Maldives Tour Packages from Vadodara

Things you must know to get Maldives Tour Packages from Vadodara

Maldives comprises more than 1,000 coral islands scattered across the Indian Ocean. With its pleasant tropical climate, swaying palm trees and abundant marine life, the Maldives makes for an idyllic beach vacation.

Vadodara, also known as Baroda, is a city in the western Indian state of Gujarat. It is one of the major cities in the state and an important industrial and educational hub. Vadodara attracts a fair share of tourists owing to its rich history, cultural sites and proximity to Ahmedabad.

A vacation in the Maldives is easily accessible to travellers from Vadodara. There are plenty of Maldives tour packages from Vadodara available that include airfare, accommodation, meals and sightseeing. The flight duration from Vadodara to Male is around 4 hours, making the Maldives an ideal vacation destination for Gujaratis.

How to reach Maldives from Vadodara?

There are a few transportation options to reach Maldives from Vadodara:

Air

The easiest and fastest way to reach Maldives from Vadodara is by taking a flight. Vadodara Airport operates regular flights to Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore, which have connections to Male International Airport in the Maldives. The total flight time from Vadodara to Male is approximately 4 hours with one stop.

Some of the airlines operating flights on this route are IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet and GoFirst. The average cost of return air tickets can range from INR 15,000 to INR 30,000. Make sure to book the tickets in advance to get good discounts.

Rail

While there are no direct rail links between Vadodara and Maldives, one can reach Mumbai via train and take a flight from there. The Vadodara Junction railway station is well-connected to major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Surat and Jaipur.

The Shatabdi Express and August Kranti Rajdhani are premium trains that connect Vadodara to Mumbai in 6-7 hours. From Mumbai, there are plenty of flight options to reach Male Airport in Maldives.

Road

Reaching Maldives by road from Vadodara is not practical. One will have to drive down to Mumbai, which is around 650 km and a 12 hours journey. From Mumbai airport, flights can be taken to Male airport in Maldives.

Water

There are no direct ferry or cruise services available from Vadodara to Maldives. However, luxury cruise packages are available from Mumbai to Maldives which takes around 2-3 days to reach. These cruises provide a scenic way to reach Maldives while enjoying facilities like spas, casinos, swimming pools, etc.

Best time to book Maldives Tour package from Vadodara

The best time to book Maldives tour packages from Vadodara is 2-3 months in advance. Here are some benefits of advance booking:

• Get the lowest airfares before ticket prices rise
• Take advantage of early bird offers and discounts from tour operators
• Confirm availability in premium resorts which get fully booked in peak seasons
• Make necessary visa arrangements, which may take 2-4 weeks to process
• Ensure you get the desired travel dates and package customizations
• Enjoy enhanced flexibility to reschedule or cancel bookings if plans change

Avoid making last minute plans for Maldives as flight tickets, accommodation rates and visa formalities can be unpredictable. Advance planning ensures a stress-free and budget-friendly trip.

Things to expect from Maldives if visiting from Vadodara

Here are some of the experiences travelers from Vadodara can expect when visiting Maldives:

• Tropical weather with temperatures around 30°C throughout the year
• Clear blue waters with underwater visibility up to 50 meters for snorkeling and diving
• White coral sand beaches on secluded private islands
• Luxurious overwater villas with private pools and glass floors
• World-class spas and wellness centers for rejuvenation
• Mouthwatering cuisine with plenty of seafood options
• Exciting water sports like kayaking, jet skiing, parasailing, etc
• Opportunity to swim with whale sharks and manta rays on guided tours
• Sunset and sunrise cruises for dolphin and turtle spotting
• Live music, bonfires and beach parties at luxury resorts
• Tax-free shopping for local souvenirs and branded goods
• Rich marine biodiversity with over 1000 species of fish and coral

Places to visit

Biyadhoo Island

Home to one of the biggest fruit and vegetable markets in the Maldives, it is popular with locals and tourists alike. One can find an incredible variety of fresh tropical produce like pineapple, jackfruit, rambutan, mangosteen, passionfruit and more. There are also stalls selling Maldivian snacks like mas huni roshi, keemia, bajiya and sweet treats like bondi, bodu kashi and zileybee. Unique souvenirs crafted from coconut shells, coral and shells are sold alongside. Interact with friendly local vendors and try bargaining for the best deals.

It is a perfect place to visit for Maldives tour packages from Vadodara as the market is busiest early morning when boats arrive with fresh catch and produce. Visit later in the day to avoid crowds. The market area leads to a beautiful white sand public beach lined with shady palm trees. Take a dip in the turquoise waters or relax on the soft sand. It is a great place for a picnic lunch.

Guraidhoo Island

A small inhabited island that has gained fame for its excellent surf breaks that attract surfers from all over the world. The surfing spots located on the eastern reef include Blue Bowls, Cokes, G-Land and Yin Yang best suited for experienced surfers seeking thrilling waves.

While you are willing to get the best from Maldives tour packages from Vadodara, never miss the Blue Bowls. Surfing equipment like boards, rash guard booties and surf lessons can be easily arranged through local guides and guesthouses. When not surfing, there are fun beach parties, beach volleyball matches with locals and bonfire nights with music and dance. The island has some cafes and guesthouses for surfers, along with a traditional mosque and neat walking trails to explore. Witness spectacular sunrises and sunsets from Guraidhoo.

