Monsoon Trails: A Journey through Kerala and beyond with Honda Drive To Discover

For anyone passionate about cars, hitting the open road never loses its charm and every trip feels as exciting as the first. That’s exactly what makes Honda’s Drive to Discover such a special experience even after years. It isn’t just about being behind the wheel; it’s about uncovering new landscapes, stories, and moments along the way. The 13th chapter of this journey took us across roughly 500+ kilometres, weaving through the lush terrains of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, right in the heart of the monsoon season. The rain-washed roads and vibrant scenery added to the sense of adventure, making every mile memorable.

This time, our companions for this drive were the

Honda City hybrid

, City petrol, the Elevate SUV and the Amaze sub-compact sedan. Together, they shaped an unforgettable drive filled with variety and discovery. The monsoon has a way of transforming Kerala into a lush, almost dreamlike canvas. This was the backdrop for the 13th edition of Honda’s Drive to Discover, a journey that combined scenic exploration with the thrill of driving across diverse terrains. Starting from Kochi and ending in Coimbatore, the drive took us through Athirapalli, Munnar, and Kodaikanal, each destination adding its own chapter to the story.

Day one: A Rain-Soaked BeginningThe adventure began on a wet morning in Kochi, flagged off with the rhythms of local performances. Dressed in a traditional mundu, we joined fellow participants in setting out on roads glistening with monsoon rain. The first leg took us to Athirapalli, often called the “Niagara of India.” Driving the Honda Elevate, we encountered everything from broad highways to narrow forest roads.

The steady downpour meant double caution was needed, but the reward was worth it. As the trail went further into the dense forest, the smooth tarmac gradually disappeared, replaced first by uneven stretches and then by deep potholes. Yet, the Elevate’s generous 220mm ground clearance handled the challenge with ease, letting us continue without worry. The breathtaking sight of Athirapalli Falls cascading with monsoon fury, leaving us with memories etched in mist and spray. As the sun went down, we headed to the hotel and settled in for the night.Day two: Into the Hills of MunnarThe next morning, we set out for Munnar, about 130 km from Athirapally. It was going to be a full day on the road, and our companion this time was the Amaze sedan. Navigating out of the hotel we drove through a rough forest track riddled with potholes. Yet, the compact sedan took it all in stride, its suspension absorbing shocks and keeping the ride surprisingly comfortable. Once on the highway, the Amaze’s CVT transmission smoothened out the drive, sipping fuel efficiently.

As we climbed the winding ghats, the visibility dropped sharply, due to thick fog and slight showers, however, the Amaze handled the conditions with ease. Along the way, Kerala’s monsoon landscapes unfolded before us, rolling tea plantations, cloud-draped valleys, and streams swollen with rain, perfectly justifying this year’s theme: Monsoon Trails. By evening, the hills of Munnar treated us to a spectacular show as drifting clouds painted the sky.

Day three: Black Elegance on the Road to KodaikanalThe next morning, the Elevate Black Edition awaited us. Its bold, boxy design paired with the dark theme gave it an unmistakable presence on the road. Day three’s destination was Kodaikanal, about 180 km away from Munnar, and it turned out to be the longest drive of the trip. Leaving Munnar en route to Kodaikanal, the drive takes you onto National Highway 85, popularly called the GAP Road.

The roads along this stretch were straight out of a fantasy, serpentine paths flanked by dense forests, mist rolling in, and backdrops begging to be photographed. Frequent halts became inevitable, not just for pictures but also to soak in the natural grandeur. By the time we reached Kodaikanal, the town was blanketed in clouds. A bonfire and the cool mountain air made for the perfect end to the day.The Final Stretch

The final day was a direct run to Coimbatore to catch our flights home, with an early start at 6:30 AM. The journey wrapped up with a drive in the Honda City, a sedan that continues to charm with its balance of comfort and performance. Smooth highways, and the City’s CVT gearbox ensured a calm, effortless cruise. Even the chaotic traffic inside the city wasn't a problem in the premium and spacious cabin of the City. It was the perfect setting to reflect on the journey we had just completed. Though the itinerary was brisk, the experiences felt rich and layered, much like the landscapes we passed through.

More Than Just a DriveLike every edition of Honda’s Drive to Discover, this journey was about more than cars. It was about stumbling upon hidden forest routes, tasting new cuisines, and making friends along the way. Among the cars, the Amaze stood out as a practical all-rounder, capable of handling the rigours of both city commutes and unexpected adventures. The 13th edition left us with lasting impressions of rain-soaked forests, cloud-kissed hills, and the quiet joy of discovering India’s lesser-travelled roads. As the memories linger, so does the anticipation for the next edition of this unique motoring odyssey.