Through Thiruvalla
From Pathanamthitta, the road runs north-west through Kozhencherry to Thiruvalla, then joins the MC Road through Changanassery to Kottayam. At about 56 km, the drive takes an hour or two, depending on traffic through the towns. A household loaded in the morning is usually being carried in by early afternoon.
Leaving Pathanamthitta
Hillside homes may need goods carried or shuttled in a smaller vehicle to the main road. Houses on the main roads are quickest. Avoid the Sabarimala season.
Where in Kottayam
Kottayam's centre, around the Collectorate, Nagampadam and the market, is busy, and roads are narrow in places. Colonies spread towards Kanjikuzhy, Kumaranalloor and the Medical College, and many homes sit up lanes off the main roads. Tell the mover the exact address.
Rain and floods
Both districts get very heavy monsoon rain, and low-lying areas near the rivers and backwaters can flood. If a warning is issued, the move should wait. Ask for waterproof wrapping.
February to April is usually the most comfortable window.
Publishing, rubber and schools
Kottayam is known for its newspapers and publishers, the rubber trade and its old schools and colleges. Many families move here for education and jobs. If an employer is paying, ask what documents they need; every mover we work with provides a GST invoice.
Festival dates
Onam, Christmas, Easter and the Ettumanoor and Vaikom temple festivals keep crews busy. Choose a date clear of these if you can.
Families arranging from abroad
If relatives abroad are arranging the move, ask for photographs at packing and loading, and agree who will receive the goods in Kottayam.
Apartments in Kottayam
Newer apartment blocks 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.
Packing against damp
Ask for wood to be wrapped in blankets rather than tight plastic, and electronics and documents sealed. Rosewood and teak furniture should be photographed before loading.
Students and few-items moves
Students heading to Kottayam's colleges usually need only a room's worth of things. A few-items move suits them.
Kozhencherry and the Pamba
Kozhencherry, on the way, sits beside the Pamba, with the Maramon Convention ground nearby. Traffic slows near the bridge on busy days.
Changanassery's market
Changanassery, on the MC Road before Kottayam, has one of central Kerala's busiest markets. The road through it slows at peak hours.
Thiruvalla's town
Thiruvalla, on the way, is a busy town with churches, a medical college and the Sreevallabha temple, and many families have relatives there. Its main road slows at peak hours.
Settling in
Ask about the well, water connection and power backup, and book internet as soon as you have the address. Malayalam is spoken at both ends. Our guide to address changes after moving lists the records to update.