South past the Barabar hills
From Jehanabad, the road heads south through Makhdumpur, with the rocky Barabar hills rising to the east, and on through Belaganj to Gaya's northern edge. It's about an hour's drive in normal traffic, so a household loaded early is usually unloaded by lunchtime.
Gaya's two faces
Gaya's old town around the Vishnupad temple and the Phalgu ghats is a maze of narrow, crowded lanes where goods must be carried. The administrative side, with Civil Lines and the colonies towards the university and Bodh Gaya, is far easier. Give the exact address and a landmark.
Pitru Paksha weeks
In September or October, Gaya hosts Pitru Paksha, when vast numbers of pilgrims come to perform rites for their ancestors. For about two weeks, roads near the temple and river are packed and traffic is controlled. Avoid those dates.
Leaving Jehanabad
From the station bazaar, goods are usually carried to a truck on the main road. Colonies on the southern side of town make the quickest start. Official quarters need a vacating notice and an inspection.
Magadh's headquarters
Gaya is the divisional headquarters, with a medical college, the central university nearby, an airport and many offices, so officers and staff move between Jehanabad and Gaya regularly. If an employer is paying, ask which documents they need; every mover we work with provides a GST invoice.
Heat
Gaya is one of the hottest cities in Bihar in May and June, and Jehanabad isn't far behind. Start loading at first light and try to finish before the afternoon. The monsoon makes village roads muddy; winters are dry and comfortable.
November, February and March usually suit this route best.
Bodh Gaya
If your move ends in Bodh Gaya, south of the city, expect pilgrim traffic in the winter season, and check local rules near the temple and monasteries.
Festivals
Chhath, Durga Puja, Diwali, Holi, Eid and the wedding season add to the Pitru Paksha weeks. Pick a quiet date.
Students
A student moving to Gaya's colleges, the medical college or the central university usually needs a few-items move. Check the hostel's dates first.
Packing against summer dust
Ask for carton seams taped tight, mattresses in covers and wooden furniture wrapped in blankets. Keep puja items, documents and jewellery with you.
Water in summer
Some Gaya neighbourhoods run short of water in the hot months. Before you sign a lease, ask the neighbours how reliable the supply is and whether the house has a working borewell.
Families with land behind
Many families keep farmland in Jehanabad's villages when they move to Gaya. Decide in advance what stays behind, and keep tools and grain off the household list.
Two-wheelers
A scooter or motorcycle can usually travel in the same truck if it is wrapped, photographed and listed separately.
Settling in
In Gaya, check the pump and the inverter, and book internet as soon as you have the address. Our guide to address changes after moving lists the official records to update.