Photographs by Honda Cars India
It’s easy to assume that being an automotive journalist means globetrotting and living a life that feels like a vacation. But let me tell you that perception couldn’t be further from the truth. Most drive events are a whirlwind of logistics, tight schedules, and chaotic timelines. We’re not there to soak in the sights or indulge in leisurely exploration. We’re there to work, to drive, shoot, all with deadlines hanging over our dizzy heads. Exploring the destination? That usually just means scouting for a quiet spot to shoot the car, and we rarely ever get to experience the place beyond what the camera sees.
So, when Honda sent out the invite for the 13th edition of its Drive to Discover, I saw an opportunity, not just to drive, but to slow down and truly take in the journey. What made it even more special was that this edition was set in my home state of Kerala for the most part. For once, I wasn’t just looking forward to the cars, but to the beauty of the places I’d always longed to explore more deeply.
This year’s Drive to Discover took us from Kochi to Athirappilly, then up to Munnar, followed by the serene hills of Kodaikanal, before wrapping up in Coimbatore. Over the course of four days, I had the opportunity to experience Honda’s full lineup: the Elevate, the City, and the Amaze, not just as machines, but as companions through the ever-changing landscapes of Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
Day 1: Kochi to Athirappilly: 32 km
My first leg of the drive? Barely an hour long. But honestly, I wasn’t complaining; it was a blessing. I hadn’t managed to get a proper night’s sleep (blame the excitement), and after an early morning flight to Kochi, I was already running on fumes.
Once we landed, we were whisked away to the Taj Kochi, where — after a quick briefing and a strong cup of coffee — we were flagged off. For this leg, I was handed the keys to the Elevate MT and paired up with another partner. Given the short distance and my sleep-deprived state, I let him take the wheel while I grabbed some much-needed rest. Okay, maybe I was being a bit selfish — the first stretch involved battling Kochi’s traffic, and I wasn’t quite in the mood for that.
When I woke up, the roads had started to get twisty, the kind that beg to be driven, and I took over the reins of the Elevate. Kerala’s winding roads, flanked by thick greenery and framed by misty hills, make you fall in love with driving all over again. Some of the folks in the other cars up ahead were lucky enough to spot a wild elephant crossing the road. By the time I reached it, it had vanished into the forest, and I only caught a fleeting glimpse of the magnificent creature. Even so, it felt surreal.
Before reaching our first halt, I made a quick detour to visit the Athirappilly Waterfalls, Kerala’s largest, often referred to as the ‘Niagara of South India.’ After spending a peaceful moment there, just soaking in the sight and sound of the cascading water, I knew the name was justified. It was the perfect way to close the day.
Day 2: Athirappilly to Munnar: 133 km
For once, my alarm rang at 10 am, a true rarity on a media drive. After a leisurely breakfast, we hit the road again. If you’ve never been to Kerala during the monsoon, you’re missing out on something special. The entire landscape transforms into a vibrant green paradise. Rain-drenched roads, foggy hilltops, and the earthy scent of petrichor made this journey feel more like a film than a drive.
This time, I was behind the wheel of the Honda City e:HEV, and the hybrid system was perfect for the changing gradients, delivering excellent fuel economy and a wonderfully quiet, composed driving experience. At low speeds, the electric motor made the drive even more tranquil, syncing beautifully with the mood of the mist-covered hills.
As we climbed towards Munnar, I found myself slowing down — not because of traffic, but because the views demanded it. Tea plantations rolled out like a green carpet, and I couldn’t help but wish I had more time to just sit with a hot cup of tea and take it all in. This leg wasn’t just about the destination; it was about reconnecting with the joy of the journey itself.
Day 3: Munnar to Kodaikanal: 165 km
The last time I did this route was back in 2010, on a family vacation. The roads were rough, the drive was long, and my memories, a mix of motion sickness and pit stops, were still vivid. But this time around, I was left completely spellbound. With the Honda Amaze MT, I kicked things off with a stop at Munnar’s Tea Museum. More than the history, it was just a great excuse for another cup of <I>chai<I> and a moment to breathe in the cool morning air.
From there, the map took me along National Highway 85, better known as GAP Road and what a road it was. A 45-km stretch of pure tarmac bliss, stretching to the Tamil Nadu border, flanked by misty valleys and rolling hills. With my playlist queued up and the windows down, it felt like a personal slice of driving heaven. It’s rare that a road leaves such an impression, but this one did. I’m already plotting a return, preferably in something a little more playful, just to relive the magic.
That said, once the climb to Kodaikanal began, the Amaze’s limitations became a bit more obvious. Its 1.2-litre naturally aspirated engine struggled during overtakes, and I had to keep it in the powerband to make steady progress. On flat roads, it was lively enough, but the hills weren’t its strong suit.
Day 4: Kodaikanal to Coimbatore: 169 km
The final stretch. For the first time on this trip, I was up at 5 am, the kind of alarm I’ve grown all too used to on drives. It was going to be the longest leg of the journey, and I had a flight to catch from Coimbatore Airport at the end of it. Luckily, I was driving the Honda City CVT, a car I’ve always appreciated for its smoothness and composure. It made light work of the distance, cruising effortlessly and allowing me to mentally prepare for the return to reality.
Unlike the previous days, this leg was more subdued. The vibrant scenery had faded into flatlands, lined with scattered trees and the occasional windmill farm, majestic in their own right, but I didn’t have the luxury to stop and admire them. The clock was ticking.
As I pulled into Coimbatore, the trip felt like it had ended too soon, but something was different this time. For once, it wasn’t just another drive ticked off the list or another review waiting to be filed. This was a journey that reminded me why I do what I do.
Sure, I drove Honda’s entire lineup, each car with its own personality and purpose, but the real takeaway wasn’t about horsepower or hybrid tech. It was about being present on the road, about watching the rain roll across tea estates, about misty mountain sunrises, and roads that made me forget about the destination.
This Drive to Discover lived up to its name, not just by letting me explore familiar roads through a new lens, but by giving me the rare chance to discover the joy of the journey itself. And in a profession where we often miss the forest for the spec sheet, that was the biggest reward of all.
