Maldives Tour Packages from Pune

Maldives Tour Packages from Pune – A Complete Guide

Anyone willing to spend a few days of vacation on a beach, there is perhaps no better place than Maldives. Pune is a major city in Maharashtra and many residents look for convenient Maldives tour packages from Pune. There are various options to reach Maldives from Pune, including flights, trains, buses or a cruise. The best time to visit is from November to April when the weather is pleasant.

A holiday package from Pune allows you to witness marine life, indulge in water sports, relax on the beaches and experience luxury resorts. This blog provides a comprehensive guide on Maldives tour packages from Pune, how to reach, the best time to book, what to expect, top attractions and tips for an enjoyable vacation.

How to reach Maldives from Pune?

By Air:

The fastest and most convenient way to reach Maldives from Pune is by taking a flight. There are direct flights available from Pune to Male, which is the capital of Maldives. The flight duration is around 5 hours. Most tour packages include return airfare in the deal. The main airlines operating flights on this route are IndiGo, GoAir and Air India. The average return flight ticket price starts at INR 20,000 per person. You can check flight schedules and book tickets on airline websites or through online travel portals.

By Rail:

There are no direct train connections between Pune and Maldives. To reach by train, you will have to make your way to Kochi or Trivandrum, from where you can take a flight to Male. The train journey between Pune and Kochi takes around 33 hours, while Pune to Trivandrum is around 44 hours. You can book train tickets online via the IRCTC website.

By Road:

Reaching Maldives by road is not feasible as it involves crossing international borders. One option is to drive from Pune to Mumbai and take a flight from there. The road distance is around 148 km, which takes 3-4 hours of driving time.

By Water:

You can reach Maldives by cruise ship from Mumbai port. Cruises take around 5-7 days to reach Male. This is a leisurely option if you want to enjoy the sea journey. Some of the cruise liners operating between India and Maldives are Costa Cruises, MSC Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, etc.

Best time to book Maldives Tour packages from Pune

The best time to book a Maldives tour package from Pune is during the dry season, which is from November to April. This is the peak tourism season in Maldives when the weather is sunny and ideal for beach holidays.

The skies are clear, rainfall is minimal and the sea is calm during these months. You can enjoy snorkelling, scuba diving, parasailing, jet skiing and other water activities. December to February is the peak season so prices of tour packages rise significantly. For budget travellers, November or March/April are good months with cheaper rates and comfortable weather. Avoid monsoons from May to October due to heavy rainfall.

Things to expect from Maldives if visiting from Pune

Here are the top things to expect from Maldives tour packages from Pune:

• Breathtaking beaches with powdery white sand and turquoise blue waters of the Indian Ocean. Popular ones are Banana Reef, Meemu Atoll and Maafushi Island Beach.
• Amazing snorkelling and scuba diving spots to explore the vibrant coral reefs and marine life like turtles, manta rays, whales etc.
• Luxurious water villas or beach bungalows with modern amenities and glass floors showing the ocean below.
• Delicious cuisine with fresh seafood, fruits and bread like Garudhiya fish soup, Mas huni roasted fish and Firni sweet dish.
• World-class resorts and spas that offer rejuvenating Ayurvedic treatments, yoga classes and water sports adventures.
• Duty-free shopping of souvenirs, clothing, jewellery and handicrafts in the capital city of Male.
• Exciting water activities like jet skiing, windsurfing, kneeboarding, parasailing, flyboarding, etc.
• Chance to visit local villages and experience Maldivian culture through music shows and cultural tours.
• Whale and dolphin-watching cruises to spot these majestic ocean creatures in their natural habitat.
• Photography at iconic spots like the Tsunami Monument, artificial Beach Park, Hulhumale Bridge etc.

Places to visit

Male City:

In your Maldives tour packages from Pune, do not forget to visit the bustling capital of Maldives, which has a lively energy with markets, buildings painted in vibrant colors and historical mosques. Take a walking tour to see landmarks like the Grand Friday Mosque, Old Friday Mosque, National Museum, Fish Market, Presidential Palace, Sultan Park, etc. Shop for souvenirs near the Chaandhanee Magu beachfront. Unwind at Artificial Beach, which has water sports facilities. Try local Maldivian cuisine at restaurants in the city. The Tsunami Monument memorializes the lives lost in the 2004 disaster.

Maafushi Island:

Maafushi is one of the most popular local islands in Maldives due to its white beaches, clear waters and water activities. Take a dhoni boat ride to reach here from Male. Go snorkelling on the pristine coral reef surrounding the island. Spot manta rays, turtles and much colorful fishes. Try diving, windsurfing, canoeing, water skiing and other adventures. Relax on the soft sand beach and take Instagram-worthy photos. Visit the Maafushi Hukuru Miskiy Mosque and the Maafushi Jail tourist attraction. Enjoy a stunning sunset by the beach with drinks and dinner.

