Maldives Tour Packages

Add to this the fact that you can fly to the island country in less than 3 hours, i.e., fly in on a Friday to begin your Maldives vacation and return to work on a Monday. We offer over a dozen 3 Night – 4 Day Maldives tour packages for people who have always wanted but never had the time to visit this beautiful island.

1. Best Budget Maldives Tour Packages
2. Ten Reasons To Visit Maldives
3. Maldives Tour Experience
4. Best Places To Visit In Maldives
5. Relationship Between India and Maldives

It is one of the few countries in the world that has combined ecological conservation with tourism and even educated tourists about the need to preserve and protect the country’s delicate ecosystem. Almost every resort is surrounded by lush mangroves, and the sea is teeming with marine life, ranging from sea turtles and hermit crabs to manta rays and corals.

Guests can even volunteer by collecting marine waste or participating in reef clean-up exercises. Children are encouraged to help conservationists working to protect the plant and animal species in the country.

The country has been consistently named among the world’s top ten honeymoon destinations, including Conde Nast Traveller. There’s nothing more romantic than lying on a hammock on a private deck of your overwater villa, sipping a martini, or relishing scrumptious seafood. Or, enjoying candlelight dinner by a private beach with the ocean and the white sands for company! If you have ever dreamt of a laidback luxurious honeymoon, check out our Maldives honeymoon packages.

Swimming with sharks, manta rays, and other marine animals ticks on the top ten bucket lists of most visitors to Maldives. The UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve in Hanifaru Bay is the best place for this – you can swim with over 200 sharks and manta rays while snorkeling. The South Ari Atoll in Dhigurah is a famous whale shark area with several spots for free snorkeling.

Staying at an overwater bungalow is definitely on the bucket list of experiences for travellers visiting an island country. But Maldives takes the experience a notch higher. With an infinity pool, a luxury spa island, and a private terrace with an unending view of the Indian Ocean, there’s nothing more you’ll need for a dreamy vacation, not to mention the whale sharks, manta rays, and other marine animals that visit you occasionally as you sip passionfruit daiquiri! You can even choose an underwater room with floor to wall ceilings submerged below the Indian Ocean.

You cannot visit the Maldives and not admire the island country’s mesmerizing marine life. The azure waters are absolutely teeming with life, including coral reefs, turtles, whale sharks, manta rays, moray eels, blueline snappers, octopuses, and dolphins. With over 200 colourful coral species, the underwater world sure feels like a scene out of Finding Nemo.

The island you visited during your last vacation may not remain for long, completely disappearing from the world. Thanks to global warming and rising sea levels, Maldives may become uninhabitable in the distant future. It is the world’s lowest lying nation and only 1.3 metres above sea level. We suggest you visit the place at least once before it is gone forever.

The powdery white sands and turquoise waters are perfect for sunbathing. The sky is in red, orange, and purple hues, and the temperature always ranges from a comfortable 25 to 30 degrees Celsius.

Maldivian cuisine is influenced by Sri Lankan and Indian flavours, with coconut being an essential aspect of the food. While there is a vast variety of seafood, some local favourites include different types of tuna, mackerel, and mahi- mahi. Plenty of resorts offer an array of international cuisine, but if you’re interested in local food, try gulha, the country’s national dish made using smoked tuna, coconut, and onions filled inside a pasty and deep fried.

A visit to the Maldives is incomplete without undertaking one of the many water based activities. The country is one of the best scuba diving activities in the world. Snorkelling is equally fun if the colourful underwater world amazes you. And if you’re uncomfortable doing either, we suggest you take a banana boat ride or a sunset cruise.

This is contrary to what most people would say, but if you have the right travel company, you can always find affordable Maldives tour packages and yet enjoy all the fantastic things this beautiful country has to offer. Flight tickets from Chennai and Bangalore cost less than INR 10,000 and much less if you book through tour operators like GT Holidays.

The Maldives has been historically and culturally close to India and even shares a maritime border. The origins of Dhivehi, the official language of the Maldives, date back to Sanskrit and Pali, with some anthropologists claiming that a certain percentage of Maldivians actually hails from Southern India. In fact, there are reports that cowrie shells from the Maldives were used as currency throughout Bengal and even as early as the Indus Civilization.

