and snorkelling are Maanta Point, Banana Reef and HP Reef.

Consider a romantic sunset cruise

Couples visiting Maldives can consider going on a romantic sunset cruise. It is perfect for individuals looking for a more laid-back experience. Most sunset cruises in the Maldives last for an hour, during which individuals can witness the beautiful scenic landscape of the region as the sun sets for the day. On rare occasions, individuals may also be able to spot dolphins or whales during their sunset cruise. Most Maldives packages for couple include sunset cruises.

Go fishing

Fishing is one of the most popular things to do in the Maldives. It is perfect for individuals looking for fun things to try without diving beneath the water’s surface. Even though it is a bit slow-paced, the catch makes the activity quite rewarding. The best part about this activity is that you can keep your catch and prepare a delicious dish out of it. Most resort islands in the Maldives offer this activity, and the general cost ranges from around 80 to 100 USD per hour.

Food to eat in Maldives 

Alongside its scenic landscapes and interesting history, Maldives is known for its delicious local delicacies. Here are some well-known dishes that you should try during your maldives tour:

• Maldivian vegetable curry
• Bis Keemiya
• Mas Huni
• Garudhiya
• Kulhi Boakibaa
• Aluvi Boakibaa

Maldivian vegetable curry

Locally known as Tharukaaree Riha, the Maldivian Vegetable Curry is a popular food item for vegetarians. It is a delicious dish made from a variety of ingredients, including things like beans, sweet potato, carrots, pumpkin, etc. Apart from its savoury taste, this curry-based dish also offers significant nutritious benefits. You can try Maldivian Vegetable Curry at most restaurants in Maldives.

Bis Keemiya

This popular food item looks quite similar to the traditional Indian “Samosa”. Bis Keemiya is a crunchy delight, popular among both locals and international visitors. It is a fried pastry made of flour and includes a flavoursome filling of shredded cabbage, onion, hardboiled egg (or sometimes tuna), black pepper, etc. It is a renowned snack that can help you satisfy your hunger on the go. The local eateries and street cafes in Male are great places to try Bis Keemiya in the Maldives.

Mas Huni

Another must-try regional dish during your Maldives tour is Mas Huni. It is a non-veg dish that uses shredded smoked tuna as its main ingredient. Additional items used to prepare Mas Huni include onion, grated coconut, lemon, etc. This delicious dish is often seen as a part of an authentic Maldivian breakfast and is consumed with some hot tea and Roshi (a type of baked flatbread).

Garudhiya

Garudhiya is a traditional Maldivian dish that has been a regional favourite for generations. It is a simple dish that uses fish (mainly tuna), water and salt as the main ingredients. Garudhiya is usually eaten alongside steamed rice and roshi, and sometimes grated coconut is also added. Some popular variants of this delectable dish include curry leaves, onions and chillies for added flavours.

Kulhi Boakibaa

One of the most interesting dishes you can try during your Maldives tour is Kulhi Boakibaa. It is a type of fish cake that is usually prepared and eaten during festive seasons or on special occasions. The dish is prepared using onions, ground rice, scraped coconut and smoked tuna. The final dish resembles the shape of a cake and can be found at most cafes and local eateries in the Maldives.

Aluvi Boakibaa

Aluvi Boakibaa is a perfect sweet dish that you can eat to conclude your lunch or dinner in the Maldives. It is a type of sweet cake made from cassava and coconut. The soft texture and unique taste of Aluvi Boakibaa have made it quite popular among tourists visiting the Maldives. You can try it at the cafes and bakeries located in Male.

Must visit restaurants/resorts in Maldives

Here are some well-known resorts and restaurants in the Maldives that you can consider for your trip:

Restaurants

Ithaa Undersea Restaurant

Located on Conrad Rangali Island, the Ithaa Undersea Restaurant is among the most popular places to eat in the Maldives. As the name suggests, it is an underwater restaurant placed 5 metres beneath the surface of the sea. Surrounded by transparent glass walls, one can catch glimpses of beautiful coral reefs and aquatic life while munching on delicious European dishes at this restaurant.

Reethi Restaurant

If you are looking for a luxurious restaurant where you can enjoy fine dining with your partner or family, consider visiting the Reethi Restaurant. Its elegant interior decor mixed with a soothing ambience and sea-facing view, adds to the whole dining experience. It serves an impressive range of Italian, Asian and French dishes. During your visit, make sure to try the Maldivian lobster at this restaurant.

The Spice

Located on Kanifushi Island, the Spice Restaurant is one of the most recommended places you can visit to enjoy a delicious meal. The main highlights of this restaurant are its affordable pricing, sea-facing view, spacious setting, quick service and delicious food. The restaurant serves a variety of cuisine, including Maldivian, European and Asian. Grabbing a bite at this restaurant while watching the sunset is a must-try thing to do during your Maldives trip.

