Budget Indian Travelers is Maldives in your bucket list but you can’t travel because you think it’s super expensive. So, here is my complete guide to Maldives in just Rs25000 or 362$ including flights and everything even your smallest expense. Maldives located southwest of India and Sri Lanka, the Maldives is a tropical country, made up of 26 coral atolls that fragmented into 1,192 islands, only 200+ of which are inhabited. Tourism powers its economy. In fact, 80+ of the inhabited islands are exclusive luxury resorts, designed to attract tourists.

Where to Stay in the Maldives

So basically, there are two types of islands here: private and public. The public islands, also called “local islands”, are those inhabited, meaning there are locals living there. This also means that there are establishments available to everyone such as grocery stores, tour agencies, shops, etc. The private islands are usually occupied by luxury resorts, most of which are open only to their guests and staff. Some of these private islands are open to non-guests who are staying elsewhere but on a day tour.One of the key differences between the local and private islands other than the cost is that most restrictions do not apply to the latter.

STAYING AT A PRIVATE ISLAND RESORT

If you’re after luxury and privacy and you don’t mind spending much on this trip, you might want to consider staying at an exclusive resort. This is a good option for honeymooners and those on romantic getaways.

Exclusive resorts come in all forms, too. Some charge thousands of dollars per night (the likes of Four Seasons). But those in the lower end of the spectrum are slightly more affordable. For example, Fihalhohi Island Resort Island Resort and Olhuveli Beach and Spa Resort offer beach rooms for only 200 USD or Rs 14000 (low season) and 300 USD or Rs21,000 (peak season).

STAYING IN GUEST HOUSE IN LOCAL ISLANDS

If you are on a budget stay in guest houses in islands like Maafushi , Vaadhoo Hulhumale ,or in areas near Male, the capital .Staying there will charge you in double room for 145$ or Rs10,000 (2 persons , single Rs5000 or 73$) for 4days 3 nights.There are near to the beaches and most of them offer great complimentary breakfast.The public beaches here are gorgeous, too! And staying here means you have access to more restaurants and accommodations.From these beaches you can go island hopping also.

The best part is, from these local islands, you can hire a boat or a speedboat to visit other islands on a day tour, even some of those that are considered private and exclusive.

Here are some provincial inhabited islands that are popular among tourists:

Maafushi in South Male Atoll. This has become a tourism hub over the past years

in South Male Atoll. This has become a tourism hub over the past years Thulusdhoo in Kaafu Atoll

in Kaafu Atoll Fulidhoo in Vaavu Atoll

in Vaavu Atoll Guraidhoo in Thaa Atoll

in Thaa Atoll Hulhumale. If you’re looking for accommodations near the airport (just 10 minutes away). Some hotels offer island hopping and diving tours and watersport activities.

I suggest you to stay in Maafushi island for the cheap guest houses with brilliant features and rates as low as 10k INR or 145$ for 4 days 3 nights in a double room.And that island also has some great restaurants in affordable rates.

How to Get to the Maldives

Malé International Airport (formally known as Ibrahim Nasir International Airport) on Hulhulé Island is the primary gateway to the Maldives. It is connected to a number of airports by several commercial airlines. But if you’re coming from Southeast Asia, you can connect in the following cities through these low-cost carriers:

Singapore – Scoot

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – AirAsia

Indigo – India

Travel to Maldives (MLE) from Cochin (COK) airport to get the lowest airfares sometimes even one way for just 2500INR.

You may also connect in Colombo, Sri Lanka, via Sri Lankan Air.

When you should Visit the Maldives to save your money

December to April is considered “high season,” with the December-February period being its peak. This period is when the most favorable weather happens. Expectedly, it is also during this time that most tourists flock the islands. The downside: higher prices of accommodations, transfers, and tours, especially during Christmas and New Year.

May to November is considered “low season” — rates are at their lowest — but storms are likely. For some reason, the prices rise again in August, most likely because of European summer break.So, visit Maldives in low season if you are budget consious.

How to Get to your Resort or Hotel from Male Airport

Airport to Private Resort . If you’re staying at a private island resort, check if you are required to book airport transfers with them. If not, good for you, you can find cheaper alternatives especially if you will be staying at a local beach first.

. If you’re staying at a private island resort, check if you are required to book airport transfers with them. If not, good for you, you can find cheaper alternatives especially if you will be staying at a local beach first. Airport to Hulhumale . You may travel by bus, which runs from 6am-2:30am except on Fridays (no bus all day) and Saturdays (no bus from 12:00-13:00). Fare is 20 MVR (1.3 USD or Rs90). You can also take an airport shuttle to your hotel in Hulhumale, which costs USD7.5 or Rs517.

