A DRIVE TO REMEMBER

Driving beyond spec sheets, through 56 rain-soaked Southern India

- Yash Sunil

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 Car India 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 Cars India'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.