Maldives vs Andaman Islands: Which Should You Pick?
For the same turquoise-water, island-holiday craving, Andaman is India's own budget-friendly alternative to the Maldives.
Photo: Mvbellad, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Quick Answer
Andaman is the clear choice if budget or visa-free travel matters — it delivers a genuinely similar tropical-island experience for roughly a third of the cost. The Maldives still wins on iconic overwater-villa luxury and internationally renowned diving.
| Factor | Maldives | Andaman Islands |
|---|---|---|
| Visa for Indians | Free 30-day Visa on Arrival, IMUGA declaration required | None — Andaman is part of India |
| Flight time from India | ~4–4.5 hours direct to Malé, plus a speedboat/seaplane transfer | ~2–2.5 hours direct to Port Blair from Chennai/Kolkata/Delhi |
| Budget for 4–5 nights (mid-range) | ₹1,20,000–2,00,000 per person for a resort water villa | ₹40,000–65,000 per person for beach resorts and island-hopping |
| Best for | Overwater villas, world-class private-island luxury, diving | Budget beach holidays, Radhanagar Beach, Cellular Jail history, family trips without a visa |
| Underwater/diving quality | World-renowned reef diving and snorkeling | Very good, developing diving scene around Havelock/Neil Island — less crowded |
Still Not Sure Which One?
Tell us your budget, travel dates, and what you're looking for — we'll tell you honestly which one fits your trip better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Andaman cheaper than the Maldives?
Yes, considerably — Andaman runs about ₹40,000–65,000 per person for 4–5 nights, roughly a third of the ₹1,20,000–2,00,000 per person for a Maldives water-villa resort.
Do I need a visa for Andaman?
No — the Andaman Islands are part of India, so no visa is required, unlike the Maldives, which needs a free Visa on Arrival with an online IMUGA declaration.
Which has better diving, Maldives or Andaman?
The Maldives has world-renowned reef diving. Andaman's diving scene around Havelock and Neil Island is very good and developing, with the advantage of being far less crowded.