Even today, Maldives remains a favourite tourist destination for Indians. The country is only 3.5 hours from Chennai and 2 hours from Bangalore. Maldives tour packages are especially popular during the off-season when it rains intermittently. Typically, most Indian tourists choose short Maldives tour packages with 3 nights and 4 days, while some prefer a longer stay spanning 6 nights and 7 days.

All Maldives resorts are on their own island, with each island ranging from 2.5 km to just 150m. This means that the resort you choose for your Maldives tour package has a huge impact on your vacation experience. The facilities offered by the resort (restaurant, bar, entertainment, etc.) will likely be the only ones you will access throughout the stay.

Thankfully, there are over 160 island resorts to choose from, ranging from affordable to over the top luxurious. Some of the things you must consider include, distance from Male, the country’s capital city, the type of transfers available, and activities within the resort.

Maldives’ culture revolves around the sea and is influenced by the lifestyle of the Indians, Arabs, and Sri Lankans who migrated and later assimilated to create a unique melting pot. The country has a lot of Dravidian influences, with the Dhivehi language sounding similar to Sinhalese, the language of Sri Lanka. Interestingly, the locals are called Dhivehin, a word that could be traced back to the Tamil word theev or dheev, meaning island.

While the Maldivians were originally Buddhist, Islam became the only and of the country since the 12th century. Only Sunni Muslims are allowed to be a citizen and own land.

Fish is an integral part of Maldivian cuisine and an important ingredient. Coconut oil and milk are other primary ingredients, although the style of cooking is influenced by the Arabs, Indians, and Sri Lankans. Some of the local food you can try include – Mas huni, Fihunu mas, garudhiya, etc. But if you’re not a fan of seafood, there are multiple restaurants serving food from around the world.

Since Islam is the primary religion, Maldivians celebrate all Islamic festivals, namely, Eid-Ul Fitr, Eid-Ul Adha, The Prophet’s Birthday, etc. Besides, they also celebrate the country’s national and republic day.

Maldivians are master boat builders. They have perfected the art of making dhoni, a traditional boat that can withstand the rough conditions of the sea. Tourists can buy miniature dhonis as souvenirs besides lacquerware and coir products, handwoven mats, and carved stones.

While traditional music and dance have a strong influence on African, Arabian, and Indian influences, Bollywood music, especially old Hindi songs are famous across the island country. Bodu Beru or big drums is a traditional dance song that starts slow but builds a frenzy and is performed by a group of 15 to 20 men.

Maldives is an extraordinary nation with beauty following you wherever you go. The country has over 1200 islands, but only 200 are inhabited. While every island has its own charm and is worth visiting, it is practically impossible to cover all of them within your short vacation. We’ve listed 10 of the most visited islands you must not miss the next time you’re in Maldives:

This is the capital of Maldives and a great place to begin your Maldives tour package. The island is close to nearby attractions like Maafushi and Rasdhoo Islands. If you’re interested in exploring Maldivian culture and history, Male is a must visit. Some of the local attractions here include – the Grand Friday Mosque, the Victory Monument, National Museum, etc.

But if you’re looking to lounge by the beach and explore the country’s marine life, we suggest you go to other islands. However, you can stay in Male, taking day trips to adjoining islands to enjoy scuba diving, dolphin watching, snorkelling, and other activities. Maldives tour packages that include day trips leaving from Male are comparatively affordable.

Nalaguraidhoo Island is located on the South Ari Atoll and around sixty kilometres from Male International Airport. It is famous for its sunkissed beaches and is even popularly called Sun Island. The island is a famous honeymoon destination with picturesque landscapes, coconut trees, colourful marine life, and beautiful beaches. The island is home to some of the world’s famous beaches, including the Nalaguraidhoo Island Beach, providing a perfectly private atmosphere with its thick vegetation and powdery white sands. Some of the water sports you can enjoy here include canoeing, scuba diving, snorkelling, and kayaking.

