The Maldives
Water, light and nothing to do.
- From Delhi
- ≈4 hrs
- Ideal length
- 4–6 nights
- Best time
- Nov–Apr
- Good for
- Honeymoons · Anniversaries · Families
Why The Maldives
Every Maldives resort sits on its own island, so choosing the right one is everything: seaplane or speedboat, house reef or lagoon, adults-focused or wonderful for children. We know the islands and match them to you.
Plan a journey to The MaldivesMost visited places in The Maldives
The placesworth the journey.
North & South Malé Atolls
The atolls closest to the airport are reached by speedboat in under an hour, making them practical for shorter stays and families. Their reefs have good snorkelling, surf breaks appear in season, and the lagoons are as clear as anywhere in the country.
Our tip Choose an island with a strong house reef, so you can snorkel straight from the beach without booking excursions.
Hanifaru Bay, Baa Atoll
Baa Atoll is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and its small Hanifaru Bay draws large gatherings of manta rays feeding on plankton during the southwest monsoon. On good days dozens of mantas, and sometimes whale sharks, circle together in a single lagoon.
Our tip The peak season runs from roughly July to October, and snorkelling permits are limited, so book your excursion through the island in advance.
Whale sharks of South Ari Atoll
The outer reef of South Ari is one of the few places in the world where young whale sharks can be seen throughout the year. Guided snorkelling trips follow strict rules on distance, letting you swim quietly alongside the world's largest fish.
Our tip Go out in the morning, when the sea is calmer and the sharks are often feeding near the surface.
Sandbank picnic
A dhoni carries you to a strip of white sand surrounded by nothing but lagoon, where a shaded picnic or private dinner is set up for you. It is the simplest and most memorable Maldivian experience, especially for couples marking an occasion.
Our tip Ask for a late afternoon slot, when the light softens and the sandbank is at its most photogenic.
Malé
One of the world's most densely populated capitals offers a glimpse of everyday Maldivian life. The coral-stone Old Friday Mosque, with its finely carved interior, the busy fish market and the waterfront promenade can all be explored in a few hours.
Our tip Use a long layover or a late departure to visit, and dress modestly for the mosques and the city streets.
Seaplane over the atolls
A seaplane transfer is a sightseeing flight in its own right, crossing coral rings, turquoise lagoons and tiny islands from a low altitude. Seen from above, the scale and pattern of the atolls make sense in a way they never do from the shore.
Our tip Seaplanes fly only in daylight, so plan an arrival in Malé that leaves time to connect the same day, and ask for a window seat.
The Maldives itinerary
Five days in the Maldives
A seaplane to Baa Atoll and four unhurried days of reef, sandbank and spa, timed around the tides.
A starting point, not a package: we reshape the days around your dates, pace and who is travelling.
Shape this itinerary- Day01
Baa Atoll · Arrival by seaplane
You are met at Velana airport and guided to the seaplane lounge for a flight of around forty minutes north. Settle into your villa, swim in the lagoon and enjoy the sunset from your deck.
- Day02
The house reef
Begin with a guided snorkel on the house reef to meet turtles, reef sharks and parrotfish. The afternoon is free, with a dolphin cruise on the dhoni as the sun goes down.
- Day03
Hanifaru Bay · Mantas in season
During the manta season, a marine biologist leads a morning excursion to Hanifaru Bay. Outside the season, a snorkelling trip to a nearby reef or a visit to a local island takes its place.
- Day04
A sandbank to yourselves
Spend a slow morning at the spa, then take a dhoni to a private sandbank for a late lunch and swim. Return for a candlelit dinner on the beach.
- Day05
Return to Malé · Departure
Enjoy a final swim and breakfast before the seaplane back to Malé. Your flight home can connect the same afternoon.
Things to do in The Maldives
What we'd planfor you.
Overwater villas
Steps from your deck into the lagoon.
House reefs
Snorkelling with turtles and reef sharks from the beach.
Sandbank dinners
A private dinner on the sand.
Seaplane arrivals
The first view is from the air.