Olhuveli Island

This picturesque island, surrounded by swaying palms, hosts the Olhuveli Beach & Spa Resort, ideal for a romantic honeymoon holiday. It has an extensive beachfront lined with shady palm trees and hammocks, plush overwater villas with glass floors offering underwater views, a variety of all-inclusive dining options spanning cuisines like Italian, Chinese and Indian, a PADI-certified dive center, water sports facilities offering jet skiing, windsurfing, kayaking, catamaran rides, and a marine iguana breeding center.

Watch these amazing reptiles at close range during feeding times. The resort also has yoga pavilions, tennis courts, a gym and a relaxing spa. Enjoy a romantic candlelight dinner on the beach. Go on guided snorkeling tours of the house reef abounding with marine life.

Villigili Island

A small inhabited island near Male, famous for its traditional boatbuilding industry. Watch skilled craftsmen handcraft traditional Maldivian Dhoni boats using age-old techniques passed down generations. The dhoni boats are a cultural icon made of wood and coconut fiber and used for fishing, travel and even cricket matches between islands.

The craftsmen work in groups using hand tools for measuring, sawing, joining and shaping wood into beautifully engraved boats. Villigili has a laidback community vibe, with kids playing soccer in the evenings on the beach. The island offers homestay options where visitors can stay with a local family. The beaches here are pristine with clear, shallow waters, perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Picnic under the shade of coconut palms dotting the beach.

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

1. Travel light with casual cotton clothes, swimwear, hats and sunglasses
2. Carry motion sickness medicines if prone to sea sickness during ferry rides
3. Pack reef-safe sunscreen to protect coral and underwater life
4. Bring an underwater camera to capture amazing marine life
5. Research resorts thoroughly and read reviews before selecting one
6. Obtain a tourist visa in advance through an online application
7. Pack flip-flops, sandals and water shoes for wearing on the islands
8. Carry rash-guard shirts for snorkeling to avoid sunburns
9. Keep local currency, Rufiyaa for personal expenses and tips
10. Respect local culture, and traditions and dress appropriately on local islands

Conclusion

With its postcard-perfect scenery and indulgent resorts, Maldives makes for an unforgettable holiday. Vadodara offers convenient and quick access to Male Airport, making Maldives easily accessible for Gujarati travellers. It is definitely your time to get the best Maldives tour packages from Vadodara.

A vacation here transports one into a tropical paradise surrounded by turquoise blue waters and powdery white sands. Travelers can choose from hundreds of resorts catering to different budgets and interests. Advance booking and careful planning are advised to maximize the trip experience. The Maldives checkmarks every item on the list for a dream beach holiday.

FAQs

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

A1. The best months to visit Maldives from Vadodara are from November to April when the weather is pleasantly warm and sunny. This is the dry season with minimal rainfall. The temperatures range from 25°C to 31°C making it ideal for beach holidays.

Q2. What kind of accommodation options are available in Maldives?

A2. Maldives offers a wide range of accommodations, from luxurious 5-star resorts with water villas to budget guesthouses. Resorts provide amenities like spas, fine dining, and pools, while guesthouses offer a local island experience.

Q3. What is the local currency in Maldives and how to get it?

A3. The local currency is Rufiyaa; however, USD is widely accepted. One can exchange currency at Male Airport or withdraw from ATMs. Carrying some Rufiyaa cash is recommended for local expenses.

Q4. What are the best ways to travel between islands in Maldives?

A4. The most common transport between islands is speedboat or ferry which can be pre-arranged by your resort. Seaplane transfers are faster but expensive. Local ferries are cheaper for budget travel.

Q5. What are the best places to go snorkeling in Maldives?

A5. Some of the best snorkeling spots are Banana Reef, Manta Point, HP Reef, and Guraidhoo Kandu. Rich marine life, including turtles, reef sharks and colorful fish, can be seen.

Q6. Can the Indian rupee be used in Maldives?

A6. The Indian rupee is not accepted directly. One can carry INR and exchange it for USD or Maldivian Rufiyaa at Male airports or resorts. Forex cards are a convenient option.

Q7. What kind of travel documents are required to visit Maldives?

A7. A valid passport, confirmed return tickets and documents supporting accommodation bookings are required. A tourist visa is granted on arrival for most nationalities.

Q8. Is Maldives safe for solo travelers?

A8. Yes, Maldives is very safe for solo female travelers. The crime rates are low and tourist police are deployed in major tourist spots. Use common sense as you would when traveling anywhere.

Q9. What are the best souvenirs to buy from Maldives?

A9. Unique souvenirs are coconut shell art, Maldivian sarongs, lacquer boxes, miniature dhoni boats, jewelry made from shells, coral and sand. Shop for these in Male.

Q10. Is Maldives an expensive destination for Indian tourists?

A10. Maldives can be visited on different budgets. Mid-range options with fewer amenities balance luxury and costs. Advance planning and deals can significantly lower expenses.