And to make the trip even more interesting, you can take up nighttime fishing and even fry your own catch. But the highlight of the vacation has to be diving into the crystal clear waters to swim with manta rays, coral reefs, sea turtles, and other colorful fishes.

It is also a tourist friendly destination with a designated Bikini Beach especially for tourists to swim or sunbathe in swimsuits. Unlike private resort islands, Maafushi is a lot cheaper thanks to the huge number of guesthouses that compete for business. You’ll definitely get a good price for your accommodation and activities. Some of the things you can do at Maafushi include – snorkeling, scuba diving, admiring the bioluminescent planktons, and planning a resort day trip to nearby islands.

Maafushi is a part of the Kaafu Atoll. It is one of the biggest and most tourist oriented islands in the country with over 70 guest houses serving thousands of guests across the year. This is probably because the island is well connected to Male through speed boats and local ferries.

Hulhumale is 7km from the airport and part of the North Male Atoll. The island is a sought after destination among tourists thanks to its proximity to Male. There are plenty of accommodation options and activities to choose from for tourists. You could go swimming, kayaking, or simply lounge on the beach to soak up the sun. Hulhumale is a honeymooner’s paradise who comes here to enjoy a romantic time in seclusion.

This is a fairly remote island about 70 kilometres from Male and can be reached via speedboat in 2 hours. Ukulhas is part of the Alif Alif Atoll and is surrounded by beautiful coral reefs and lagoons. Accommodation options range from affordable guest houses and beach villas to water bungalows to suit different budgets.

The island is famous for its white sandy beaches and incredibly varied marine life with animals ranging from giant mantas and stingrays to zebra sharks, reef sharks, and colorful fish species.

Baros is around 16 kilometres from Male and can be reached via speedboat in 25 minutes. It is a part of the North Male Atoll and is famous for its water villas. Tourists prefer Baros Islands for its privacy and the luxury treatment accorded to guests. The island is famous for its white powdery beaches, including the Angsana and Vabbininfaru beaches. Some of the activities you can enjoy in Baros include snorkeling, diving, and canoeing. You can also visit the Marine Centre to help tourists learn more about the country’s conservation efforts.

Baros Island is a favourite destination for weddings and among honeymooners and the ultra rich looking for some privacy.

This is a perfect destination for family Maldives tour packages thanks to its custom made attractions designed to accommodate families with kids. The island is famous for its resorts, water bungalows, beach villas, and other accommodations, besides an array of fine dining restaurants serving international cuisine.

Huvahendhoo is around 87 kilometres and can be reached via ferry or plane. There are plenty of activities you can take up in the island, including snorkelling. Reef fishing, and jet skiing.

The beaches in the Maldives are one of the cleanest in the world, famed for their turquoise waters, powdery white sand, and lush green landscapes. No wonder the country is a honeymooner’s paradise and an ideal place for destination weddings. Here’s a list of the best beaches in the country:

This is one of the most popular and most visited beaches in the Maldives, thanks to the multiple hotels and resorts around the area. Hulhumale is often a part of most Maldives tour packages because of its excellent weather and amazing range of water sports activities. But being a public beach, you will be expected to dress modestly.

Among other things, Mudhdhoo is famous for the bioluminescent planktons that illuminate the shores at night, giving you a surreal illusion of starry skies. The beach is part of the Baa Atoll and a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. While Mudhdhoo is beautiful in the morning, the real magic starts as you experience the translucent blue glow that shimmers along the waves, gently lapping the shores.

It is part of Como Cocoa, one of Maldives’ first luxury resorts. This beautiful beach is loved for its live coral reefs seen through crystal clear waters. Don’t forget to take up scuba diving to experience the island’s coral reefs, colorful fishes, and blacktip sharks.

Vabbinfaru Beach is famous for its sandy white beaches, crystal clear waters, and nearby reefs. The beach is part of the Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru Island, known for its perfectly round shape. You can enjoy plenty of activities, including snorkeling, to experience the island’s marine life, including small sharks, pufferfish, and turtles.

If you’re looking for a secluded beach to spend some private time with family and friends, you must head to Reethi Rah. The coast stretches for over three and a half miles but provides over 12 secluded beach spots. You can book a villa with direct beach access to enjoy the sunset with only your loved ones for the company.

