Maldives Tour Packages from Bagdogra

Many travellers from Bagdogra are now looking to escape to the serene islands of the Maldives. The Maldives tour packages from Bagdogra are a great way to experience this island nation without having to worry about planning transportation, accommodations and activities. With flights, transfers, hotels and sometimes meals included, a tour package takes the guesswork out of traveling to the Maldives. This allows you to truly relax and soak up the beauty of the Maldives once you arrive.

How to reach Maldives from Bagdogra?

There are a few different ways to reach the Maldives from Bagdogra:

Air

There are no direct flights for Maldives tour packages from Bagdogra, so you’ll need to connect through a major Indian city like Delhi or Mumbai. The total flight time is around 4-6 hours depending on your route. Many Maldives tour packages from Bagdogra will include roundtrip flights for convenience. You can also book flights on your own through airlines like IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet and more. Be sure to book in advance to get the best fares.

Rail

There are no direct train services from Bagdogra to the Maldives. You can take a train to Kolkata or Delhi and then catch a flight to the Maldives from there. The total journey will take around 24 hours with the train and flight portions. This option is more time consuming than flying directly but can be cheaper.

Road

Given the Maldives is an island nation, there are obviously no road routes directly from Bagdogra. You would need to travel by road to a major coastal city like Kochi or Mumbai and then catch a boat cruise to the Maldives. This option is very time consuming and not practical for most travelers.

Water

Some luxury cruise lines, like Costa Cruises offer routes from India to the Maldives. However, there are no direct cruise ship routes connecting Bagdogra to the Maldives. You would need to take a flight or train to the departure port such as Mumbai. Overall, flights are the most convenient way to get to the Maldives from Bagdogra.

The best time to book Maldives Tour packages from Bagdogra

The best time to book a Maldives tour packages from Bagdogra is 2-3 months in advance. This will ensure you get the flights, hotels and activities you want for your preferred dates. Try to avoid the peak seasons of December-January and June-August when demand is very high, if traveling on a budget.

The shoulder seasons of October-November and March-April are good times to find deals on Maldives packages from Bagdogra. The weather is still favorable and resort rates are lower. You can also score last minute packages 1-2 months out when tour operators want to fill empty spots but choices may be limited. Booking your Maldives tour packages from Bagdogra well in advance results in the best value, comfort and peace of mind.

Things to expect from Maldives if visiting from Bagdogra

Here are some things to expect when visiting the Maldives on a tour package from Bagdogra:

• Pristine beaches with powdery white sand and turquoise waters are perfect for swimming, snorkeling and relaxing. The beaches in the Maldives are consistently ranked among the best in the world.
• Simple but luxurious water bungalow accommodations over the Indian Ocean. These iconic overwater bungalows with glass floors are synonymous with the Maldives.
• Excellent snorkeling and diving conditions due to the healthy coral reef ecosystems. The underwater marine life throughout the Maldives is incredibly diverse and abundant.
• Delicious fresh seafood meals featuring tuna, mahi mahi, snapper, lobster and more. Most resort packages are full board with meals included.
• Warm tropical weather year round though December-April sees more rain while March-November is hotter and more humid.
• Fun excursions like sunset dolphin cruises, sandbank trips, snorkeling safaris and more. Many can be added to your tour package.
• A remote island vibe away from it all. The Maldives is very peaceful and relaxing, perfect for honeymoons.
• Expensive prices for food, lodging and activities. The Maldives is a luxury destination, even budget rooms start at around $100/night.
• Alcohol is only served at resorts, not locally, due to Muslim beliefs. Some of the local islands are completely dry.
• Modest dress is preferred, especially when interacting with locals. Be respectful of cultural norms.
• The slow pace of life in local villages compared to modern resorts. Seeing both gives a nice contrast.

Places to visit in Maldives tour packages from Bagdogra

Male

As the capital of the Maldives, Male is a must visit especially when arriving by air before transferring to your resort island. This densely populated island city is full of lively markets, shops, restaurants and museums that provide an authentic local experience. Walk around the Old Friday Mosque, the oldest mosque in the country, dating back to 1656.

Wander through the fish and produce markets to see locals haggling and to pick up some dried fish or tropical fruit. Visit the National Museum to learn about Maldivian history, culture and arts. Stop for lunch at a local tea shop for authentic Maldivian street food like mas huni, fried fish and rice, or kavaabu, deep fried tortillas with tuna. Then check out the local surf breaks, as Male has a thriving surf culture. With a proper tour package, you’ll likely have a day or two to explore Male fully before heading off to your resort island.

Banana Reef

One of the most popular snorkeling spots in the Maldives is Banana Reef, just north of Male. Named for its distinctive banana-like shape, the reef has several points and overhangs to explore in the turquoise waters. The interior lagoon is quite shallow, making it perfect for novice snorkelers.

The outside reef slopes off into deeper waters, where you may spot reef sharks, manta rays and sea turtles. There is also excellent coral growth here, with vivid purple, orange, blue and green coral beds. Book a snorkeling excursion via speedboat or traditional Maldivian dhoni boat to really experience the magic of Banana Reef. It offers some of the best snorkeling relatively close to Male.

