Maldives Tour Packages from Kerala

The Maldives is a tropical paradise known for its white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and abundance of marine life. It’s the perfect destination for a relaxing beach getaway. Kerala, located in southern India, is a great starting point for a Maldives vacation. There are many Maldives tour packages from Kerala that make it easy and affordable to travel to the Maldives.

This blog post will provide an overview of how to reach the Maldives from Kerala, the best time to book a tour package, what to expect, top places to visit, and more. With convenient transportation options, stunning scenery, and luxurious resorts, Maldives tour packages from Kerala offer an unforgettable island escape.

How to reach Maldives from Kerala?

Air

The quickest and most convenient way to reach the Maldives from Kerala is by air. There are direct flights from Kochi, Kozhikode, and Thiruvananthapuram airports in Kerala to Male International Airport in the Maldives. The flight duration is around 2.5 to 3 hours. Air India, IndiGo, GoAir, and SpiceJet operate these flights. The Maldives is also accessible via stopovers in Bangalore, Chennai or Colombo. The frequency of flights makes it easy to find cheap airfares. Once you land at Male airport, speedboat or seaplane transfers can take you directly to your island resort. Booking Maldives tour packages from Kerala that include return airfare is recommended for a seamless trip.

Rail

Reaching the Maldives by train from Kerala is not possible, as the Maldives is an island nation and there is no railway connection. The closest major railway station to Kerala is Kochi, but to get to the Maldives, air travel is required.

Road

The Maldives is made up of more than 1,000 coral islands scattered across the Indian Ocean, so it’s not possible to reach the Maldives from Kerala by road. One would have to take a flight or cruise ship to cover the over 860kilometre distance between Kerala and the Maldives by sea.

Water

You can reach the Maldives from Kochi, Kerala by cruise ship. However, cruise routes from India to the Maldives are limited. The more common routes are from Colombo, Sri Lanka to Male. The entire cruise can take 4-7 nights depending on the ship, route and ports. While reaching by cruise is more scenic, flights are faster and more commonly used for Maldives tour packages from Kerala.

Best time to book Maldives Tour package from Kerala

The best time to book Maldives tour packages from Kerala is during the dry season between December and April. This is when the weather is sunny and perfect for beach vacations. Since it’s peak tourism season, you should book at least 2-3 months in advance to get the best rates on hotels, flights and transfers. Avoid local festivals and holidays like Eid as rates are usually higher due to increased demand.

Mid-January to March is an ideal time with minimal rain and comfortable temperatures around 25°C. You can also find deals during the off-season between May and November, but the weather can be unpredictable with occasional storms. Booking early allows you to lock in the lowest priced Maldives packages from Kerala before they sell out.

Things to Expect from Maldives Tour Packages from Kerala

• Powdery white sand beaches with swaying coconut palms dotting the coastline
• Azure blue lagoons and turquoise waters ideal for swimming and water sports
• Abundance of marine life including sea turtles, manta rays, whale sharks to observe while snorkeling or scuba diving
• Coral reefs with colourful fish and marine creatures when exploring by snorkeling, glass bottom boat or submarine
• Luxurious water villas and overwater bungalows with direct lagoon access at resorts
• Romantic dining experiences on the beach under the stars or over the water at resort restaurants
• World-class spas offering rejuvenating massages, facials and ayurvedic treatments
• Water activities like kayaking, jet skiing, parasailing, surfing, windsurfing and catamaran sailing
• Excellent visibility for snorkeling and calm currents making it ideal for beginners
• Tropical cuisine featuring the freshest local seafood, coconut and exotic fruits
• Warm hospitality and service from locals who rely on tourism for their livelihood
• Seaplane or high-speed boat transfers to resorts for quick access across atolls
• Sunset and evening cruises to enjoy the dramatic sunsets on the equator
• Opportunity to visit authentic local islands and villages for cultural immersion
• Duty free shopping for alcohol, tobacco, luxury items at the airport upon arrival
• Great place for a romantic honeymoon or relaxing family vacation away from city life

Places to visit

Male City

As the capital of the Maldives, Male is one of the must-visit places on Maldives tour packages from Kerala. This bustling city packed into a tiny island is full of historic mosques, busy markets and an interesting National Museum. Wander through the winding alleys to shop at local stores and try authentic Maldivian street food.

Visit the impressive Grand Friday Mosque made of coral stone, the oldest mosque in the city dating back to 1656. Spend time at the National Museum to learn about Maldives’ history, cultural artifacts and marine life exhibits. Watch locals playing volleyball and soccer on the beach alongside the city.

Take a ferry to visit the nearby islands or enjoy lively Hulhumale Beach. Don’t miss trying local dishes like garudhiya fish soup at the markets. Male gives you a taste of local Maldivian culture and life before heading off to relax at your resort.

Banana Reef

Banana Reef in North Male Atoll is one of the top diving and snorkeling sites in the Maldives for visitors booking Maldives tour packages from Kerala. Shaped like a banana with an inside and outside section, the reef has many overhangs, caves and tunnels to explore. The colorful soft corals, sea fans and variety of fish make both scuba diving and snorkeling excellent.

Spot larger marine life like turtles, eagle rays and white tip reef sharks gliding by. Many resorts and liveaboards offer diving and snorkeling trips to Banana Reef as it’s close to Male. With great visibility and mild currents, it’s perfect for all levels and highly photogenic. Diving to the outer reef walls and overhangs reveal the most marine life. Banana Reef should be on every ocean lovers list for the Maldives.

Guraidhoo Island

For a glimpse into traditional Maldivian island life, plan a trip to Guraidhoo Island, a scenic 1 hour speedboat ride from Male. This small inhabited island with just 1500 locals offers a more authentic experience with little tourist infrastructure. Wander the sandy lanes between colorful houses. Visit small shops selling woven mats, snacks and everyday essentials for locals.

Enjoy fresh coconuts and local Maldivian food at small cafes. Sign up for a fishing trip on a traditional dhoni boat to catch tuna, marlin or sailfish. Swim and snorkel in the island’s small lagoon protected by a reef. Guraidhoo’s slower pace and smiling locals reveal a more personal side of the Maldives away from luxury resorts. Add this cultural island visit when booking your Maldives packages from Kerala.

Maafushi Island

For an affordable local island experience, head to Maafushi in South Male Atoll, a popular budget destination. With multiple guesthouses and hotels, visitors can enjoy water activities, restaurants and shopping while mingling with locals. Go snorkeling at the nearby Bikini Beach coral reef alive with fish or try sandbank picnics, fishing trips, and other water sports arranged through local dive centers.

Wander the island and grab local street food like shawarma wraps, curries and freshly grilled fish. Shop for souvenirs at the beachfront stalls selling jewelry, clothing and crafts. With an authentic vibe and great value, Maafushi is a top choice for Maldives holidays from Kerala on a budget.

Whale Submarine

For an underwater adventure like no other, take a ride in the Whale Submarine on Maldives tour packages from Kerala. This cruise takes you along the mesmerizing reefs of Ari Atoll over 30 meters below the surface in air-conditioned comfort. Watch reef sharks, rays, turtles and thousands of fish glide by the large passenger windows.

A guide narrates the journey pointing out marine life and wrecks. No diving certification is required for this unique experience. It perfectly suits families with kids, elderly travelers or anyone not keen on scuba diving and snorkeling. The submarine fits 40 passengers for 1.5-hour morning and afternoon departures from Male daily. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant Maldives reef world without getting wet.