Thulusdhoo Island is an hour and half hour ferry ride away from Male, with resorts of various budgets. The beach is a haven for surfing enthusiasts, with some of the best surf breaks in Cokes Beach. Don’t miss the local street food stalls and restaurants on the beach. Some other activities you can enjoy here include snorkeling and night fishing.

While there are six bikini beaches (basically, beaches where you are allowed to wear a bikini) in Maldives, the one on Maafushi Island is loved for its Insta-worthy ambiance. Unlike private beaches on the pricier side, Bikini Beach is a public beach with beautiful white sands, turquoise waters, and swaying palm trees.

With over 100 resorts interspersed over its numerous islands, choosing the best resort can be overwhelming. At GT Holidays, we select resorts that offer value for money and a wide range of cuisines that suit the Indian palate. Naturally, there must be plenty of water sports for adventure junkies. We have listed some for you:

This resort on Bodu Hithu Island has been consistently reviewed positively on several websites, including Trip Advisor. It was even named among the Top Ten Best Resorts in the Maldives by The Telegraph. The resort has a laidback charm, making it ideal for long siestas soaking up the sun. There’s also a spa and a pool to make your vacation experience even more comfortable.

Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu is a private island resort offering much needed privacy and exclusivity. This is a 4-star resort with hundreds of positive reviews on Trip Advisor and other social review sites. You can snorkel on the famous Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. You can enjoy plenty of activities within the resort, including kayaking, windsurfing, and catamaran riding.

This award winning resort is situated on Ookolhufinolhu Island and is inspired by Italian design philosophy. You can choose from overwater and beach villas depending on your budget. Activities include whale shark sightings, sunset cruises, parasailing, and fishing.

With over 90,000 square kilometers of ocean surrounding the island country, it’s hardly surprising that Maldives is perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving. Almost every resort features reefs that are close enough for travelers to swim. Some popular fishes you can enjoy include butterfly fish, clownfish, angelfish, and parrotfish. You can also sign up for beginner and seasoned scuba diving lessons.

With Islam being the only and primary religion in Maldives, it is no surprise that religion influences everyday aspects of life in the country. You cannot truly explore a place without understanding its local culture and food habits. Some places you must visit in the country include National Museum, Old Friday Mosque, Grand Friday Mosque, and the Male Local Market.

With relaxation and comfort being the very essence of a Maldives vacation, it’s no surprise that spa massages are at the center of every Maldives holiday. Spa treatments at most resorts include a variety of massages, facial treatments, and other spa offerings. You can choose from overwater floating spas with gorgeous views or underwater spas surrounded by marine life.

With private beaches promising exclusivity, candlelight dining is a part of every romantic Maldives vacation experience. Proposing your fiancé on the white sandy beaches overlooking turquoise waters is a once in a lifetime experience. You could also look for underwater restaurants offering a clear view of the reefs, colourful fishes, and manta rays.

Taking up day cruises is essential in most packages, allowing you to explore marine life and clear waters while lounging on a yacht touring the reefs and the surrounding ocean. This is an ideal activity for families and can be enjoyed by people of all ages.

Planning day trips to nearby islands is another favorite activity, allowing you to explore the country and make the most of your vacation.

Maldives is a paradise for water based adventure sports enthusiasts. You can swim with manta rays, go parasailing, and enjoy fishing, surfing, kayaking, wakeboarding, and even kitesurfing.

Maldives is famous for its coconut shell based handicrafts, miniature dhonis, and lacquer work. You can also buy handmade necklaces, bracelets, charms, and other items made using seashells, tree resin, and other locally available natural ingredients.

At night, the shores along some of Maldives’ beaches are full of bioluminescence planktons that float in the area. Walking on the beach is safe and, in fact, a thrilling experience.

An aerial tour of the different islands is the best way to experience the breathtaking beauty of the place and the stunning scenery of the clear lagoons, bright blue waters, and unique island designs.

Indeed, Maldives is a beautiful and magical destination. But it is equally unique regarding culture, climate, and geography. Here are some of the things you must know before visiting the country: