Andaman vs Maldives — Which Island Trip Is Better for You?
Both are warm, turquoise-water island getaways, and many travellers ask which one is worth their money. The short answer: the Maldives is the pure-luxury, overwater-villa choice, while the Andaman Islands give most Indian travellers more variety, easier logistics and a much lower price. At Andaman Emerald Travels, we plan Andaman trips, so we are not neutral, but we have tried to be fair about where the Maldives genuinely wins.
Andaman vs Maldives at a Glance
 Quick Comparison
| Factor | Andaman Islands | Maldives |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Style | Beaches, adventure, history, mixed budgets | Luxury resorts, privacy, overwater villas |
| Currency | Indian rupee | US dollar widely used |
| Passport for Indians | Not needed | Required |
| Visa for Indians | None | Visa on arrival (check current rules) |
| Flights from India | Domestic | International |
| Budget Suitability | Wide range, strong for budgets | Mostly mid-range to luxury |
| Best Season | October to May | November to April |
Cost Comparison
Cost is the biggest difference. In the Maldives, many resorts sit on their own island, so you pay for the room, meals and transfers inside one property. The Andaman Islands offer everything from guesthouses to premium resorts, plus domestic flights and ferries.
 Approximate Costs for Indian Travellers
| Expense | Andaman Islands | Maldives |
|---|---|---|
| 5-day trip for a couple (indicative) | ₹30,000–₹80,000+ | ₹1.5–₹5 lakh |
| Return flight per person | Domestic fares; varies by city | About ₹20,000–₹30,000 from major cities |
| Hotel per night | About ₹3,000–₹7,000 for good stays; budget options lower | Local-island guesthouses cheaper; resorts commonly ₹7,000 to well above ₹20,000 |
| Scuba dive (single) | Roughly ₹4,000–₹7,000 | Often $80–$150 per dive |
| Meals | Local restaurants are cheap | Resort dining is expensive |
These are indicative ranges from published travel guides; prices vary by season, hotel and package. Confirm current rates before you book.
For a detailed Andaman breakdown, see our Andaman trip cost guide, or compare plans in our Andaman budget packages.
Visa, Passport and Getting There
 Entry and Travel
| Factor | Andaman Islands | Maldives |
|---|---|---|
| Documents | Valid government photo ID | Valid passport |
| Visa | Not required | Visa on arrival for stays up to about 30 days; confirm current rules |
| Forex | Not needed | US dollars commonly needed |
| Arrival Point | Port Blair (flight) or ship from Chennai, Kolkata or Vizag | Malé, then speedboat, seaplane or domestic flight to your island |
| Travel Time from India | About 2 to 5 hours by air, depending on city | Typically 1.5 to 4 hours by air, depending on city |
An Andaman trip needs no passport, which removes a lot of paperwork and cost. Our how to reach Andaman guide explains the flight and ship options in detail.
Beaches, Activities and Experience
The Maldives is famous for flat, ultra-clear lagoons, white sand and overwater villas. It excels at privacy and quiet romance, but much of the experience happens inside your resort.
The Andaman Islands offer a wider mix: beaches such as Radhanagar Beach on Havelock Island, the quieter shores of Neil Island, history at Cellular Jail in Port Blair, and nature such as limestone caves and a mud volcano at Baratang Island. Snorkelling, scuba diving and sea walking are widely available and cost less than in the Maldives. If activity is your priority, see our Andaman adventure packages.
Best Time to Visit
Seasons
| Season | Andaman Islands | Maldives |
|---|---|---|
| Peak and best weather | October to May | November to April |
| Monsoon months | About June to September: rain, rougher seas, lower prices | About May to October: more rain and wind |
| Water sports | Best in dry season | Best in dry season |
Both are warm all year. December to March is popular for both. Our best time to visit Andaman guide covers month-by-month conditions.
Honeymoon, Family and Budget Travellers
 Which Suits Whom
| Traveller Type | Better Pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Honeymooners wanting privacy and overwater villas | Maldives | Romantic seclusion is its strength |
| Honeymooners on a moderate budget | Andaman | Beaches, sunsets and activities at far lower cost |
| Families with children | Andaman | Easier logistics, more things to do, lower cost |
| Adventure and diving seekers | Andaman | Cheaper dives and varied activities |
| Luxury seekers with large budgets | Maldives | Top-end resorts and service |
| Budget travellers | Andaman | Wide range of affordable stays |
For couples, see our Andaman honeymoon packages, and for families, our Andaman family packages. If you plan to hire a car once there, our Andaman cab price list shows typical fares.
Final Verdict
Choose the Maldives if budget is flexible and your priority is a private, luxurious, overwater-villa escape. Choose the Andaman Islands if you want more variety, adventure, history and value, with no passport or visa and a trip that fits a wider range of budgets. For most Indian travellers, the Andaman Islands offer the better overall value. When you are ready to plan, browse all Andaman tour packages.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which is cheaper, Andaman or Maldives? The Andaman Islands are generally much cheaper, because they use domestic flights, offer a wider range of stays and have lower activity costs.
2. Do Indians need a passport for Andaman? No. A valid government photo ID is enough. The Maldives requires a passport.
3. Do Indians need a visa for the Maldives? Indian passport holders have generally been able to get a visa on arrival for short stays, but rules can change, so check official sources before you travel.
4. Is Andaman better than Maldives for a honeymoon? It depends on your priorities. The Maldives suits private luxury and overwater villas; the Andaman Islands suit couples who want beaches, adventure and value.
5. Are the Andaman beaches as good as the Maldives? Many travellers rate the Maldives’ lagoons higher for pure beauty, but Andaman beaches such as Radhanagar are among the best in Asia and come with far more variety.
6. Which is better for families? Usually the Andaman Islands, thanks to simpler travel, lower costs and more sightseeing and activities.
7. Is scuba diving cheaper in Andaman? Yes, typically. Single dives in the Andaman Islands often cost a fraction of Maldives prices, though the Maldives is known for larger marine life.
8. When is the best time to visit each destination? The Andaman Islands are best from October to May and the Maldives from November to April.
9. How long should I plan for each trip? Five to seven days works well for both. In the Andaman Islands, that lets you cover Port Blair, Havelock and Neil.
10. Can I visit both in one year? Yes, but they are separate trips with separate flights and budgets; many travellers do Andaman first for value and the Maldives later for a splurge.
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