Resorts

Meeru Island Resort and Spa

The Meeru Island Resort and Spa is a great option that you can consider staying in during your Maldives vacation. It is known for its pristine private beach, spacious rooms, spa service, freshwater pools, hospitable staff, etc. You can also enjoy an array of fun activities like diving, snorkelling, windsurfing, etc., at this island resort. This 4-star resort is a bit on the mid-segment in terms of pricing. You can find Maldives holiday packages that come with an all-inclusive stay at this resort.

Taj Exotica Resort

If you are looking for a luxurious place to spend your holidays with friends or family in the Maldives, consider the Taj Exotica Resort and Spa in South Male Atoll. It is a 5-star resort located on one of the largest lagoons in this archipelagic state. The main highlights of this resort are the stunning scenic views, luxurious rooms, fine dining grills, equator bar, 24-hour in-room dining, easy accessibility, PADI-certified ocean dive and butler service. You can look into Maldives packages for couple that include a stay at this resort.

Innahura Maldives Resort

Located in Lhaviyani Atoll, the Innahura Maldives Resort is a fantastic place where you can spend your vacation days. In addition to offering beautiful scenic views, the resort also comes with a garden, cafe, shared porch and a bar. The availability of an open-air pool and 24-hour front work area makes it a viable option within a budget. You can find a viable Maldives trip package that includes resort stays.

Make sure to check out the options offered by SOTC for the best deals on Maldives resort packages. The starting Maldives package from India for couple price is around INR 1,00,000.

Best honeymoon destinations in Maldives 

The archipelagic state of Maldives has numerous fascinating locations that are suitable for newlyweds. Here are some must-visit honeymoon places that you can consider visiting with your significant other:

• Bikini Beach
• Fulhadhoo Island
• Lily Beach
• Male Island

Bikini Beach

The Bikini Beach on Rasdhoo Island is one of the most beautiful places honeymooners can visit. The sandy beach, turquoise ocean water and tall palm trees of the region create a mesmerising scenery. The availability of quality stays and high-end restaurants nearby makes spending a few days at this place perfect for newlyweds. Couples can enjoy a romantic dinner by the seaside, go for leisurely strolls on the wet sandy beach and participate in fun activities during their stay. Bikini Beach is often a standard inclusion in many Maldives holiday packages.

Fulhadhoo Island

The Fulhadhoo Island in southern Maalhosmadulhu Atoll is one of the most fascinating honeymoon destinations in the Maldives. The region is mainly known for its peaceful ambience, white sandy beaches, towering palm trees and vibrant flora. It is a perfect location for honeymooners who want to avoid a high tourist crowd. Some examples of romantic things couples can do during their Fulhadhoo stay include exploring the village, participating in water adventures, going on dolphin spotting tours, swimming in the clear blue lagoons, etc. The island also features a handful of lavish beach resorts and luxurious restaurants.

Lily Beach

Lily Beach is one of the most renowned Maldives tour places that fit the theme of a romantic honeymoon. It is a private beach, part of the Lily Beach Resort and Spa. The place is known for its captivating beauty, availability of mouthwatering food and Ayurvedic couples spa treatment. In addition, the beautiful coral reef and clear blue water make it a great spot for snorkelling and scuba diving adventures. You can look into all-inclusive Maldives packages for couple that include a stay at this location.

Male Island

Aside from being the starting point of most Maldives tours, Male Island itself is a well-known honeymoon destination. There are tons of renowned shopping areas, hotels, restaurants, and other facilities available on the island, making it an ideal place to spend a few days of your honeymoon trip. Also, Male Island is perfect for couples interested in learning more about Maldivian history, culture and traditions. The Male island often comes as a standard inclusion in most Maldives packages.

What to shop in the Maldives?

Here are some interesting items you can consider purchasing as gifts and souvenirs while shopping in the Maldives:

• Dhonis
• Lacquer products
• Traditional Jewellery
• Thundu Kunaa
• Coconut items

Dhonis

One of the most iconic and popular things to buy during your Maldives trip is a “Dhoni”. It is a miniature wood-crafted boat with sails that resembles the real-life traditional boats in the region. They are usually of high quality and feature intricate designs. Dhonis are quite popular among tourists who purchase them mainly as their personal souvenir items.

• Where to buy: Dhonis are widely available across various souvenir and crafts stores across the Maldives. Some of the best places where you can purchase dhonis are Chaandhanee Magu, Majeedhee Magu and Husnuheena Magu.

Lacquer products

If you are looking for a traditional art piece that resembles the essence of Maldives, consider lacquer products. They are a crucial part of the regional handicrafts scene and are perfect for budget shopping. Some popular lacquer products you can consider are pens, toys, boxes, plates, vases, etc., available in a variety of colours.

