Honda Drive to Discover 13: Trails of the South

It was a regular day at the office, rain pelting against the windows – a typical grey Pune morning. We’d just wrapped up a meeting with the Ed, and as I poured myself a cup of chai (missing a plate of pakoras, of course), I couldn’t help but think: this is proper driving weather. Not in Pune, though. Here, the potholes have a mind of their own. I longed to get away and chase the monsoon in its purest form. And just like that, the boss walked in: “13th Edition of Honda Drive to Discover is happening. Who’s going?” Chai still in hand, I was on my feet before he finished the sentence, “Me, please!”

The itinerary seemed lovely! Kochi to Athirappilly, then on to Munnar, Kodaikanal and ending in Coimbatore. A journey through lush forests, misty ghats, vast tea estates and postcard-perfect waterfalls, all in four days. This was the 13th edition of Honda’s Drive to Discover, and this year’s theme? The monsoon trail. Landing in Kochi, we were greeted with a warm welcome and torrential rain. Classic. After lunch and a safety briefing from the Honda team, the keys were handed out. My drive for day one: the Honda Elevate Black Edition. The all-black exterior, blacked-out interiors, a manual gearbox and stormy skies? Fun!

We set off, crossing bustling towns before hitting the Ezhattumugham forest. Surrounded by palm trees and a swelling Chalakudy river, the Elevate glided over bad patches and potholes effortlessly. Its 1.5-litre i-VTEC engine with 119bhp felt refined, the gearbox slick and the ride comfort surprisingly plush even on rutted forest roads. The steering was delightfully communicative. And while the roads were winding and twisty, the Elevate stayed composed, absorbing everything in its stride. By sundown, we reached Athirappilly. And yes, the waterfall (famous for being featured in the film Baahubali) did not disappoint. I finally had my chai-pakora moment, this time with the roar of the falls in the background. Simply magical.

The next morning, we swapped keys and cars. I landed the Honda Amaze CVT, a red one – appropriately matching my enthusiasm and also my surname. We were headed to Munnar, climbing deeper into forest territory with elephant crossing signs keeping us alert. The rules were simple: stop at a safe distance, respect the wild. We were the visitors here. The Amaze might look compact but it packs a solid punch. The familiar 1.2-litre i-VTEC motor is characterful and rev-happy, and the CVT, while not my top choice in twisty terrain, did its job well. Paddle shifters with their emulated shift point helped immensely while overtaking or tackling steep hairpins. But what stood out was the sheer ease of it all – simple, intuitive controls, practical interiors and compact dimensions made it the perfect companion through narrow forest roads. By evening, we rolled into Munnar, where tea estates carpeted the hills and waterfalls emerged around every corner.

The next day I got what I’d been waiting most eagerly for – the keys to the Honda City, the OG. Manual, of course. We were now en route from Munnar to Kodaikanal via the spectacular Munnar Gap road and the winding Kodai ghat, a stretch so rich in wilderness that, at one point, a bison came charging downhill out of nowhere, giving us a sudden (and rather wild) reminder of where we were. There’s something timeless about the City. The way the i-VTEC engine builds power, how the manual shifter slots perfectly into gear and how it dances through corners, it was a proper tango with the twisties – it’s just… special. The roads were drenched and mist hung low, but the City powered on. It handled bumps and undulations like they weren’t even there. This drive reminded me – why the City remains a favourite for generations of Indians.

On the final day, I was back in the Amaze – this time with a manual gearbox – for our descent to Coimbatore. The drive was short but the reflections were many. Over four days, we’d driven across Kerala and Tamil Nadu, through dense forests, hill stations, tea plantations and all sorts of terrain. What struck me most was the consistent comfort and competence of every Honda we drove. Whether it was the solidity of the Elevate, the easy-going nature of the Amaze, or the grace of the City, each car had its unique personality. Yet, they all shared a sense of reliability, simplicity and that joyful Honda DNA. They made the journey memorable, not just because they performed well, but because they let us focus on what truly matters – the experience.

The Honda Drive to Discover: Monsoon Trail wasn’t just a road trip. It was an experience that awakened something within, that longing to drive for the sheer joy of it. We chased the rain, drove through postcard landscapes, spotted wildlife, clicked a thousand photos and rediscovered the magic of the monsoon. Most importantly, I rediscovered why I love driving in the first place.