27/01/2016
In the vibrant and picturesque landscapes of Kerala, India, a truly extraordinary sight has captured the imagination of many: a gleaming, gold-wrapped Rolls Royce Phantom, not merely a personal indulgence, but a fully operational luxury taxi. This audacious venture is the brainchild of Boby Chemmanur, a prominent entrepreneur known for his innovative spirit and flair for the dramatic. His decision to convert one of the world's most prestigious automobiles into a public transport offering has redefined the concept of luxury travel, making an otherwise unattainable experience accessible to a wider audience, albeit for a princely sum.
The idea for this unique taxi service stemmed from Chemmanur's personal observations. As the owner of an impressive fleet of high-end vehicles, including Mercedes Benz and Range Rover models, he frequently travelled across the state for business. He noticed the palpable awe and admiration his Rolls Royce Phantom garnered wherever it went. This constant public fascination sparked a brilliant idea: why not transform this symbol of ultimate luxury into a service that could be enjoyed by others? It was a bold move, a democratisation of opulence, turning a personal statement into a commercial enterprise that promised an unforgettable experience.
The Genesis of a Golden Idea
Boby Chemmanur, a figure synonymous with daring business ventures, envisioned a service that transcended conventional travel. He understood the aspirational value of a Rolls Royce Phantom and sought to capitalise on it. His vision wasn't just about providing transport; it was about offering a dream, a moment of unparalleled extravagance. The car, originally a cherished part of his personal collection, was meticulously adapted for its new role. It received a distinctive gold wrap, immediately setting it apart from any other vehicle on the road, and was adorned with the Boby Chemmanur brand name, reinforcing its unique identity and ownership.
Crucially, for its operation as a public service vehicle, the Rolls Royce Phantom was fitted with a yellow number plate, signifying its official registration as a taxi. This adherence to regulations ensures that while the service is extraordinary, it operates within legal frameworks, providing peace of mind to its discerning clientele. The vehicle was then integrated into the fleet of Boby Tours and Travel group, a division of the larger Boby Chemmanur group, marking a significant expansion into the luxury tourism sector.
The Cost of Unparalleled Luxury
Such an exclusive service naturally comes with a premium price tag. For a single day's hire, the luxury taxi commands a fee of Rs 25,000. While this might seem substantial, Chemmanur positions it not merely as a fare, but as an investment in an experience. The service was initially conceived to cater to guests staying at his Oxygen Resort in Munnar, providing them with an ultimate travel solution for pick-ups, drop-offs, and sightseeing. This integration with his hospitality ventures highlighted a holistic approach to luxury tourism, offering a seamless high-end experience from accommodation to transportation.
Beyond daily excursions, the Rolls Royce Phantom taxi has found immense popularity for special occasions, particularly weddings. For a wedding booking, the charge is Rs 50,000. Young couples, eager to make their special day truly memorable, have embraced the opportunity to arrive and depart in a car valued at approximately Rs 9.5 crore. This unique offering has generated significant buzz and a steady stream of bookings, proving that the desire for distinctive, high-status experiences remains strong.
Customer testimonials underscore the impact of this service. Sajeev Thomas, who experienced the Rolls Royce taxi during his stay at Oxygen Resort, recounted, “It’s an experience my family will never forget. I shelled out Rs 25,000 but it was a dream come true for the family including my eight and eleven year old boys.” Similarly, Sasidharan Nair PR, a retired Deputy Chief Engineer, expressed his family's excitement about booking the Phantom for his daughter's wedding, anticipating it would make them "in the news just for this." These anecdotes highlight the emotional and social value derived from such a unique offering.
More Than Just a Ride: The Complete Experience
Boby Chemmanur's vision extends beyond just a luxury car ride. He aims to provide comprehensive, high-end travel solutions. The initial packages included a three-day stay at his Oxygen Resorts, offering a complete luxury getaway. While the COVID-19 pandemic initially impacted operations, Chemmanur has been actively popularising the service again, expanding its reach and tailoring packages to meet diverse needs, including elaborate honeymoon trips that incorporate the Phantom experience.