. You may travel by bus, which runs from 6am-2:30am except on Fridays (no bus all day) and Saturdays (no bus from 12:00-13:00). Fare is 20 MVR (1.3 USD or Rs90). You can also take an airport shuttle to your hotel in Hulhumale, which costs USD7.5 or Rs517. Airport to Male . Go to the dock near the domestic terminal. There’s a ferry going to Male every 10-15 minutes. Fare is around 10 MVR or 45 INR or 0.65$.

. Go to the dock near the domestic terminal. There’s a ferry going to Male every 10-15 minutes. Fare is around 10 MVR or 45 INR or 0.65$. Airport to Maafushi . Make your way to Male (see instructions above). From the Male Port you may choose to take another ferry (Fare 3.25 MVR OR Rs 15 or 0.22$) or take a taxi (25 MVR or Rs112 or 1.62$) to Vilingili Port. From Vilingili, board the ferry to Maafushi (22 MVR or Rs99 or 1.4$) which leaves at 3pm daily (except Friday). There’s another ferry that operates on Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday and leaves Male at 10am. (53 MVR or Rs237, 3.5 USD), You can book speed boat from Icom Tours at just 20$ one way from Male airport to Maafushi and that will be hassle free also.

. Make your way to Male (see instructions above). From the Male Port you may choose to take another ferry (Fare 3.25 MVR OR Rs 15 or 0.22$) or take a taxi (25 MVR or Rs112 or 1.62$) to Vilingili Port. From Vilingili, board the ferry to Maafushi (22 MVR or Rs99 or 1.4$) which leaves at 3pm daily (except Friday). There’s another ferry that operates on Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday and leaves Male at 10am. (53 MVR or Rs237, 3.5 USD), You can book from at just 20$ one way from Male airport to Maafushi and that will be hassle free also. Airport to Thulusdhoo. Go to Male (see instructions above) then take a taxi to MarryBrown Restaurant. Opposite the restaurant, you will find Tharika-2, a ferry that will take you straight to Thulusdhoo Island (32 MVR or Rs142 or 2.06$). The ferry leaves Male at 3:30pm on Saturday, Sunday, Monday, and Thursday; 2pm on Tuesday; and 10pm on Friday.

For more information about bus and ferry schedules, visit the MTCC site.

Things to Do in the Maldives

Beach activities mostly. And the rates vary widely depending on where you would book it with. Tours offered by private resorts are a gazillion times more expensive than those you can book in a public beach like Maafushi.

Go island-hopping . This is what they usually call a “full-day excursion”, and this usually includes transportation and lunch. In Maafushi, you can find day tours for as low as 50 USD and if you’re keen on checking out just one island, you can find tours for 30 USD. In Olhuveli, a private island, a similar tour costs 170 USD + taxes. But here’s a trick: find other travelers and form a group. Rent a boat and divide the cost among yourselves. That would make it a lot cheaper.

. This is what they usually call a “full-day excursion”, and this usually includes transportation and lunch. In Maafushi, you can find day tours for as low as 50 USD and if you’re keen on checking out just one island, you can find tours for 30 USD. In Olhuveli, a private island, a similar tour costs 170 USD + taxes. But here’s a trick: find other travelers and form a group. Rent a boat and divide the cost among yourselves. That would make it a lot cheaper. Visit an exclusive resort . Some private resorts are open to day trippers, but they charge an entrance fee (+ taxes). Others bundle lunch with the entrance fees. The great thing about visiting these resorts is that there are only a few tourists and it gives you a closer look at the signature water bungalows. You may rent a speedboat to get here. Rates vary depending on which island you’re visiting. But to give you an idea, in Maafushi, you can find speedboat services to Fihalhohi for 250 USD per boat, others charge 65-75 USD per head.

. Some private resorts are open to day trippers, but they charge an entrance fee (+ taxes). Others bundle lunch with the entrance fees. The great thing about visiting these resorts is that there are only a few tourists and it gives you a closer look at the signature water bungalows. You may rent a speedboat to get here. Rates vary depending on which island you’re visiting. But to give you an idea, in Maafushi, you can find speedboat services to Fihalhohi for 250 USD per boat, others charge 65-75 USD per head. Go diving . In Maafushi, rates play within the 50 to 70 USD range. You can find some that go much lower. The Maldives is a diving paradise especially during manta ray and whale shark seasons.

