Modern-day travelling is all about saving time and resources. Tourists now look for itineraries that let them explore more destinations in one go rather than planning individual trips. In this regard, twin-centre holidays have emerged as a popular choice among many travellers.
Many of such plans offer a visit to two nearby destinations with respect to the starting points. For the British travellers, India and the Maldives are the perfect spots to plan such a journey. So, if you are planning a twin-centre trip to these countries, you are at the right place. This guide covers the various tips that can help you plan a perfect journey.
The Right Time to Travel to India and Maldives
Weather is one of the most critical factors that can make or break your holidays. When it comes to India, the best time to visit is between October and March. This is the time when the temperature in most of India is pleasant and perfect for sightseeing. The most famous places, such as the Golden Triangle (Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur), northern areas, Goa, and Kerala, are at their best during these months. The skies are sunny, and the humidity levels are also manageable.
The months from November to April are perfect for visiting the Maldives. The seas are calm, waters are clear, and there is plenty of sunshine to enjoy outdoors. These months are ideal for beach lounging, watersports, and exploring the towns.
With that being said, the best months for visiting both destinations are from November to March. Both of these countries have quite an aggressive monsoon season. So it is better to stay away from India from April to June and avoid the Maldives from May to October. Plus, if you want to keep the cost of your trip minimal, avoid peak seasons like Christmas and New Year.
How Many Days to Spend at Each Destination?
A typical trip to India and Maldives usually lasts somewhere between 10 and 16 days. During such a time, the trip offers a good balance between exploring and resting. Most people plan a 10-day visit to India, followed by 4 days in the Maldives. As you only need 4 hours to reach the Maldives from India, not much time is wasted in travelling.
This split is, however, based on your personal preferences. Delhi, Agra and Jaipur are a great starting point for history and culture fans. If you want to relax and hit the beaches, Kerala and Goa are your things. For mountain fans, northern areas are ideal. Maldives is all about beaches and relaxation. Moreover, it is quite small compared to India, so you can easily check it out in 4-5 days.
Planning the India Leg
There are so many things to do and see in India that planning a trip is quite challenging. This is the reason you will find a wide variety of India holiday packages to different regions of the country. We have made it easy for you to help you decide where you want to go, depending on the type of experiences you want.
Top Destinations in India for First-Timers
- Golden Triangle: History and culture
- Varanasi: Spiritual and cultural experiences
- Rishikesh & Haridwar: Yoga and wellness
- Mumbai: Urban culture & Bollywood
- Udaipur: Romance & lakeside luxury
- Himachal Pradesh: Hill stations & mountain escapes
- Amritsar: Sikh heritage & history
- Hampi: Ancient ruins & unique landscapes
Travel Tips for India
- India is highly friendly towards tourists, but you still need to be careful while going out or visiting underdeveloped cities or towns.
- The tap water in India is not always at its best, so it is recommended to use filtered or bottled water.
- Follow the local dress codes when visiting rural or religious areas, especially temples, churches and mosques.
- Carry cash in small denominations for buying stuff in local markets and transport.
- Try to use ride-hailing apps like Uber or Ola to avoid haggling and only pay the correct amount.
- Be very careful with street food. Try to eat only from busy stalls, as they don’t stock foods.
Planning the Maldives Leg
The Maldives is just another name of relaxation and luxury resorts. If you are a fan of pristine beaches, blue skies, and culturally rich nations, this is the place to be. Moreover, it is a perfect spot to relax and sip cocktails by the beach after exploring the bustling India.
Best Resorts in Maldives
In the Maldives, holidays mostly revolve around the resorts. Let’s check out the best resorts to stay in the Maldives.
- Soneva Fushi: Barefoot luxury & sustainability
- Gili Lankanfushi: Romance & overwater serenity
- Baros Maldives: Classic Maldives experience
- The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort: Ultra-Luxury & design
- Vakkaru Maldives: Family-friendly luxury & nature
- Joali Maldives: Art-inspired island glamour
Travel Tips for Maldives
- If you are using a seaplane transfer, make sure you book it early, as they operate only during the daylight.
- The sun in the Maldives can be quite harsh to bear, so don’t forget to pack some sunscreen before reaching there.
- Always respect local customs on inhabited islands. Don’t forget to check the dress restrictions before visiting.
Final Words
A joint trip to India and the Maldives is one of the best things that might ever happen to you. However, you need to plan it very carefully to ensure that everything goes smoothly and as planned. While you can do it on your own, there are a lot of things to consider, and first-timers may not be able to execute it. For this purpose, we recommend you consult a travel agency like Virikson Holidays.
