The Western Ghats during the monsoon have little regard for plans. You might begin your day with clear skies and dry roads, only to be swallowed whole by fog and drizzle before lunch. It’s unpredictable, untamed — and precisely why we were here. Honda’s Drive to Discover 13 wasn’t about breaking speed records or ticking off tourist spots. It was about giving in to the road, letting the weather and terrain set the tone, and seeing how well three everyday Hondas — the Elevate, City, and Amaze — would rise to the challenge.
Kochi to Athirappilly
Kochi is a great place to begin a road trip. It has just enough history to give it character, just enough chaos to make the escape feel earned. Once we had rolled out of the city — after the usual shuffle of breakfast briefings and camera bag shenanigans — the rain arrived like clockwork. The road to Athirappilly isn’t long, but it’s narrow and often shared with buses that drive like they’ve got somewhere very important to be.
Not a race, not a test — just the road, the rain, and the ride.
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Special Arrangement
The Elevate made sense here. Its ride height gave us peace of mind when the edges of the road blurred into slush, and the suspension soaked up broken patches without drama. In the heavy downpour, visibility dropped and reflexes kicked in — but the car never felt out of sorts. The road wound its way through dense forest, and then — out of nowhere — came an elephant. No drama, no delay. Just a slow, silent crossing that reminded us we were visitors here. We reached Sterling Athirappilly just as the light began to dim. The falls themselves? Roaring, relentless, and worth every detour. Athirappilly in the monsoon is loud and cinematic — less a waterfall, more a force of nature.
Nearby diversions: Vazhachal Falls: Less crowded and just as scenic; Charpa Falls: Blink and you’ll miss it, but it’s fierce when it rains.
Athirappilly to Munnar
Day two was about climbing. We left the lowlands behind and started gaining altitude. The road to Munnar is a test of patience — steep, narrow, and constantly interrupted by landslides, fallen branches, and the occasional herd of goats. It’s the kind of road where you don’t rush, because the views change every few minutes.
The Honda City was up next, and honestly, it surprised us. CVTs don’t usually inspire confidence on hill climbs, but this one managed just fine. Power delivery was smooth, and it never felt strained. The car was light on its feet, even when dodging potholes and navigating slippery hairpins. As we climbed higher, the air cooled and the scenery shifted. Rubber trees made way for tea plantations. Munnar, when it finally reveals itself, is a bit of a show-off — with its perfectly contoured hills, mist-draped valleys, and eucalyptus-lined roads.
The road to Munnar is a test of patience
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Special Arrangement
We stopped often. You can’t not. Gap Road especially demands your attention — not for its difficulty, but for its sheer beauty. Each corner gives you a reason to pull over. Our stay at Scenic IHQL Munnar lived up to the name — minimalist rooms, large windows, and an uninterrupted view of nothing but green and grey. And tea, lots of tea.
Things to do in Munnar: Top Station: If you catch it on a clear day, it’ll stay with you. Eravikulam National Park: The Nilgiri Tahr is shy, but the trek is worth it. Tea Museum: A good way to connect the dots behind the green.
Munnar to Kodaikanal
Leaving Munnar, we headed toward Bodinayakanur, and everything changed. The fog cleared, the hills flattened, and suddenly we were in a different climate altogether. The road widened, traffic thinned, and coconut palms took over where tea leaves left off. It was warmer, calmer — the kind of stretch that makes you roll down your window and let the air in.
The Amaze came into its own here. Often seen as the sensible choice, it proved quietly competent on the climb up to Kodaikanal. The Kodai Ghat Road is no joke — steep, tight, and prone to sudden fog. But the Amaze’s compact size, light steering, and responsive brakes made it an easy companion. The ADAS features, too, weren’t just gimmicks — the lane departure alert and forward collision warning came in handy more than once in the mist.
The Amaze’s compact size, light steering, and responsive brakes made it an easy companion.
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Special Arrangement
Kodaikanal itself was exactly how it should be — chilly, damp, and full of little surprises. A bend in the road that opens into a view. A shop selling roasted peanuts right when you’re craving a snack. We stayed at Sterling Valley View, a no-frills hillside retreat with honest food and solid hot showers. But if you’re after polished wood floors and room service with a smile, The Tamara Kodai delivers that, too.
Kodai checklist: Coaker’s Walk: Early morning strolls here are a ritual. Pillar Rocks: Worth a visit if the clouds part. Berijam Lake: Quiet, clean, and untouched — you’ll need a permit to get in.
Kodaikanal to Coimbatore
The final leg saw us winding down the Palani Ghat — 14 hairpins of tight tarmac and disappearing fog. It’s the kind of road that rewards precision. The Amaze, again, handled it better than expected. Light on its feet, easy to place, and confident even when visibility dropped to a few metres. By the time we rolled into Coimbatore, the landscape had flattened out. The wind picked up. The air felt drier. The cars were muddy, the boots were damp, and the trip had turned into memory.
The trip had turned into memory.
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Special Arrangement
Final Thoughts
Drive to Discover 13 wasn’t a product demo in disguise. It felt like a proper road trip — the kind that unfolds slowly, stays just unpredictable enough, and reminds you that sometimes the best way to test a car is to forget you’re testing it. The Elevate was surefooted and comfortable in tough terrain. The City delivered a polished, composed experience in places it wasn’t really built for. And the Amaze — the underdog of the group — turned out to be the one that quietly impressed the most.
Drive to Discover 13 wasn’t a product demo in disguise. It felt like a proper road trip.
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Special Arrangement
No big drama. No over-the-top spectacle. Just good roads, good machines, and the kind of journey that leaves your playlist unfinished and your mind still somewhere in the hills.
Motorscribes, in association with The Hindu, brings you the latest in cars and bikes. Follow them on Instagram on @motorscribes
Published – August 05, 2025 11:37 am IST
