Maldives for a week: What to know before you go
When people ask if the Maldives, a chain of tropical islands in the Indian Ocean known for overwater bungalows and crystal-clear lagoons is part of India, the answer is no—but that doesn’t mean it’s not connected. The Maldives sits south of India’s Lakshadweep islands, and many travelers who love Goa or Andaman end up comparing the two. If you’re planning a week in the Maldives, you’re not just booking a beach trip—you’re choosing a very different kind of island experience than what you’ll find in India.
Unlike India’s beaches, where you’ll find street food, temple bells, and crowded boardwalks, the Maldives is built for privacy. Most resorts are on private islands, with no cars, no markets, and no local villages. You pay for everything: meals, snorkeling, transfers. A week here isn’t a budget trip. But if you want to swim in water so clear it looks fake, wake up to a view of your own private deck over turquoise water, and spend your days floating in silence with sea turtles, it’s hard to beat. India’s best islands—like Lakshadweep or the Andamans—offer similar beauty, but they still feel alive with local culture, fish markets, and buses. The Maldives? It feels like a world on pause.
Some travelers wonder if a week in the Maldives is worth the cost. The answer depends on what you’re looking for. If you want to recharge, disconnect, and treat yourself, yes. If you’re hoping to explore temples, hike mountains, or taste spicy curries, you’ll miss it. That’s why many Indians who’ve done the Golden Triangle or Rishikesh choose the Maldives for a reset—not an adventure. And while you can find budget stays in India for under $20 a night, the Maldives starts at $300. But here’s the thing: you’re not paying for a hotel. You’re paying for an entire ecosystem designed for calm.
What you’ll find below are real stories from people who’ve done both: a week in the Maldives and a week in India’s island spots. You’ll see how the costs compare, where the crowds really are, and which one actually leaves you feeling refreshed. No fluff. Just what you need to decide if the Maldives is right for your next break.
