Forest Research Institute, Dehradun - Timings, History, Best Time to Visit

At a distance of 4.5 km from Dehradun Railway Station, Forest Research Institute (FRI) is located on the Kaulagarh Road in Dehradun. It is one of the oldest institutions of its kind and boasts of beautiful architecture. It is also one of the top places to visit in Dehradun.

It is an institute of the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education and is a premier institution in the field of forestry research in India. This institute was established by British in 1906 as an Imperial Forest Research Institute. In 1991, it was declared as a deemed university by the University Grants Commission. Set in a lush green estate spread over 450 hectares, with the outer Himalayas forming its back drop; the institute's main building is styled in Greco-Roman and Colonial architecture by C.G. Blomfield. The main building is larger than the Buckingham Palace and is a heritage monument which was inaugurated in 1929.

The institute is fully equipped campus comprises of laboratories, libraries and herbariums. This building houses six museums related to forestry, which include museums on social forestry, pathology, silviculture, timber, non-wood forest products and entomology. In addition, the place also houses a Botanical Garden, which is a popular picnic spot among travellers. The Forest Research Institute campus hosts the IGNFA (Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy), the staff college that trains officers selected for the Indian Forest Service (IFS).

Visitors can take guided tours on the campus which take place daily.

Museum Timings: 9.30 AM - 5 PM.

Guided Tour Timings: 9 AM - 1 PM and 2:30 PM - 5:30 PM.

Museum Entry Fee: Rs.25 per person.