Established in 1975, the Kerala Forest Research Institute (KFRI) is an institution of the Government of Kerala under its Science and Technology Department. The Institute is dedicated to research in tropical forestry, environment and biodiversity conservation. In 2003, when the State owned R & D institutions were re-organized to constitute the Kerala State Council for Science and Technology (KSCSTE), KFRI also became part of the latter.

The main campus of the Institute is located at Peechi, in the midst of natural forests, about 20 km East of Thrissur town. Peechi is about 75 km towards North of Kochi International Airport. The main campus of the Institute extends over 28 ha. which forms the picturesque reserve forest adjacent to Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary.

The Subcentre at Nilambur (140 km from Peechi) has facilities for laboratory work and field trials. A bambusetum with 21 bamboo species and several species trial plots are maintained at the Subcentre. The Teak Museum within the Subcentre campus, a unique blend of art and science, displays exhibits on various aspects of teak, including distribution, history of planting, cultivation practices, and utilization. A Bioresources Nature Trail is being established adjacent to the Museum depicting various biological themes. A model butterfly garden is another attraction of the trail. The Subcentre has a Guest House and a Research Scholars’ Dormitory within the campus.

The Field Research Center, Velupadam(36 km from Peechi) has a laboratory and facilities for conducting nursery and field trials. It has one of India’s largest bamboo collections in a bambusetum and a bamboo and cane nursery.

Teak Museum, the only one of its kind in the world with exhibits on history, research and development of Teak.