The monsoon in South India is more than just a season — it’s a sensory experience. The rain-washed roads, misty hills, green valleys, and gushing waterfalls transform the landscape into a surreal wonderland. Honda tapped into this beauty for its 13th edition of Drive to Discover, choosing the lush terrains of Kerala and Tamil Nadu as its backdrop.
From the winding ghats of Munnar to the sun-soaked shores of Rameswaram, this epic drive wasn’t just a test of Honda’s engineering but also a celebration of India’s natural and cultural heritage.
🌧️ The Concept Behind “Drive to Discover”
Honda’s “Drive to Discover” is an experiential road trip initiative launched over a decade ago. It invites journalists, auto enthusiasts, and travel influencers to drive Honda’s latest models across some of India’s most iconic and offbeat routes.
The 13th edition in 2024 embraced the Southern monsoon — a decision that proved to be a masterstroke. Rain adds drama to any road trip, and with Honda’s capable fleet, every curve, climb, and puddle became part of an unforgettable adventure.
🗺️ Route Map: Where Did They Go?
The journey spanned across Kerala and Tamil Nadu, covering approximately 1,000+ kilometers. The route was thoughtfully crafted to cover:
- Kochi – The vibrant starting point, rich in heritage and coastal charm.
- Munnar – Misty tea gardens, cool weather, and hairpin bends.
- Kodaikanal – A peaceful hill station draped in fog and tall pine trees.
- Madurai – A cultural stop with the majestic Meenakshi Temple.
- Rameswaram – Sea on both sides, iconic Pamban Bridge, and open roads.
- Thanjavur & Puducherry – For a mix of art, architecture, and French colonial vibes.
Every leg of the journey provided different challenges and scenery, making the experience dynamic and immersive.
🚙 The Cars That Took the Lead
The journey featured Honda’s latest premium lineup including:
- Honda City e:HEV (Hybrid)
- Honda Elevate SUV
- Honda Amaze
These models were selected for their comfort, road handling, fuel efficiency, and connectivity features. The Honda City e:HEV proved particularly efficient on the winding ghats and city roads, delivering the perfect balance of power and sustainability.
The Elevate handled the tricky monsoon roads and water-logged stretches with poise, making it a standout SUV in Honda’s arsenal. Meanwhile, the Amaze, despite being the smallest, impressed with its comfort, mileage, and solid grip on wet surfaces.
🌿 Driving Through Kerala: God’s Own Road Trip
The journey through Kerala was nothing short of magical. From Kochi’s colonial streets to the emerald slopes of Munnar, every turn offered postcard-perfect views. The tea plantations in Munnar, combined with the monsoon mist, made for a dreamlike driving experience.
Honda’s vehicles proved to be silent companions, handling the elevation changes, wet roads, and sharp bends effortlessly. Munnar also gave participants the chance to pause and appreciate how nature and engineering can coexist beautifully.
🏞️ Tamil Nadu: Roads Rich with Culture and Coastline
Tamil Nadu’s segment was more cultural and spiritual, starting with Madurai’s Meenakshi Amman Temple, one of the most architecturally stunning structures in India.
From there, the drive moved towards Rameswaram, where the Pamban Bridge offered surreal views of the sea. Driving over this bridge during light showers was a moment that left many participants speechless.
The final stretch to Puducherry brought back urban comfort with European-style architecture, colorful houses, and seaside cafés — a relaxing end to an adventure-filled road trip.
🌦️ Handling the Monsoon – Honda’s Technology at Play
Driving in the rain can be daunting, but Honda’s Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) came to the rescue. Features like lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and collision mitigation braking system provided a layer of confidence and safety.
Even in challenging road conditions, the suspension felt well-balanced, the cabin was quiet, and the visibility remained strong thanks to excellent wiper coverage and fog-lamp positioning.
The vehicles’ infotainment systems with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay ensured seamless navigation and entertainment throughout the trip.
📸 Experience Beyond Driving
It wasn’t all just about the road. Honda ensured participants immersed themselves in local culture, food, and stories. Whether it was enjoying authentic Kerala sadya on banana leaves, or sipping filter coffee in a Tamil village, the journey felt grounded and human.
The trip also encouraged responsible travel with Honda promoting eco-friendly practices and respectful engagement with the environment and communities.
🧳 What Makes Drive to Discover So Special?
- Immersive Experience: It’s more than a test drive — it’s a curated experience.
- Real-World Performance: Journalists get to experience vehicles in all terrains, not just test tracks.
- Local Culture Meets Global Engineering: Honda connects its global tech to India’s rich diversity.
🏁 Final Thoughts: A Journey Worth Remembering
Honda’s Drive to Discover 13 through Kerala and Tamil Nadu was not just a test of machines, but a celebration of India’s beauty during monsoon. From thick forests to historic temples and endless coastal highways, the journey touched every emotion a road tripper can hope for.
This experience once again proves that Honda vehicles are not just made for city drives — they’re adventure-ready, reliable, and built for the Indian terrain.
For those looking to hit the road during the rains, let Drive to Discover 13 be your inspiration. Just pack your bags, start the engine, and chase the monsoon.