Facebook Twitter Youtube Instagram Linkedin
Facebook Twitter Youtube Instagram Linkedin

Forest Research Institute (FRI)

Forest Research Institute (FRI)  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. It is located at Dehradun in Uttarakhand and is among the oldest institutions of its kind. In 1991, it was declared a deemed university by the University Grants Commission.Forest Research Institute (FRI) Dehradun was established in 1878. It offers M.Sc. and PhD courses in different specializations.The place is dedicated to studying the plants, animals, climate and topography of the Himalayan forests. Constructed on the lines of Greco-roman architectural, this 5-km area campus is home to different varieties of trees, plants and animals – especially a wide range of migratory birds.

The Forest Research Institute (FRI)

This architectural gem dates back to the colonial era and has been established in 1906 by the British government. The ambience here explodes of intricate beauty and natural diversity. This premier research institute is also the oldest in the country. It hosts 6 museums about the area of forest including the Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy and Indian Council of Forest Research. Its scenic beauty, natural aura, rare specimen’s hilly terrain and architectural structure makes it a sought-after tourist destination in Dehradun.

Best Time to Visit

This hill station has pleasant weather all throughout the year. Hence, it is a good place to visit in every season. However, summertime remains the ideal time to visit. The monsoon rain at Dehradun is beautiful as it wears a green coat. So, April to June is ideal to pay a visit here.

Things to do in FRI

  • 700-year-old cross-section specimen of a deodar tree is another must-see object.
  • The paintings of Afshan Zaidi depicting plants, animals and birds in their natural habitat is the star attraction. 
  • Visit all 6 museums – especially look for timbre, sylvicultural, non- wood and entomology museum. 
  •  Trek through the mountainous campus and enjoy the sight of exotic Himalayan birds and migratory birds.
  • Relish the opulent Greco-roman architecture.
  • The depicting of the utility of various medicinal plants draws many people.
  • Take a picture of the colonial building situated amongst the backdrop of the mighty Himalayas.
  • Pay a visit to the libraries and herbarium sections to gather knowledge. 
  •  Enjoy a small picnic on a lush green campus in the picnic points.

Forest Research Institute (FRI)

Interesting Facts and Trivia

  • The Imperial Forest Research Institute was the original name as given by the British government.
  • It is the oldest research institute of India.
  • It was founded in 1906. It was constructed much later. It started in 1924 and ended in 1929. C.G. Bloomfield was the architect of this masterpiece.
  • It harbours the headquarter of the Indian Council of Forest Research With an area of 450 hectares, it has the largest campus in India even greater than the Buckingham Palace area.
  • ‘Student of the Year’ the Popular Bollywood was shot here for some of it scences.

How to reach (FRI)

This institute is located at a distance of around 5km approximately from the main town area of Dehradun and is well-connected cars, autos, buses and Taxies. It takes around 30 min to reach the place from the town area and the nearest jolly Grant airport lies at a distance 30 km and nearest railway station Dehradun around 6km away.

Nearby Attractions

  • Tapkeshwar temple at the Garhi Cantonment lies within 5km around the radius of the institute.
  • Robber’s cave at guchchu paani is within 8km of the institute.
  • the clock tower of Dehradun town lies at a distance around 7km from this institute.
  • Indian Military Academy and Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology lies within 2km from this place.
  • Mindrolling Monastery and Ram Rai Gurudwara are other places of interest.
  • Tibetan Buddhist Temple near IAS academy is another interesting place to visit.

Restaurants Near

  • Naveen Foods and Nanking Restaurant at Ballupur Road, Dehradun are good options for eating out.
  • Imperial Clark Inn, Walk-in Woods restaurant, The Wok, Ellora’s Bakery, Café BMG, the dugout and Barbeque Planet are some of the best places to eat in the vicinity. 
  • Daawat at Surbhi Palace, Chakrata Road and 7 Eleven at Alka Puri, Chakrata Road are interesting dining gateways.

This Institute with its opulent architecture, soothing ambience and picturesque beauty offer an attractive alternative to tourists. it is a must-visit place in Dehradun. So, don’t forget to visit this place when you visit Dehradun. Who knows you might find out that “Our Trees Still Grow in Dehra”.

Some Tips in FRI

  •  There are different types of a museum on the premise. Make sure you choose the right one according to your preference. Hence prioritize your time.
  • Make sure you explore the natural beauty of the place.
  • Photography is strictly prohibited on the institute premises. So, keep your shutters restricted to the campus greens. 
  • However, don’t miss out a museum while you concentrate on another. Visit all of them.