Meeru Island:

Meeru Island Resort is located in the pristine North Male Atoll, a scenic 40-minute speedboat ride from Male. This large resort has an amazing house reef for snorkelling where you can see marine life like reef sharks, moray eels, stingrays and parrotfish. There are water villas with glass floors, pools and ocean views. Enjoy a relaxing massage at the spa. The all-inclusive dining has buffet spreads, grills and Asian food options. Do fun activities like bicycling around the island, kayaking through the turquoise lagoon or joining a sunset fishing trip on the sea.

1. Velana International Airport Beach: This public beach is located near the airport on Hulhulé Island, accessible by a short ferry ride from Male. It has soft white sand, turquoise waters ideal for swimming and facilities like sun loungers, shower rooms and food stalls. Click photos of airplanes landing at the nearby airport. Enjoy views of the ocean liners docked at the Male Port. Seek blessings at the Hukuru Miskiy Mosque, the oldest mosque in Maldives.
2. Holiday Island: One of the closest resort islands to Male, Holiday Island has scenic beaches, water villas and vibrant coral reefs. After a 20-minute speedboat ride, you can relax under a palm tree or go snorkelling on the house reef to see turtles. There are excellent diving spots around the island. Pamper yourself with a soothing massage at the spa. Savor the international cuisine buffet spreads for all meals. Join evening entertainment shows with dance performances. Try water sports like kayaking, jet skiing and windsurfing for an adrenaline rush.

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

1. Book a beach villa with ocean views for a tranquil stay
2. Pack sunscreen, hats, swimwear and light cotton clothes
3. Carry motion sickness medicines if boating makes you nauseous
4. Bring an underwater camera for clicking photos of marine life
5. Choose an all-inclusive package for maximum facilities
6. Explore beaches, reefs and nearby islands for amazing experiences
7. Try local cuisine along with international dishes
8. Indulge in water sports like scuba diving, surfing and snorkelling
9. Follow sustainable tourism practices to protect the marine ecosystem
10. Splurge on rejuvenating spa therapies to pamper yourself

Conclusion

The Maldives is a perfect beach holiday destination, not too far from Pune. Tour packages make it convenient to experience this tropical paradise with its azure waters, powdery beaches, underwater coral gardens and luxury resorts. With an array of places to see, activities to do and experiences to cherish, Maldives remains a top international travel choice for tourists in Pune and Maharashtra. The memories of blue seas, white sand and island life created on a vacation here will stay with you for a lifetime.

FAQs

Q1. Which are the best months to visit Maldives from Pune?

A1. The best months to visit Maldives from Pune are from November to April. This is the dry season with sunny skies, minimal rainfall and calm seas perfect for beach holidays. December to February is peak season for most tourists, so November or March/April are ideal for cheaper rates.

Q2. What is the fastest way to reach Maldives from Pune?

A2. The fastest way to reach Maldives from Pune is by taking a direct flight. There are non-stop flights available from Pune to Male which take around 5 hours. Airlines like IndiGo, GoAir and Air India operate flights on this route.

Q3. What travel documents do I need for a Maldives trip from India?

A3. You need a valid Indian passport, return tickets and hotel bookings to get a free 30-day tourist visa on arrival in Maldives. Keep photocopies of documents handy. Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry.

Q4. What kind of weather can I expect during Maldives tour from Pune?

A4. Expect warm and humid weather in Maldives from November to April, with average temperatures of 25°C to 31°C. Pack light cotton clothes and swimwear. Carry sunscreen, as the sun can be very strong. The sea is calmer in these months.

Q5. What are the top places to visit on a Maldives holiday from Pune?

A5. The top places are Male City, Maafushi Island, Meeru Island, Velana International Airport Beach, and Holiday Island for beaches, snorkelling, diving and water sports. Also visit local markets, and mosques and try Maldivian cuisine.

Q6. What water activities can be enjoyed in Maldives tour packages from India?

A6. Maldives is great for snorkelling, scuba diving, parasailing, jet skiing, banana boating, sea walking, paddle boating, windsurfing, kite surfing and many other water adventures.

Q7. Is Maldives safe for solo female travelers from India?

A7. Yes, Maldives is very safe for solo female travelers. The crime rates are low and tourists can move around freely. Just take normal safety precautions as you would when traveling alone anywhere.

Q8. What is the local currency in Maldives and what is the ideal currency to carry from India?

A8. The local currency is Maldivian Rufiyaa but US dollars are widely accepted. Carry some cash and use ATMs there for convenience. Debit/credit cards can be used at most places.

Q9. Is it worth getting a sea view villa with Maldives tour packages from Pune?

A9. Yes, it is totally worth spending a bit more on a beach villa with ocean views for a tranquil and luxurious stay. Waking up to the sea view is an experience in itself.

Q10. What sort of clothing is suitable for women in Maldives as per the local culture?

A10. Maldives is an Islamic country so dress conservatively when out in public. Avoid short dresses or skirts. Swimwear is fine on resort beaches. Carry a sarong or shawl to cover up where needed.