• Where to buy: Chaandhanee Magu is one of the best places in Maldives where you can shop for lacquer products.

Traditional Jewellery

Traditional Maldivian jewellery is quite popular among female shoppers in the region. They are beautiful and quite reasonably priced. These traditional jewellery are often handmade by locals, using natural materials like tree raisins, coconut fibre, seashells, seeds, etc. Some popular types of handmade Maldivian jewellery you can consider are bracelets, earrings, necklaces, etc.

• Where to buy: Traditional jewellery is sold across most flea markets and street-side shops in the region. The Male local market is one of the best places in Maldives to shop for this type of item.

Thundu Kunaa

Thundu Kunaa is a Maldivian speciality item that you can consider purchasing. It is a type of traditional mat made from natural fibres, often handwoven by locals. They are offered in a number of variations, and you can use them as sleeping mats, praying mats or just as home decor items.

• Where to buy: Consider visiting Chaandhanee Magu in the Maldives to buy Thundu Kunaa.

Coconut items

Talking about regional speciality items, make sure to check out coconut products offered in the Maldives. The local artisans use not just the shell but also the stem, barks and leaves of the coconut to make a variety of products, such as baskets, statues, bags, ropes, baskets, bowls, decors, etc. Coconut is also used to make a wide range of organic beauty products, such as moisturisers, body oils, hair oils, etc. This is why you should consider looking into and purchasing coconut items during your stay in the Maldives.

• Where to buy: Some of the best places in Maldives to shop for coconut products are Male local market, STO Trade Centre and Maafushi Island.

Interesting facts about Maldives 

Here are some fascinating and lesser-known facts about the Maldives that you should know about;

• The first-ever underwater cabinet meeting in the world took place in Maldives. It was held back on 17th October 2009, when the then-president of Maldives, Mohammed Nasheed, along with his cabinet ministers, talked on the subject of global warming and its effects on the island nation.
• The majority of the islands of this archipelagic state are non-inhabited and left in their natural state. The ones that are inhabited are mostly comprised of private resort islands and locally inhabited islands.
• In addition to naturally formed islands, Maldives also features an array of artificial or man-made islands. Some examples of such islands are Hulhumale, RIU Atoll and Fari Islands.
• Maldives is popularly regarded as one of the best places in the world to witness the majestic natural phenomena called Bioluminescence. Raa Atoll’s Vaadhoo Island is the site where individuals can have this ethereal visual experience. The best time to go to Maldives for Bioluminescence is between June and October.
• Each colour of the Maldivian national flag symbolises a greater meaning. The white crescent moon represents the Islam religion and the green rectangle represents peace and prosperity. On the other hand, the wide red border symbolises the country’s boldness and acts as a reminder of the heroes who sacrificed their lives while shielding their nation.
• With an average altitude of 1.8 metres from the sea level, the island nation of Maldives is regarded as the world’s flattest country.
• The Maldives doesn’t recognise Saturday and Sunday as weekends, unlike most countries in the world. The official weekends in this archipelagic state are Friday and Saturday.
• In olden times, cowry shells were used as currency in the island nation of Maldives.
• The coconut tree is one of the most important trees in the Maldives. Apart from offering delicious fruit and shade by the beachside, its leaves, shells, fibres and wood are used for a variety of purposes, such as creating handicrafts, traditional dhonis, rope, etc.

Maldives visa for Indians

Similar to most international destinations, foreigners are required to have a valid visa in order to enter Maldives for tourism, business or other purposes. However, Indians planning on visiting this archipelagic state for a vacation will be glad to hear that they are not required to pre-arrange a visa for the visit. The Maldives offer visa-on-arrival, which has a maximum stay limit of 30 days, that Indian nationals can make use of. The basic entry requirements required for this feature include things like a valid passport, a few passport-sized photographs, valid accommodation proof, proof of sufficient financial means, a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate, a valid return ticket and a travel declaration. Additionally, children/minors are required to have their own passports in order to enter the Maldives. The visa on arrival offered by the Maldives to Indian nationals is issued free of any cost, however, a charge will be applied in case of an extension. The procedure for acquiring the Maldives tourist visa is as follows:

1. Upon arrival, a Maldives Tourist Form will be provided at the airport
2. Duly fill out the form with the correct details and submit it alongside the necessary documentation required by the government
3. Go through the short interview following the form submission, and you will receive the visa.

Foreign currency for Maldives

The official currency in Maldives is called Maldivian Rufiyaa (code: MVR). It is controlled by Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) and is denoted by the sign: Rf. As of the time of writing, the approximate value of 1 Maldivian Rufiyaa is around 5.37 Indian Rupee. It is better to acquire foreign currency, in this case, Maldivian Rufiyaa, for the purpose of spending and paying for services in the Maldives. You can check out the foreign exchange services offered by SOTC to get forex fast at competitive market rates.