Central Tuber Crops Research Institute

Central Tuber Crops Research Institute (CTCRI) Thiruvananthapuram: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Complete Visitor Guide

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

The Central Tuber Crops Research Institute (CTCRI), situated in the verdant setting of Sreekariyam, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, is a globally unique institution dedicated exclusively to tropical tuber crop research. Established in 1963 under India’s Third Five Year Plan, CTCRI has become a beacon for agricultural innovation, sustainable farming, and food security, particularly for cassava, sweet potato, yams, and aroids. With a sprawling 48-hectare campus, it offers visitors a fascinating window into advanced plant science, biodiversity conservation, and the socio-economic upliftment of rural communities.

This comprehensive guide provides all the essential information for visiting CTCRI — including practical details on visiting hours, guided tours, accessibility, travel tips, and nearby attractions. Whether you are an agriculturist, student, researcher, or traveler, CTCRI promises an enriching and educational experience (CTCRI Official Website, Kerala Tourism).

Introduction
History and Significance
Visiting Hours and Tickets
Location and Accessibility
Guided Tours and Educational Programs
Research Facilities and Demonstration Fields
Germplasm Conservation and Biodiversity
Technology Transfer and Farmer Interaction
Museum and Information Centre
Visitor Amenities and Accessibility
Best Time to Visit
Photography and Conduct Guidelines
Accessibility for International Visitors
Nearby Attractions and Accommodation
Special Events and Workshops
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Call to Action
Conclusion

History and Significance

Founded in 1963, CTCRI stands as the world’s only research institute solely focused on tropical tuber crops. Its diverse research has underpinned major advances in plant breeding, biotechnology, and rural development, supporting food and nutritional security not only in India but in tropical regions globally.

The institute conserves over 6,000 accessions of tuber crops, crucial for crop improvement and biodiversity preservation. CTCRI’s biofortified and climate-resilient varieties have boosted rural incomes and addressed nutritional deficiencies, making it a cornerstone of India’s agricultural landscape (ICAR-CTCRI Achievements).

Visiting Hours and Tickets

Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
Closed: Sundays and public holidays.
Entry Fee: Free for all visitors, including groups and educational institutions.
Guided Tours: Available by prior appointment. Contact the institute for scheduling, especially for group or research-focused visits (CTCRI Visit Guidelines).

Location and Accessibility

Address: Central Tuber Crops Research Institute, Sreekariyam, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695017 (CTCRI Contact).
Distance: ~12 km from Trivandrum International Airport, ~10 km from Central Railway and Bus Station.
Transport: Well-connected by road, with frequent city buses, auto-rickshaws, and taxis. Ample on-site parking is available.
Wheelchair Accessibility: Most public zones are accessible, with ramps and accessible restrooms provided.

Guided Tours and Educational Programs

Guided tours, led by scientists or trained staff, offer visitors insights into CTCRI’s research, demonstration fields, and laboratories. Educational workshops and outreach sessions are organized for school groups, farmers, and tourists interested in sustainable agriculture and biotechnology. Advance booking is highly recommended for these experiences (CTCRI Outreach).

Research Facilities and Demonstration Fields

The institute houses state-of-the-art laboratories for plant breeding, crop protection, and molecular biology. Visitors can explore demonstration plots that showcase a diverse array of tuber crops and cultivation techniques, as well as innovative approaches to pest management and organic farming (CTCRI Research).

Germplasm Conservation and Biodiversity

CTCRI’s germplasm conservatory is among the largest in the world, featuring over 6,000 accessions of cassava, sweet potato, yams, and aroids. Informative signage and guided explanations help visitors appreciate the importance of genetic diversity and indigenous crop conservation (CTCRI Germplasm).

Technology Transfer and Farmer Interaction

The institute actively engages with farmers and entrepreneurs, disseminating advanced cultivation techniques, value addition methods, and post-harvest technologies. Demonstrations of processing equipment and farmer-scientist interaction events are periodically held, fostering practical knowledge transfer (CTCRI Technology Transfer).

