Forest Research Institute

The Forest Research Institute (FRI) is a premier forestry research institute and historic landmark sprawled across 450 hectares in Dehradun. Established originally in 1906 as the Imperial Forest Research Institute, its grand main building was designed in the Greco Roman Colonial style by British architect C.G. Blomfield and inaugurated in 1929 in Uttarakhand.

Larger in plinth area than Buckingham Palace, the iconic red brick heritage structure features grand arched corridors, towering Greek pillars, and expansive landscaped lawns framed by Himalayan cedars and bamboo groves. It has served as a filming location for numerous celebrated Bollywood movies.

The institute houses six fascinating specialized museums open to the public: Pathology Museum, Social Forestry Museum, Silviculture Museum, Timber Museum, Non Wood Forest Products Museum, and Entomology Museum. These galleries display centuries of botanical specimens, rare timber cross sections, and wildlife preservation models.

Museum Highlights & Visiting Logistics

Visitors can take guided tours through the museums or stroll through the peaceful botanical gardens and arboretum. Cycles can be rented at the entrance gate to explore the sprawling estate.
Visiting Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM daily (Museums closed on national holidays)
Entry Fee: Rs 15 per person (Museum entry: Rs 40 per person; Vehicle entry extra)