Further enhancing his luxury travel portfolio, Chemmanur has also ventured into helicopter services. Chartering helicopters, he offers aerial transfers from Ernakulam to Munnar, providing an even more exclusive and time-efficient travel option for tourists. This multi-modal luxury approach positions Boby Chemmanur's group as a comprehensive provider for those seeking the ultimate in comfort, convenience, and prestige.
Who is Boby Chemmanur? A Profile in Audacity
The man behind this golden enterprise, Boby Chemmanur, is a multifaceted businessman with a history of making headlines. Beyond his Oxygen Resorts, he is also the Managing Director of Chemmanur International Jewellers, a testament to his diverse business acumen. He gained significant public attention when he famously brought football legend Diego Maradona to Kerala to inaugurate one of his showrooms, demonstrating his knack for grand gestures and effective marketing.
Chemmanur's passion for luxury vehicles is well-documented. In addition to his existing fleet, he has been in the news for his attempts to acquire other iconic cars. Notably, he publicly expressed his interest in bidding for a 2010 Rolls Royce Phantom previously owned by former US President Donald Trump. This pursuit further illustrates his discerning taste and his desire to own vehicles that carry significant prestige and history, reinforcing his status as a collector and an entrepreneur who thinks big.
The Appeal of the Ultra-Luxury Taxi
The concept of a luxury taxi, especially one as opulent as a gold-wrapped Rolls Royce Phantom, taps into a universal desire for exclusivity and special moments. In a world where everyday travel is often mundane, such a service offers an escape, a chance to feel like royalty, even if just for a day. It’s not merely about getting from point A to point B; it’s about the journey itself becoming the highlight. For tourists, it provides an unparalleled way to explore Kerala’s beauty in style. For couples, it transforms a wedding into a fairy tale. The sheer novelty and visual spectacle of the vehicle ensure that every ride is not just a journey, but a public event, drawing attention and creating lasting memories.
| Service Type | Approximate Cost (INR) | Key Inclusions | Target Audience |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Hire | ₹25,000 | Rolls Royce Phantom for a full day; initially included 3-day resort stay for some packages. | Luxury tourists, sightseers, special day-trips. |
| Wedding Hire | ₹50,000 | Rolls Royce Phantom for wedding events. | Couples seeking a grand entrance/exit, memorable wedding transport. |
| Integrated Packages | Variable | Includes resort stays, honeymoon trips, possibly helicopter transfers. | High-end travellers, honeymooners, those seeking comprehensive luxury experiences. |
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can anyone rent Boby Chemmanur's gold-wrapped Rolls Royce taxi?
- Yes, the service is available to the public through Boby Tours and Travel group, part of the Boby Chemmanur group.
- How much does it cost to rent the Rolls Royce Phantom taxi?
- A one-day rental costs Rs 25,000. For wedding functions, the charge is Rs 50,000.
- Does the rental include anything else?
- Some initial packages included a 3-day stay at Boby Chemmanur's Oxygen Resorts. The company also offers integrated packages, including honeymoon trips and has commenced helicopter services for tourists.
- Is it a legally registered taxi?
- Yes, the Rolls Royce Phantom has a yellow number plate, indicating it is officially registered for taxi services.
- Is Boby Chemmanur the only person in India with a gold-wrapped Rolls Royce taxi?
- The information suggests he is uniquely positioned as the owner of such a distinctive vehicle used for taxi services in the country.
Boby Chemmanur's gold-wrapped Rolls Royce Phantom taxi stands as a testament to audacious entrepreneurship and a deep understanding of the luxury market. It's more than just a car; it's a statement, an experience, and a symbol of making dreams accessible. For those seeking to add an unparalleled touch of glamour and prestige to their travels or special occasions in Kerala, this golden Phantom offers an irresistible and truly unforgettable experience.
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