Museum and Information Centre

CTCRI’s museum and information centre display the history and science of tuber crops, their role in global food systems, and the institute’s achievements since inception. Exhibits include traditional farming tools, processed food samples, and interactive visual presentations (CTCRI About).

Visitor Amenities and Accessibility

Restrooms: Clean and accessible.
Drinking Water: Available on site.
Seating and Shaded Areas: Provided for visitor comfort.
Canteen: Offers light refreshments and tuber-based snacks.
Accessibility: Most public areas are wheelchair-friendly; some field areas may require assistance.

Best Time to Visit

The ideal period for a visit is November to February, when Thiruvananthapuram’s weather is cool and the demonstration fields are at their best. The monsoon (June–September) brings heavy rains, and some outdoor facilities may have limited access (Kerala Tourism Weather).

Photography and Conduct Guidelines

Photography: Permitted in outdoor and field areas. Restricted inside laboratories and research zones to protect intellectual property (CTCRI Visitor Policy).
Conduct: Visitors should respect research activities, avoid disturbing experimental plots, and refrain from littering or unauthorized plant collection. Smoking is prohibited.

Accessibility for International Visitors

English-speaking staff and informational materials ensure a smooth experience for international guests. The institute’s proximity to major cultural attractions makes it a convenient addition to Kerala itineraries (Kerala Tourism).

Nearby Attractions and Accommodation

Napier Museum: Renowned for Indo-Saracenic architecture and art (10 km).
Kuthiramalika Palace Museum: Showcasing Kerala’s traditional architecture (12 km).
Shanghumukham Beach: Popular for evening strolls on the Arabian Sea coast (15 km).
Other Sites: Kerala Science and Technology Museum, Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, and Kovalam Beach.
Accommodation: Thiruvananthapuram offers a range from budget hotels to luxury resorts (Thiruvananthapuram Tourism).

Special Events and Workshops

CTCRI organizes open days, international symposia, farmer training sessions, and workshops on sustainable agriculture and value addition. Major events include the International Symposium on Tropical Root & Tuber Crops (ISTRTC). Check the official website for schedules (ISTRTC Symposium Details).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are the visiting hours?
A: Monday to Saturday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM; closed Sundays and public holidays.

Q2: Is there an entry fee?
A: No, entry is free for all visitors.

Q3: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, by prior appointment. Contact the institute to book.

Q4: Is the institute accessible for people with disabilities?
A: Yes, with ramps, accessible restrooms, and assistance if needed.

Q5: Can I take photographs?
A: Allowed outdoors, but restricted in labs and research areas.

Q6: How do I book a visit or tour?
A: Contact via phone (+91-471-2598551), email ([email protected]), or online form.

Q7: What’s the best time to visit?
A: November to February, for pleasant weather and active crop cycles.

Safety and COVID-19 Protocols

As of July 2025, CTCRI adheres to government health protocols, including mask-wearing indoors, hand sanitizers, and temperature checks. Please verify current guidelines before your visit (CTCRI COVID-19 Updates).

Plan Your Visit: Booking and Contact Information

Phone: +91-471-2598551
Email: [email protected]
Online Form: CTCRI Contact

Advance booking is highly recommended, especially for group tours and educational visits.

Enhance Your Experience

Use the CTCRI Official Website for maps, virtual tours, and the latest updates.
Download the Audiala app for travel tips, event notifications, and exclusive content.
Follow CTCRI on social media for announcements and educational resources.

Conclusion

The Central Tuber Crops Research Institute is a singular destination blending scientific achievement, sustainable agriculture, and Kerala’s botanical heritage. Free entry, accessibility features, guided tours, and its proximity to cultural landmarks make it a must-see for visitors to Thiruvananthapuram. Take this opportunity to discover the pioneering work behind tropical tuber crops and contribute to a greater understanding of global food security.

For the most up-to-date information, visit the CTCRI Official Website and explore related resources on Kerala’s cultural and agricultural heritage (Kerala Tourism, Thiruvananthapuram Travel Guide).