Through Anjar
From Gandhidham, the highway heads north-west through Anjar, one of Kutch's oldest towns, and across dry, open country to Bhuj. At about 56 km, the drive takes an hour or so, and a household loaded in the morning is usually being carried in by lunchtime. Ask the crew to leave Gandhidham before the container traffic builds.
Leaving Gandhidham
Sector homes are usually easy to load; the main market area is crowded. Port and company colonies need their vacating steps and passes first.
Where in Bhuj
Bhuj's old walled city, around the Aina Mahal and the bazaars, has narrow lanes, much of it rebuilt after the 2001 earthquake. Newer colonies spread outside the walls, along the roads to Mandvi, Madhapar and Mirjapar. The army and air force stations have their own gates. Tell the mover the exact address.
Defence and government moves
Bhuj has large army, air force and BSF establishments near the border, and as the district headquarters it has many government offices. Service housing needs gate passes and an allotment letter. If an employer is paying, ask what documents they need; every mover we work with provides a GST invoice.
Weather
Both towns are very hot from about April to June, with dusty winds. Load early and keep medicines and electronics in your car. Cyclones occasionally bring heavy rain to Kutch.
November to February is usually the most comfortable window.
Rann Utsav season
From about November to February, the Rann Utsav draws tourists through Bhuj to the white desert at Dhordo, and hotels and roads get busy. Choose a weekday if your move falls then.
Crafts of Kutch
Kutch is famous for embroidery, bandhani, block prints and other crafts. Ask for textiles to be folded flat in clean, sealed cartons, and fragile craft pieces wrapped individually.
Festival dates
Navratri, Diwali, Uttarayan, Cheti Chand and Eid keep crews busy at both ends. Book early if your date falls near one.
Packing against dust
Kutch's dust gets into everything. Ask for carton seams taped, mattresses wrapped, and electronics sealed in their own boxes.
Apartments in Bhuj
Newer apartment blocks may ask for notice of a move, set loading hours and need a lift booking. Ask the association a week ahead; our guide to society NOCs and lift bookings explains what to ask.
Anjar's old town
Anjar, halfway along, is one of Kutch's oldest towns, rebuilt after the 2001 earthquake, with metalwork and knife-making traditions. Its market slows traffic on the highway.
Madhapar and the NRI village
Madhapar, on Bhuj's edge, is known as one of the wealthiest villages in India, thanks to families abroad. If your new home is there, give the exact address; roads are good but lanes branch off widely.
Settling in
Ask about the water supply, which can be rationed, and book internet as soon as you have the address. Gujarati and Kutchi are spoken. Our guide to address changes after moving lists the records to update.