The Maldives is an island nation to the south-west of India. It is a group of over 1000 coral islands, surrounded by the Indian Ocean. Although the Maldives might sound just another beach destination like Chennai, there’s more to it. The distance from Chennai to Maldives is about 1200 km. To reach from Chennai to Maldives, there are few transportation options. Consider the pros and cons of each option and choose the best for you.
When we think of The Maldives, the prominent scenes that float in our minds are that of silken sands, a sparkling oceanfront and palm-fringed beaches. While the country is a lot about that, it is also so much more. There is a whole new culture that one can unearth if only one travels deeper.
It is the perfect holiday destination whether you want to spend time with your partner, friend, or family. Not to forget the over water villas in Maldives, beach-side bungalows and a plethora of water activities pull many people to the Maldives. And the best way to explore this island nation with family and friends is by opting our all-inclusive Maldives tour packages from Chennai.
You can try out the dishes in the buffet or sip a freshly squeezed juice watching over the sea. And if you love adventure, you can deep dive with sharks in Maldives. Check this guide to find all the important information about the Maldives and tour packages.
Maldives Map from Bangalore, India
How to reach Maldives from Chennai?
Chennai to Maldives by Flight
Duration
There are a couple of flights to take you to the Maldives. While most stop at one or more than one airport before landing in the Maldives, you can also catch a direct flight. Chennai Maldives direct flight takes around 2 hours to cover the distance of 1200 km, while others take 5 hours or more.
Flight Companies
Maldivian has nonstop flights from Chennai to Maldives, which take around 2 hours to reach Malé, the capital of the Maldives.
Apart from that, Indigo and Srilankan Airways have one-stop flights to the Maldives. While Indigo flights will have a flight change or layover in Bengaluru, the flights of Srilankan Airways go via Colombo. And these take around 5-7 hours to reach Maldives Velana International Airport, Malé.
Air India and Emirates also have regular flights to connect Chennai and the Maldives, but they take considerable time (more than 10 hours).
Average ticket price
The average Chennai to Maldives airfare is around ₹10,000 per person for the direct flights of Maldivian. For the flights of Indigo and Srilankan Airways, you’ll need to shell out more than ₹20,000 per person. The ticket in other flights cost even more.
Maldives Airport
Velana International Airport, near Malé, is the main international airport in the Maldives. And most flights to the Maldives land there.
From the airport, various seaplanes and speedboats take you to your destination island. Many resorts also have a fleet of seaplanes and speedboats to pick up the guests. And depending on your Maldives honeymoon package from India, you’ll get to enjoy a wide variety of the options.
Chennai to Maldives by Road (possibility)
You can’t travel to the Maldives by road. But if you want to enjoy a thrilling road trip, you can do it, at least, partially.
Instead of taking the flight, drive to Mumbai or Bangalore. From there, you can get on one of the regular flights to the Malé airport. You can also travel all the way to Trivandrum or Kochi from Chennai. They too have a few direct flights, which drop you at Hanimaadhoo International Airport in the southern Maldives.
Chennai to Maldives by Sea
Although Chennai enjoys access to the sea, there isn’t any Chennai to Maldives cruise. But if you want to travel to the Maldives by ship, take a flight/road trip to Mumbai.
In Mumbai, you can get on the luxurious 7-night cruise to the Maldives, organised by Costa Cruise. It also stops at New Mangalore and Kochi on the way.
India & Maldives Currency
Accepted currencies
Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR) is the national currency of Maldives. But many hotels, restaurants and local shops accept cash/card payments in US Dollars (USD) or Euro (EUR) too. You can also pay in British Pounds (GBP) in some places.
Visa, MasterCard and American Express cards are accepted in most places.
Average Conversion rate
Although the rates vary every day, on average 1 Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR) is equal to around 5 Indian Rupee (INR). Then, 1 US Dollar (USD) converts to about 15.50 MVR, 1 Euro (EUR) is about 18 MVR and 1 Pound Sterling (GBP) is equal to around 20 MVR.
Is USD accepted in Maldives?
USD is accepted in the airport and most resorts and tourist places. It is a common currency in the Maldives. And many local souvenir shops and other retail counters also accept it, whether in cash or card.
Maldives Visa details for Indians
Is a passport required for Indians?
A passport is required for Indians. And it must be valid for the next six months.
Visa Fee
For Indian travellers, tourist visas are available at no cost. It allows you to stay in the Maldives for up to 30 days. You can extend your visa for up to 90 days if you want to stay more. The visa extension costs 750 MVR (approx. 3,500 INR).
Visa on Arrival
Indian travellers get a visa on arrival in the Maldives. All you need are the required documents to show at the arrival counter. These include your passport, booking confirmation of the hotel/resort, and the onward/return ticket among other documents.
Discover Maldives
Availability of South Indian cuisine in Maldives
You’ll find plenty of Indian dishes in the Maldives. You can savour spicy South Indian sambar in the lunch as well as hot North Indian dal makhani in the dinner. You can take a delectable dosa during breakfast and enjoy fritters in the evening snacks. And you also get a plethora of seafood platters in the Maldives.
Some resorts in the Maldives even have restaurants to serve only Indian specialties.
Dress code
You don’t have to follow any dress code in the Maldives. Although some places require you to cover your head with a scarf, in public places, dressing modestly is enough.
Men must not be shirtless. And everyone should wear clothes which cover the shoulders and reach below the knees. In your private island resort, you can dress any way you want.
Maldives Tour Packages from Chennai
You’ll find a range of options for Chennai to Maldives packages. Some packages include flight tickets, while others offer only accommodation. And then, you also get options to pick your Maldives full day excursions and meals.
Most tour packages include only breakfast buffet in their offerings. And the packages for 3-4 nights, including airfare, start at about ₹50,000 to ₹60,000 per person.
Maldives Honeymoon Packages from Chennai
Chennai to Maldives honeymoon packages start at around ₹70,000 per person for 3-4 nights holiday. These special packages offer various freebies to the couples, among other benefits. Couples planning to start their journey from a different city can choose from our all -inclusive India to Maldives honeymoon packages. From beach-side dinners to romantic excursions, you’ll find many options to make your honeymoon memorable.