Best time to visit The Maldives
November to April is the dry season with calm seas. May to October is greener and wetter, with lower rates and good diving.
May–October is greener and wetter, with lower rates and good diving.
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Longer journeys including The Maldives
Starting points,not packages.
Where to stay in The Maldives
North Malé Atoll
A short speedboat ride from the airport, so arrival and departure days are easy. Ideal for shorter stays, families with young children and those arriving late.
Baa Atoll
A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve reached by seaplane, with excellent reefs and manta encounters in season. Best for honeymooners and nature lovers.
South Ari Atoll
Whale sharks all year, wide sandbanks and fine diving. Suits keen snorkellers and divers who want to spend time in the water.
What to eat in The Maldives
Mas huni breakfast
The traditional Maldivian breakfast of shredded tuna, coconut, onion and chilli, eaten with roshi flatbread and sweet tea. A simple way to taste the islands' everyday food.
Garudhiya
A clear fish broth served with rice, lime and chilli, which sits at the heart of Maldivian home cooking. Most resorts can prepare it on request.
Indian kitchens at the resorts
Many island resorts have Indian chefs and can prepare vegetarian and Jain meals throughout your stay. Sharing your requirements before arrival lets them source the right ingredients, which come in by boat.
Dinner on the sand
Many resorts can set a private table on the beach or a sandbank, with a chef cooking to your preferences. The menu can be fully vegetarian on request.
Travel tips for The Maldives
Getting there from India
Around four hours from Delhi to Malé, direct or via south India. Resorts are reached by speedboat, seaplane or domestic flight.
For travellers from India
Direct flights from Delhi to Malé take around four hours, with other options via Mumbai or Bengaluru. Indian passport holders receive a free visa on arrival with a confirmed resort booking, and an online traveller declaration must be completed within a few days of travel. US dollars are widely accepted, resort bills carry a service charge, and alcohol is available only on resort islands, not in Malé or on local islands.
Visas & entry
Visitors receive a visa on arrival in the Maldives. We confirm current requirements, including any pre-arrival forms, before you travel.
Good to know
Seaplanes fly in daylight only — arrival times matter. We plan flights so you are not stuck overnight in Malé.
The Maldives tour packages from Delhi
Every The Maldives holiday package we plan is private, and built around your dates, your pace and the people travelling with you.
Our The Maldives tour packages from Delhi and across India include return flights, hand-picked hotels with partner privileges where available, private transfers, guided sightseeing where it adds something, visa assistance and 24×7 support while you travel. A typical first visit takes in North & South Malé Atolls, Hanifaru Bay, Baa Atoll, Whale sharks of South Ari Atoll, Sandbank picnic, over 4–6 nights.
We plan The Maldives honeymoon packages, family holidays for children and grandparents, milestone celebrations and corporate or incentive trips, with vegetarian and Jain meals arranged in advance. Tell us what you have in mind and a travel designer will shape the itinerary with you.
Overwater villa or beach villa?
Overwater for the honeymoon moment; beach villas are better for children and for privacy on land. Many couples split their stay.
How many nights in the Maldives?
Four to six nights. Longer than a week, consider two resorts.
Is the Maldives good for families?
Yes, at the right resort: shallow lagoons, beach villas and kids' clubs. We match the island to your children's ages.
What is included in your The Maldives tour packages from Delhi?
Every The Maldives package is private and planned around you. It usually includes return flights from Delhi, hand-picked hotels, private airport transfers, sightseeing with private guides where it matters, visa guidance and 24×7 support while you travel. Vegetarian and Jain meals can be arranged in advance.
How many days are enough for The Maldives?
4–6 nights is ideal for a first visit. Our starting itinerary, five days in the maldives, covers North & South Malé Atolls, Hanifaru Bay, Baa Atoll, Whale sharks of South Ari Atoll without rushing.
How do I book a The Maldives holiday package with TRIPPLANNERS?
Share your dates, who is travelling and how you like to travel through our enquiry form, call 011 4550 0000 or WhatsApp +91 98116 16005. A travel designer will come back with a private proposal and refine it with you until it is right.
