Maldives Vs Andaman: Which One Will Make The Cut For Your 2024 Vacation?

Cover Image Credit: Pixabay

The mighty oceans are not only magnanimous in looks but also have a plethora of locales hidden in their bounty. Far away from the mainland, these waterscapes pose as a natural escapade for everyone looking for a quick detox. As you slowly travel from the hustle-bustle of the country life towards these natural islands in the midst of the vast ocean, one can’t help but notice that nature truly has blessed these locales.

With a wide range of destinations to cover either of them Maldives Vs Andaman becomes a very tough choice to make. While the Maldives is packed with stunning resorts on its private islands, Andaman, on the other hand, is nature’s best-kept secret.

Natural Landscape Maldives Vs Andaman

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The geography and natural landscape of both these destinations pitted against each other are not very different. The Maldives is located in the Laccadive sea, towards the south-west region of Sri Lanka and is a tiny archipelago consisting of 1192 small islands. The country is synonymous with pearly beaches, resorts, and water sports like snorkeling, scuba diving, and deep-sea fishing.

On the other hand, the Andaman and Nicobar islands are an unblemished beauty engulfed by nature from all around. The destination is packed with rich beaches with turquoise waters that make any traveler fall in love with it instantly.

Best Time to Visit Maldives Vs Andaman

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Both Andaman and Maldives have a similar climatic experience throughout the year. Although located far off from each other, both destinations have a tropical climate. The average temperature ranges between 23℃-31℃ in the Maldives while the Andaman and Nicobar islands have an overall temperature of 28℃.

The Andaman and Nicobar islands tour should be strictly avoided during the monsoons as there is a chance of high tidal waves and strong winds. The best time to plan a visit to the Maldives would be from November-April, and the peak tourist season falls between December-March. For Andaman and Nicobar Islands the best time of visit is coincidentally the with slight alterations i.e from November-May.

Average Budget Maldives Vs Andaman

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After taking into consideration all the major details about the trip like weather, temperature, and total days for the visit, another pertinent detail which takes the center stage is the average budget. For making the trip more fruitful in every way, there have been certain calculations taken into account for the overall trip. This will help you to figure out the daily expenses like stay, food, sightseeing, and other options more clearly and subtly.

Maldives

Cost of the flights on an Average: Flight cost starts from INR 29, 362. Also, for every round trip per couple(booking should be done before 30 days approx)
Accommodation Cost on an average: INR 7000-10000 approx. (for a double room in a luxury hotel)
Meals/day: Starts from INR 1000
Sightseeing/day: INR 4500
Miscellaneous: INR 5000

Andaman & Nicobar Islands

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Cost of flights: INR 17,345. For a round trip per couple(booking should be done before 30 days approx).
Accommodation Costs: INR 3,000-7000 approx. (for a double room in a luxury hotel).
Meals/day: INR 1000.
Sightseeing/day: INR 2000
Miscellaneous: INR 4000

Ideal Duration Maldives Vs Andaman

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With over 300 small and big islands in its territory, the Maldives require a minimum of 7-10 days for a fulfilling tour and for exploring all the major destinations and trying out various adventure sports. A long trip in the Maldives is what makes for a happy trip. The Andaman and Nicobar islands, on the contrary, require a maximum of 6-8 days to cover all the locales including the water sports activities.

Visa Maldives Vs Andaman

Worried and wondering about visas and if you need one for Maldives and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands? Well, here are all the details you were looking for. Read on!

Maldives

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Before planning your dream escapade for the Maldives one must be aware of these pro-tips for Visa. No pre-arrival visa is required to enter the country however a 30-day visa is issued on arrival. The documents required for this will be a valid passport with MRZ and 6 months of validity.

Andaman & Nicobar Islands

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Indians planning to visit the beautiful Andaman and Nicobar islands do not require a visa. However, all the foreign tourists should obtain a visa from the all the high commission’s office overseas. The validity of the visa is from 15 days to 6 months depending on the stay period for the tourists.

Places To Visit Maldives Vs Andaman

Both of these amazing landmasses encompass gallons of locales within their perimeters which includes activities also. While Andaman boasts of 349 islands in total out of which only 10% are accessible, the Maldives has a total of 300 islands with private beaches and resorts to enjoy your time. Now let’s unveil some of the elegant places to visit in both locales.

