Across the Bhal
From Botad, the road heads north-east through Barwala and across the Bhal, a flat, low-lying plain near the Gulf of Khambhat, to Ahmedabad's south-western edge. At about 155 km, a household loaded at dawn usually reaches Ahmedabad by early afternoon. Ask which way the crew will go, since there's more than one road, and agree the arrival time in writing.
The Bhal in the rains
The Bhal is so flat that heavy monsoon rain can leave stretches waterlogged for days, and some low roads flood. If you're moving between July and September, check conditions the day before and keep the date flexible. Ask for waterproof wrapping.
Leaving Botad
Homes near Botad's station and bazaar need goods carried to the truck, while societies on the Ahmedabad and Barwala roads are easiest. Avoid Saturdays if you live near the Salangpur road.
Arriving from the south-west
Coming in from Bagodara and Sarkhej, the truck reaches Bopal, South Bopal, Shela and the societies near the SG Highway first. The walled city's pols are too narrow for trucks. Eastern areas such as Naroda and Nikol, and northern ones such as Chandkheda, need a longer cross-city drive. Give the exact address and a landmark.
Bopal and Shela societies
Many families from Botad settle in the newer societies of Bopal, South Bopal and Shela on Ahmedabad's south-western edge, which keeps the drive short. These societies usually set moving hours, ask for a lift booking and sometimes want an NOC from the seller or landlord. Our guide to society NOCs and lift bookings explains what to ask for.
Diamonds, textiles and jobs
Many Botad families work in the diamond trade or textiles, and Ahmedabad's offices, markets and factories draw them. If an employer is paying, ask what documents they need; every mover we work with provides a GST invoice.
Heat
Both ends are very hot from about March to June, with Ahmedabad often reaching extreme temperatures in May. Load at dawn and keep candles, medicines and electronics in your car.
November to February is usually the most comfortable window.
Dates to avoid
Salangpur's Hanuman Jayanti, Ahmedabad's nine nights of Navratri garba and Uttarayan in January all bring crowds. Diwali and the wedding season make crews scarce, so book early if your date is near one.
Downsizing for the city
A Botad house often holds more than an Ahmedabad flat can take. Measure rooms and the lift, and decide what to leave with family. Our storage service page explains short-term storage.
Two-wheelers
A scooter or motorcycle can usually travel in the same truck if it is wrapped, photographed and listed separately. Our bike transport service page explains the alternatives.
Barwala and Dhandhuka
Depending on the road, the truck passes Barwala or Dhandhuka, both busy taluka towns with weekly markets. If your move starts in one of them, give the exact address so the mover can plan the drive.
Settling in
In Ahmedabad, register with the society office, ask about water timings and the power backup, and book internet early. Our guide to address changes after moving lists the records to update.