Travel guide

Travel to Yercaud & Gowri Estates (race venue)

Plan your trip to the Bison Ultra venue with quick pointers on airports, trains, road options, weather expectations, and safety tips for the hill drive.

Where you are headed

Heavens Ledge, Gowri Estates, near Yercaud. Hill roads with hairpin bends; expect a slow, scenic climb.

Where to stay

Many runners stay in Yercaud town (or nearby properties) and commute to the venue. Limited on-venue stay may be available at Heaven's Ledge.

See Accommodation for venue stay details and booking contacts.

Weather in June

Day: ~25-30 deg C. Night: ~20-25 deg C. Humid with possible showers; pack a light layer and rain protection.

Nearest hubs

Airport: Coimbatore (primary), Bangalore (alternative). Rail: Salem Junction. Road: Salem to Yercaud ghat section.

Parking at Bison Ultra Start/Finish area is limited

Runners arriving by private vehicle must review the parking process, designated zones, and form submission requirements before race weekend.

How to reach Yercaud

By air

  • Coimbatore is the closest major airport; Bangalore is an alternate with more flight options.
  • From the airport, continue by taxi or train to Salem, then drive or take a bus up to Yercaud.

By train

  • Nearest major station: Salem Junction.
  • From Salem, government and private buses run toward Yercaud (roughly 2 hours). Taxis are quicker.

By road

  • Self-drive or taxi from Salem via the ghat road; use lower gears and avoid aggressive braking on descents.
  • Government and private bus schedules vary; check latest timings locally.

Local taxi

  • Arrange Salem-to-Yercaud taxis in advance during race weekend to avoid surge demand.
  • Confirm pickup points and baggage space; expect limited app-cab availability.

What to see around Yercaud

  • Yercaud Lake and nearby viewpoints.
  • Servarayan Temple and hill-top vistas.
  • Coffee, orange, and spice estates for short visits.
  • Waterfalls and forest walks on marked trails.

Need travel help?

Check the latest local schedules before you travel. For event-specific queries, write to info@bisonultra.com.

Bison Ultra Parking - Key Challenges & Arrangements

Gowri Estates has very limited parking space. With 300+ runners expected, vehicle movement must be managed carefully so estate operations, local traffic, emergency access, and runner safety are not affected.

Bison Ultra parking arrangements map with P1, P2-A, P2-B, and P3 parking zones
Parking arrangement reference showing the designated parking zones around Gowri Estates.

The challenge

  • Limited parking capacity within the estate.
  • More runners arriving in private vehicles.
  • Narrow 300m single-lane access stretch near the drop-off point.
  • Emergency and event vehicles must have smooth access.

Parking process

  1. Runners must submit parking and travel details in advance.
  2. Parking passes or stickers will be issued only for pre-booked vehicles.
  3. Slots will be allotted by priority, then first-come-first-served availability.

Allocation priority

  • Runners staying at Heavens Ledge or Last Shola.
  • Ambulance, physio, and event crew vehicles.
  • Remaining runners, subject to available space.
  • Race priority: 60K, 45K, 32K, then 15K.

Designated zones

P1: Heavens Ledge P2-A: Estate Office near Last Shola P2-B: Last Shola Cottages P3: Bison Lake

Participant guidelines

  • Carpooling is strongly encouraged.
  • Parking stickers must be displayed clearly.
  • Taxi drivers must use designated drop-off points.
  • Private taxis with drivers staying overnight are not allowed at Last Shola.
  • Carry a handheld torch or phone light if you are parking farther away for an early morning walk.

Important note

Runners staying at Last Shola are requested not to bring vehicles to Heavens Ledge. Please walk approximately 1 km to the Start/Finish area.

Vehicles must be parked only in their assigned locations. Parking arrangements depend on pre-booked information and available space inside Gowri Estates.

Submit Parking & Travel Details

Only one person should submit details for a group. Ignore this if you have already filled the form.