Baros Island

For a relaxing and romantic island getaway, head to Baros Island, just 25 minutes by speedboat from Male International Airport. This luxury resort island has 75 private thatched-roof villas, some with private pools, set amongst lush tropical vegetation for maximum privacy. Dining is exceptional, with multiple restaurants serving gourmet international and Maldivian cuisine. The house reef here is spectacular for snorkeling and diving right off the powdery white sand beach.

Baros also offers top-notch spa services, sunset dolphin cruises, and paddle boarding in the calm lagoon. Honeymooners flock here for the overwater villas with glass floors showcasing reef sharks and stingrays swimming below. Overall, Baros Island combines natural beauty and luxury in a convenient location near Male.

Maafushi Island

For a more affordable local island experience just a short distance from Male, head to Maafushi in the South Male Atoll. Maafushi has a thriving tourist industry with guesthouses, restaurants, shops and one of the best local beaches in the Maldives. Here you can swim, snorkel, dive, try water sports like jet skis or catamarans, and partake in island hopping tours. The bikini beach is a popular hangout where you can mingle with other travelers and locals.

Visit the souvenir shops for great deals on lacquer boxes, woven mats, coconut wood carvings and smoked fish. At night, dine along the beach under the stars and enjoy cultural shows of Bodu Beru drumming and dancing. Maafushi provides an authentic slice of local Maldivian island life.

Whale Submarine

For a truly unique experience on your Maldives tour, take an underwater ride on the Whale Submarine down to 30 meters below the surface. The small submarine has massive viewing windows so you can marvel at the coral reefs and marine life, including reef sharks and stingrays. Tours depart from Male and last about 90 minutes as you cruise around beautiful reefs.

There is even a transparent bottom so you can look directly down under the sub. It’s a great choice if you don’t scuba dive but still want a glimpse into the magnificent underwater world that makes the Maldives so special. The air-conditioned interior means you stay cool and dry the entire time.

10 tips for enjoyable trip experience from Maldives Tour packages from Bagdogra

1. Book a package with flights, transfers and breakfast to maximize value.
2. Choose a resort with lots of free activities like snorkeling to control costs.
3. Pack lightweight, breathable clothing and swimwear.
4. Bring reef-safe sunscreen to protect marine environments.
5. Consider trip insurance in case of any unexpected cancellations or issues.
6. Book spa treatments, excursions, and dinners in advance, where possible.
7. Bring motion sickness medicine if prone to sea sickness.
8. Respect local cultural norms and dress modestly when visiting villages.
9. Try new activities like scuba diving, windsurfing and fishing.
10. Unplug from technology and embrace the slow pace and natural beauty.

Conclusion

Booking Maldives tour packages from Bagdogra is an easy and enjoyable way to experience these enchanting tropical islands. With turquoise waters, endless beaches, underwater marine life, luxury resorts and local culture, the Maldives is a magnificent getaway. Flying is the most convenient transportation option and packages can bundle together flights, transfers, accommodations, some meals and activities.

This allows you to fully experience the natural and cultural highlights of the Maldives without the planning hassles. For an unforgettable beach vacation filled with relaxation, romance, adventures and pampering, the Maldives is paradise.

FAQs

1. What is the best way to reach Maldives from Bagdogra?

The most convenient way to reach Maldives from Bagdogra is by taking a flight. There are no direct flights, so you’ll need to connect through Delhi, Mumbai or another major Indian city before flying to Male Airport in Maldives.

      2. How far in advance should I book a Maldives package from Bagdogra?

It’s best to book Maldives packages from Bagdogra 2-3 months in advance for the best deals on flights, and hotels and to ensure availability for your preferred travel dates. 

      3. What is the best time of year to visit the Maldives from Bagdogra?

The best times are October-November and March-April, when the weather is ideal and hotel rates are lower. December-January and June-August are peak seasons with higher demand. 

      4. What type of clothes should I pack for a Maldives vacation from Bagdogra?

Pack lightweight, breathable clothes and swimsuits. Avoid sleeves and pants. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, hats, sandals and cover ups for sun protection. Respect local customs and dress modestly on inhabited islands.

      5. What are the top things to do on a Maldives tour package from Bagdogra?

Top activities include relaxing on pristine beaches, snorkeling beautiful reefs, staying in luxury water bungalows, taking a sunset cruise, diving with sharks and rays, visiting Male City, and island hopping.

     6. Is alcohol available on local islands in the Maldives?

No, only tourist resort islands serve alcohol in the Maldives due to the Muslim beliefs of the local population. Some of the local islands are completely dry. Respect this when visiting inhabited islands.

      7. How expensive is the Maldives compared to India?

The Maldives is significantly more expensive than India, from lodging to dining to activities. Budget Maldives rooms still start at around $100 per night. Overall, it is a luxury destination.

      8. Is surfing popular in the Maldives?

Yes! The Maldives has excellent surfing conditions, especially around Male and the southeast atolls. You can even add surf lessons or trips to quality breaks to your Maldives tour package.

       9. Can I use US dollars or Indian rupees in the Maldives?

No, the official currency is the Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR). Some resorts accept dollars or credit cards, but it’s best to exchange for Rufiyaa, especially on local islands.  

       10. Is it easy to get around the Maldives islands independently?

No, almost all transportation is by organized tour, speedboat or domestic flight. Independent travel is very difficult and not practical. Booking a package makes transfers easy.