. In Maafushi, rates play within the 50 to 70 USD range. You can find some that go much lower. The Maldives is a diving paradise especially during manta ray and whale shark seasons. Go snorkeling . If you don’t know how to dive, you can still witness the vibrant marine life of the Maldives. Many of the islands, even the private ones, lie close to snorkeling-friendly reefs and you can see them for FREE. We were just swimming not very far from the shore when we saw a juvenile black-tip shark and a giant sea turtle. You can visit richer and farther sites, too. Most guesthouses and resorts offer half-day snorkeling tours for as low as 50 USD.

. If you don’t know how to dive, you can still witness the vibrant marine life of the Maldives. Many of the islands, even the private ones, lie close to snorkeling-friendly reefs and you can see them for FREE. We were just swimming not very far from the shore when we saw a juvenile black-tip shark and a giant sea turtle. You can visit richer and farther sites, too. Most guesthouses and resorts offer half-day snorkeling tours for as low as 50 USD. Go on a fishing trip. Fishing tours are becoming more popular. Usually at 50 USD in local islands (USD 65+++ in Olhuveli).

Whatever tour you’re booking, make sure you come on time because you will be joining other tourists. You don’t want to be the cause of delay.

You may also visit other local islands from Maafushi by ferry: Fulidhoo (4 USD), Guraidhoo (2 USD). Just be extra careful trying to figure out the schedules. They can be very confusing at times.

More Tips to save your money

Some other things you need to consider when visiting the Maldives.

Visa-on-arrival is available for all nationalities. Free . There is no additional step if you’re going through Immigration; it’s practically visa-free .

There’s wi-fi at the airport but it will be sending your mobile number a PIN that you have to enter. Make sure your roaming (call/text) is on.

but it will be sending your mobile number a PIN that you have to enter. Make sure your roaming (call/text) is on. Get a local SIM card for only 3 USD if you must be online every time. You can top it up with 1GB+ of data for a little less than 15 USD. But most guesthouses, lodges, and resorts have free wi-fi. Internet coverage and speed in the Maldives are actually pretty impressive.

if you must be online every time. You can top it up with 1GB+ of data for a little less than 15 USD. But most guesthouses, lodges, and resorts have free wi-fi. Internet coverage and speed in the Maldives are actually pretty impressive. The Maldives is an Islamic nation and they prohibit or restrict certain items. Here are things you cannot bring into the country: religious idols, materials offensive to Islam, pornographic materials, pigs and pork products, narcotics, and psychotropic substances. Alcohol and spirits are restricted.

Here are things you cannot bring into the country: religious idols, materials offensive to Islam, pornographic materials, pigs and pork products, narcotics, and psychotropic substances. Alcohol and spirits are restricted. US Dollar (USD) is widely accepted . If you’re staying at a private resort, you wouldn’t even feel the need for the Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR). But if you’re staying in a local island, it’s best to have some local currency.

. If you’re staying at a private resort, you wouldn’t even feel the need for the Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR). But if you’re staying in a local island, it’s best to have some local currency. Do NOT lose the receipt when exchanging money or withdrawing from the ATMs. If you lose the receipt, you will not be able to convert them back. Receipts are a requirement when selling Rufiyaa.

If you lose the receipt, you will not be able to convert them back. Receipts are a requirement when selling Rufiyaa. Water bungalows are the most expensive accommodations in exclusive resorts. If you’re not too keen on staying in one but would love to experience luxury holiday, just book a beach room.

If you’re not too keen on staying in one but would love to experience luxury holiday, just book a beach room. FREE UPGRADE. Some resorts give guests staying in a beach room FREE UPGRADE to water villa when there are vacancies.

Some resorts give guests staying in a beach room FREE UPGRADE to water villa when there are vacancies. Carry Travel essentials. Don’t forget Maldives is an island so everything is expensive there. Carry suns cream from your home because its expensive.Carry toothpaste, soap ,shower gel, shampoo ,medicines etc so that you don’t have to buy them in Maldives.

Total Calculation

Today’s conversion rate is 1 United States Dollar equals 68.97 Indian Rupee

Hotel – Rs 5000 or 72.50$ for 3 nights 4 days for 1 person

Flight roundtrip – Rs 8000 or 115.99$ (Cochin to Male and MLE to COK)

Food – Rs 3000 or 43.50$

Travelling and Transportation – Rs 8000 or 115.99$

Total Rs 25000 or 362.48$