North through Virudhunagar
From Sivakasi, the road heads north-east to Virudhunagar, a trading town, joins NH 44 and continues to Madurai's southern edge near Thiruparankundram. At about 73 km, a household loaded in the morning is usually being carried in by early afternoon. Agree the arrival window in writing.
Leaving Sivakasi
Homes in the printing lanes may need goods carried a short way; colonies on the Virudhunagar road are quickest. No fireworks, matches or inflammables can go on the truck.
Where in Madurai
Madurai's old city around the Meenakshi temple has narrow streets laid out in concentric squares, with heavy restrictions near the temple. Anna Nagar, KK Nagar and the areas across the Vaigai are more open, and newer apartments spread along the ring road. Tell the mover the exact address.
The Deepavali season
In the months before Deepavali, Sivakasi's factories ship goods across India and trucks are in short supply. If you can, move after Deepavali.
Heat
Both towns are hot from about March to June. Load early and keep medicines and electronics in your car. Most rain comes from about October to December.
December to February is usually the most comfortable window.
Chithirai festival
Madurai's Chithirai festival, in April or May, fills the city with crowds for days, and roads around the temple and the Vaigai close. Choose a date clear of it.
Jobs, colleges and hospitals
Madurai's offices, colleges and big hospitals draw many families from Sivakasi. If an employer is paying, ask what documents they need; every mover we work with provides a GST invoice.
Apartments in Madurai
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 for heat
Ask for wax, cosmetics and medicines to stay out of the truck, electronics loaded away from the sun-facing walls, and wooden furniture covered in blankets.
Printing businesses
If you're moving printing equipment or stock, keep it on a separate list and ask whether it needs its own vehicle.
Virudhunagar's markets
Virudhunagar, on the way, is a trading town for chillies, oil and pulses, and its wholesale markets are busy all day.
Thirumangalam and the ring road
Near Madurai, the highway reaches Thirumangalam and the city's ring road, which helps the truck reach different parts of the city without crossing the centre.
Madurai's newer suburbs
Madurai's newer suburbs, such as those along the ring road and towards Mattuthavani, have apartment blocks with parking and are easier for a truck than the temple area.
Settling in
Ask about water timings and power backup, and book internet as soon as you have the address. Tamil is spoken at both ends. Our guide to address changes after moving lists the records to update.