Maldives

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The Maldives is one of the few places in the world where one can see the naturally formed atolls or islands brimming with both aquatic life and people. Some of the important destinations to cover are:

Mahe: The capital city of the country is also home to colorful buildings, an Islamic mosque, and other prominent destinations like beaches and water sports.
Maafushi: Another of the famous destinations in the Kaafu atoll from the cluster, that is famous for its striking beaches and Maafushi prison. Also, one can indulge in an array of activities here like snorkeling, beach walking, and sunbathing.
Hithadhoo: The destination is located in Addu City and spreads over 5.3 sq miles. Home to natural reserves like Addu nature park and Eedhi Gali Kilhi, the locale is famous with tourists all around.

Andaman & Nicobar Islands

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Andaman and Nicobar islands are a thriving destination for all nature lovers out there with beautiful destinations listed below:

Port Blair: The capital city of the union territory boasts of unique places. There are museums where one can get a glimpse into the history along with the Cellular Jail that is a remnant of the Independence era.
Redskin Island: Situated in the Mahatma Gandhi national park the island is home to snorkeling activities and is also famous for the glass bottom boat ride. There is a twin-island by the name of Jolly Buoy island and each of them is accessible alternatively for 6 months in a year.
Diglipur: This destination is apt for nature lovers as it has turtles, beaches, and extinct volcanoes in abundance.

Shopping Maldives Vs Andaman

If you were wondering about the shopping experience these places offer then here is a little insight into it. Read on to know more.

Maldives

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Shopping makes up as a favorite pastime for people and the Maldives are a favored destination in this aspect. The Male local market and Majeedhee Magu are two prime destinations that have garments, local pickles, home décor, cosmetics, and Maldivian cuisine to entertain you all day.

Andaman & Nicobar Islands

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From pearls, spices, fishbone articles, shells, jute items, and timber crafts, Andaman and Nicobar islands are a great choice and a much-adored shopping destination. If you are someone who loves quirky and chic items than this place can never do anything wrong with your choice.

Getting Around Maldives Vs Andaman

If you thought getting around any of these two destinations was tough then wait till you read this or maybe just do away with all your notions?

Maldives

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The most common transportation available in the Maldives is bikes and bicycles that are available in most of the guesthouses and resorts for free and help you traverse around the island. There are also a handful of other services offered like a ferry and speedboat to go from one island to another.

Andaman & Nicobar Islands

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Transportation in Andaman and Nicobar islands is very diverse. There is a fleet of buses, mini buses, taxis, and auto-rickshaws available in the locale that carries people from one place to another. One can also opt for a two-wheeler and cycle for wandering around the islands at ease.

Further Read: Celebrate New Year In Andaman For A Blissful Retreat & Good Vibes!

Both of these power-packed destinations are filled with endless possibilities in each and every way. The debate Maldives vs Andaman is packed with alluring destinations that lure visitors in every way. While the Maldives has private beaches with resorts that vouch for luxurious vacations, Andaman, on the contrary, has locales with a hint of nature with brimming opportunities in water sports. So plan a trip to Maldives and have a luxurious experience or plan that Andaman trip and be close with the paramount options available here.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Maldives Vs Andaman

Which is better Maldives vs Andaman?

While both Maldives and Andaman are equally good to visit but the Maldives has private islands for their tourists and Andamans is covered in every way with natural beauty.

Is the Maldives good for couples?

The Maldives is an ideal destination for all couples as it has private resorts, beaches for tourists. The country has many guest houses and private areas especially for couples who value privacy.

How is Andaman and Nicobar Islands as a destination?

There are around 300 habitable islands in Andaman and Nicobar which are also blessed by nature in every way. Apart from this, the destination has water sports activities that make wanderlusts choose this locale for their trip.

How to get around in the Maldives?

The transportation in the Maldives is very concrete as there are a string of islands in the country. For sightseeing one can choose a bicycle or bike when within the island perimeters and a ferry for hopping from one destination to another.

Is snorkeling allowed in Andaman?

Andaman and Nicobar islands boast of white sandy beaches and waters which have lots of activities in their kitty. Snorkeling is mostly a prime attraction of islands Havelock, Red Skin, and Jolly Buoy.

Do I need a visa to enter the Maldives?

The Maldives has a visa on arrival option for the tourist that is valid for 30-days. The documents required for the process are a passport with 6-month minimum validity.