Free guide · Maldives

Maldives: best time, water villas and what's included

One island, one resort, the clearest water you will see. Here is how to pick the right time and the right villa.

Best time to visit

• November to April: the dry season. Calm sea, more sunshine. Best for a first trip.
• May to October: the wetter monsoon. More rain and wind, but resort rates are often lower.

Beach villa or water villa?

• Beach villa: steps from the sand, more privacy from the water, often a garden or plunge pool.
• Overwater (water) villa: built on stilts over the lagoon, with a deck and ladder into the sea.
• Split stay: two nights on the beach, then two over the water. You get both, for less than four water-villa nights.

Transfers

• Resorts near Malé are reached by speedboat. Further resorts use a seaplane or a domestic flight plus boat.
• Seaplanes cost noticeably more and fly only in daylight. A late-evening arrival may need a night near the airport first.

Meal plans

• Breakfast only, half board (breakfast + dinner), full board (all three meals) or all-inclusive (meals plus selected drinks).
• Resort restaurants are expensive, so half board or more usually works out better.
• Vegetarian and Indian food: most resorts manage well if told in advance.

Visa and entry for Indians

• Indian passport holders get a free visa on arrival as tourists (usually up to 30 days).
• Fill the free IMUGA traveller declaration online within 96 hours before you arrive.
• Carry a passport valid for at least 6 months, your return ticket and the resort booking.

What our package includes

Our Maldives Private Island starts at ₹1,19,900 per person (4N/5D, twin sharing, GST included, TCS extra): beach villa + overwater villa, your chosen meal plan, resort transfers and a trip manager on WhatsApp. Flights, visa fees (if any) and activities unless mentioned are extra. TCS (Tax Collected at Source) is added to overseas tour packages as per Income Tax rules. You can claim it back in your income tax return.

Checked 28 October 2026. Visa and entry rules change, so we confirm the latest rules when you book.