Honda Cars India recently hosted the 13th edition of its signature Drive to Discover experience, and this time, it was all about soaking in the monsoon magic through the lush landscapes of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Aptly titled the “Monsoon Trail”, the journey took us through some of the most scenic and challenging terrains the Western Ghats have to offer. We drove across a distance of around 500 km in four days, from June 26 to 29, experiencing everything from misty hill climbs to rain-drenched forest roads. What made this drive truly special was not just the weather, but the combination of picturesque routes, diverse terrain, and Honda’s versatile car lineup that handled it all with confidence.
Day 1: Kochi to Athirapilly- The Calm Before the Climb
The journey flagged off from Kochi, and we headed straight into the wilderness towards Athirapilly Falls, often called the Niagara of South India. The roads were narrow and winding, passing through elephant corridors and thick jungle canopy. Here, the Honda Amaze MT impressed with its high ground clearance, comfortable ride, and confident handling, even as heavy showers tested its grip.
Day 2: Athirapilly to Munnar- Climbing into the Clouds
The route from Athirapilly to Munnar was a treat for the senses- lush tea gardens, narrow ghat sections, and endless switchbacks. This was the perfect stretch to experience the City CVT, Honda’s iconic and time-tested sedan with legacy of over 25 years. Its effortless drive made the experience surreal- scenic and comfortable drive through the rainy jungle roads of Kerela. The climb tested the car’s dynamics, performance and comfort quotient, and I must say I am pleasantly surprised with the ease with which it handled even the steepest of the climbs without any drama.
Day 3: Munnar to Kodaikanal- The GAP Road Challenge
One of the most technical legs of the journey was the drive from Munnar to Kodaikanal, via the stunning GAP Road. This stretch brought out the best in the Honda Elevate CVT. The roads here were winding, more engaging and a bit on narrower side. The performance of time-tested Honda iVTEC came in handy whenever we needed a sudden gush of power for overtakes. The car’s high seating stance and commanding view of the road made the journey comfortable. Also the seat comfort must be appreciated as it kept us very comfortable even after a long 6+ hours of drive.
Day 4: Kodaikanal to Coimbatore- Wrapping Up in Style
We wrapped up the trail by heading downhill from Kodaikanal to Coimbatore. This part was a breeze with the Honda Amaze CVT, which offered smooth and easy driving experience. The wide roads, windmills in the backdrop, and light drizzle made for a calming end to what was an adrenaline-filled expedition.
A Journey of Emotions & Engineering
The 13th edition of Drive to Discover wasn’t just about driving, it was about rediscovering the joy of the journey. Be it the iconic sedan Honda City, the rugged-yet-premium Elevate, or the value-packed Amaze, Honda’s lineup proved their mettle across real Indian conditions. From a brand perspective, this event continues to reinforce Honda’s DNA – reliable engineering, everyday practicality, and a dash of driving fun. For us, it was a reminder that sometimes, the best way to test a car is to take it off the brochure and onto the road.
