The IISER TVM campus, part of the Western Ghats mountain ecosystem, is arguably one of the most picturesque Indian campuses. Spanning about 200 acres, it is located at Vithura, ca. 40 km from Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, at the foothills of the Agasthyamalai hills. It includes a substantial tract of rainforest that is contiguous with the Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve. The buildings are nestled amidst lush greenery, and provide a breathtaking setting for academic work.

Aerial View of campus. Photo: Allipra Sreejith

Campus nestled amidst greenery. Photo: Allipra Sreejith

A sambar deer, one of the abundant wildlife on campus. Photo: Allipra Sreejith

The campus has well-equipped facilities for teaching, research and student activities.

• Academic
• Student facilities
• Health Centre
• Guest House
• Faculty and Staff Housing
• Other services

Academic facilities

Currently, the main academic complex comprises the Physical Sciences, Chemical Sciences and Biological Sciences buildings along with the Animal House an Central Instrumentation Facility (CIF) buildings. A separate Lecture Hall complex and Administrative block are expected to be ready by 2020.

Academic Block. The Biological Sciences building in green. Credit: Navaneeth Krishnan

Another view of academic block. Chemical Sciences building to the left and Physical Sciences Building to the right. Photo: Aivin C Thomas

Student facilities

IISER TVM is a fully residential campus with hostels provided for male and female students. There are two Dining Halls as part of the hostel complex, in addition to other eateries. An Indoor Stadium in addition to outdoor courts provide sports facilities. There are several other recreation areas for cultural activities.

Hostel complex by the night. Photo: Allipra Sreejith

Futsal court. Photo: Girish Sudesh Yedase

Hostel complex (middle) and Academic Block (top right, to the left of the water tower): Photo: Muskaan Jain

Indoor Sports Hall. Photo: Jayasurya R Krishna

Gymnasium. Photo: Devashish Kalmegh

Students Recreation Lounge. Photo: Allipra Sreejith

Health Centre

The well-equipped health centre has staff round the clock. An ambulance is available in case of emergencies that need immediate medical care in a bigger hospital

Guest House - Visitors Forest Retreat

The location of the institute guest house, Visitors Forest Retreat (VFR), next to dense rubber estates and forests, make it one of the most attractive guest houses in India. The guest house has furnished rooms for both short and long term stays. The institute has striven to provide facilities at par with the best in the country, and VFR regularly hosts visitors from India and abroad, typically receiving excellent feedback. It includes suites and double-bedded rooms with and without attached kitchenettes. A mix of local and other cuisines is available within the guest house. A dedicated guest house manager and resident staff take care of visitors. In addition to hosting visitors, VFR is also used to host meetings and small gatherings of the institute.

Residential Complex

The residential complex in Kattippara provides housing for the faculty and staff of our institute

Other Services available

• Security staff: Available round the clock.
• ATMs of State Bank of Travancore (SBT) & Canara Bank are available in the Campus.
• House keeping staff to clean the common areas.
• Maintenance staff are available round the clock.
• Complaint/Suggestion book: Students complaints are rectified immediately/ as soon as possible.
• Transport: Outsourced Ambulance, Vehicle services to local bus stand, Railway station are available.
• Co-operative store (Shop): For purchase of stationary & other general items.
• Automated washing machines on payment basis