Forest Research Institute (FRI), Dehradun, is a forestry research institute and a notable city landmark, known for its main building and museum collections. A visit can combine a look at the architecture with exhibits on forestry, forest products and wildlife conservation.
- The main building blends Greco-Roman and Oriental styles.
- Museum collections include entomology, forest pathology and timber.
- The site is closed on Sundays.
- Admission fees may have changed, so confirm them before your visit.
What to see at the institute
The main building and the institute’s green campus are the main outdoor draws at FRI. Completed in 1929, the building combines Greco-Roman and Oriental architectural styles.
The campus has a long research history. The institution traces its roots to the Imperial Forest Research Institute, established in 1906; FRI and its research centres came under the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education in 1988.
FRI’s campus covers about 500 hectares, while its green area covers 450 hectares; those figures differ between the institute’s campus descriptions.
Museum and visitor access
The Forest Research Institute Museum covers forestry history, forest products and wildlife conservation. FRI’s collections include the Entomology Museum, Forest Pathology Museum and Timber Museum.
The Entomology Museum has about 3,000 exhibits and the Forest Pathology Museum has 900. The Silviculture Museum Gallery presents forest evolution and growth, threats to forests, and dioramas of tropical and temperate forests. Its themes also include silviculture systems, ecosystem services and sustainable forest management.
Visitor hours are 09:00 to 17:30, with Sundays closed. Museum facilities include a library, photography and guided tours. Confirm current access and fees before setting out.
Times checked November 2026.
How do you get to the campus?
The Forest Research Institute is on Dehradun-Chakrata Road (NH 72). The Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy is on the FRI campus, six kilometres from Dehradun city. The campus is about 5.5 km from Hotel Mj Residency.
Dehradun Railway Station is another city arrival point, with a connection to the hotel described in the station-to-hotel route guide.
Use the institute’s address for directions: P.O. New Forest, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248006, India. If you are combining FRI with time in the city centre, the Clock Tower and Paltan Bazaar are central Dehradun landmarks, together forming the focus of this guide to Dehradun’s Clock Tower and Paltan Bazaar.
Checking hours and visitor rules
FRI’s general working hours are 09:00 to 17:30, Monday to Friday, but institute working hours do not necessarily establish museum or visitor hours.
Admission fees may have changed, so confirm current fees directly with the institute. Temporary administrative closures can affect access; check the official site before you go.
FAQs
What is Forest Research Institute known for?
FRI is known for forestry research, its Greco-Roman and Oriental-style main building, and museum collections related to forests and wildlife conservation.
Which museums are at FRI?
Collections include the Entomology Museum, Forest Pathology Museum and Timber Museum. The Silviculture Museum Gallery presents forest-related themes and dioramas.
Is the Forest Research Institute open on Sundays?
The site is closed on Sundays. Confirm current visitor access with the institute before travelling.