Monsoon drives in India are a special experience. The rain brings the landscape to life, painting everything in lush green and filling the air with freshness and joy. But driving in the monsoon also means facing slippery roads, misty hills, and sudden downpours.
That’s what makes the Honda Drive to Discover event so exciting—testing the Honda Amaze, City and Elevate on some of South India’s most beautiful and challenging monsoon trails. This year, the journey covered Kochi, Athirappilly, Munnar, Kodaikanal, and Coimbatore, offering a perfect mix of adventure, comfort, and scenic beauty.
The journey began in Kochi, with the city still in moody mode under a gentle drizzle. Myself being part of the Mallu gang along with Vivek and Nandu got the Amaze CVT as our companion on Day 1. The convoy of Honda cars set out, their wipers working overtime as they left the urban sprawl behind. The route to Athirappilly was a treat for the senses—palm groves, occasional rain and the passing of elephants by the roadside.
The rain made the roads slippery, but the Honda Amaze’s grip and stability inspired confidence. As the group neared Athirappilly, the roar of the famous waterfalls grew louder. The sight of the mighty Athirappilly Falls, swollen with monsoon water, was a fitting end to the first day’s drive.
After a night spent listening to the sound of waterfalls and rain, the drive continued towards Munnar. Today was My day behind the streering wheel and our companion on the second day was Honda Elevate. The route climbed steadily, winding through dense forests and tea estates. Mist hung low over the hills, sometimes reducing visibility to just a few meters.
The Honda Elevate’s high ground clearance and smooth suspension made light work of the rough patches. The group stopped often to take in the views—rolling tea gardens, silvery streams, and valleys shrouded in clouds. By evening, Munnar welcomed the travelers with its cool air and the promise of hot tea.
The third day’s drive was the longest, taking the group from Munnar to Kodaikanal. And for this Day we are driving the Honda City Manual and it’s Vivekji behind the wheel. The road twisted through the Western Ghats, offering breathtaking views at every turn. Waterfalls tumbled down the hillsides, and the rain came and went in waves.
The Honda City’s comfortable seats and advanced features made the long hours of easy and comfortable. As the group climbed higher, the air grew colder and the landscape changed from tea gardens to thick forests. By the time we reached Kodaikanal, the town was wrapped in mist, its famous lake shimmering in the evening light.
The final leg of the journey led from Kodaikanal down to Coimbatore. We were given the Honda Amaze Manual for the day. The descent was steep, with hairpin bends and sudden drops in altitude. The Honda Amaze’s responsive steering and strong brakes were put to the test, but the car handled every challenge with ease.
The rain had washed the countryside clean, and the views of the plains below were stunning. By afternoon, the group rolled into Coimbatore, tired but happy, with memories of a monsoon adventure that showcased both the beauty of South India and the capability of Honda’s cars.
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