Down central Kerala's spine
From Kottayam, the road runs south through the old church town of Changanassery, Thiruvalla and Chengannur on the Pamba, then on through the hills and paddy country to Kollam. At about 89 km, a household can usually be loaded in Kottayam in the morning and placed in a Kollam home by afternoon. The road passes through town after town, so it's slower than the distance suggests.
Rivers, rain and floods
The route crosses the Meenachil, the Manimala, the Pamba and the Achankovil, and in heavy monsoons low-lying stretches near them can flood. From about June to September, check the roads the day before, ask for waterproof wrapping and a covered vehicle, and keep the date flexible.
December to February is usually the most comfortable window.
Sabarimala season
Chengannur is a railhead for Sabarimala pilgrims, and from about November to January, especially around Mandala Pooja and Makaravilakku, the roads around it are crowded. Avoid the busiest pilgrim days if you can.
Leaving Kottayam
Homes on hillside plots and narrow lanes may need a smaller vehicle to shuttle goods to the truck. Books and papers should go in small, strong cartons, and wood should be dried and wrapped in blankets before plastic goes on.
Arriving in Kollam
Kollam wraps around the many arms of Ashtamudi lake. The commercial centre around Chinnakada, the clock tower and Main Road is busy and tight for parking, while Kadappakada, Thevally, Asramam and Uliyakovil have residential streets with houses in their own compounds and some apartments. Tell the mover the exact address and how close a truck can get.
Cashew, coir and business goods
Kollam is the centre of India's cashew-processing industry, and many families on both ends work in cashew, coir or rubber. If you're moving stock, tools or office equipment as well as household goods, keep them on a separate list with their own paperwork. If an employer is paying, ask what documents they need; every mover we work with provides a GST invoice.
Festivals and dates
Onam, Christmas, Easter and the temple and church festivals along the route keep crews busy, and Kollam's Ashtamudi boat races draw crowds. Choose a date clear of these if you can.
Families abroad
Many families on this route have members working abroad, and moves are sometimes organised from overseas. Agree in writing who will be present, who signs the packing list and how payment is made.
Packing for a damp route
Ask for mattresses to be covered, electronics packed in padded cartons with silica gel if available, and heavy cartons loaded low. Label each carton with the room it's going to.
Settling in
Find out how water and power backup work in the new home, keep good ventilation for the monsoon, and book internet as soon as you have the address. Malayalam is spoken at both ends.