Ramesh Babu, a native of Bengaluru, is now recognised as one of India’s most successful luxury car rental entrepreneurs. Born into a modest family, Ramesh faced early hardships when his father, a barber, passed away when he was just seven. His mother worked as a maid to support the family, while Ramesh took up odd jobs such as delivering newspapers and milk to contribute to the household. Despite these challenges, he continued his education and nurtured an entrepreneurial spirit from a young age.
After completing school, Ramesh chose to take over his father’s rented barber shop rather than pursue higher studies. The small salon, which he gradually transformed into a reputable styling outlet, became the foundation for his business ventures. In
1993, using his savings from the barber business, Ramesh purchased a Maruti Omni van. Initially idle, he began renting it out during free hours, unknowingly laying the groundwork for a lucrative business in vehicle rentals.
Entering the Luxury Segment
Ramesh Babu’s journey into luxury vehicles began in 2004 with the purchase of a Mercedes-Benz E-Class. This marked the start of Ramesh Tours and Travels, a premium car rental service. Over the years, he expanded the fleet to include prestigious vehicles such as Rolls-Royce Ghost, Mercedes-Maybach S600, BMW i7, and Land Rover Defender 130. Each addition was a strategic step in establishing one of India’s most exclusive luxury transport companies.
Building a Luxury Empire
Today, Ramesh Tours and Travels operates over 400 high-end vehicles, featuring brands like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Jaguar, and Rolls-Royce. The company caters to corporate travel, special occasions, and luxury experiences, earning a reputation as a pioneer in India’s luxury taxi segment.
Latest Addition: Rs 3 Crore Range Rover
The most recent highlight of the fleet is a Range Rover Vogue Long Wheelbase (LWB), valued at Rs 3.2 crore. Finished in Fuji White with a tan leather interior, the SUV combines performance with luxury, featuring a 3.0-litre D350 Ingenium diesel engine delivering 346 bhp and 700 Nm of torque. The delivery, shared on the company’s Instagram, shows Ramesh with his family at the dealership.