The Forest Research Institute is a branch of the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education. This is the perfect place for kids and explorers. Get there for an array of forestry information. It 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.
You can visit the institute anytime. But, if you are traveling Uttarakhand, one of the prominent states of North India, winter is the best time to enjoy the weather.
Why You Should Visit Forest Research Institute
Forest Research Institute Dehradun is among the oldest institutions of its kind and acclaimed the world over. The institute's history is virtually synonymous with the evolution and development of scientific forestry, not only in India but over the entire sub-continent. Built over 450 hectares, with the outer Himalaya forming its backdrop, the institute's main building combines Greco-Roman and Colonial styles of architecture, with a plinth area of 2.5 hectares.
The building was listed for a time, in the Guinness Book of Records, as the largest purely brick structure in the world. The institute has a developed infrastructure of all equipped laboratories, library, herbarium, arboreta, printing press, and experimental field areas for conducting forestry research, quite in keeping with the best of its kind anywhere in the world.
History of Forest Research Institute
It was founded in 1878 as the British Imperial Forest School by Dietrich Brandis. In 1906, it was re-established as the Imperial Forest Research Institute, under the British Imperial Forestry Service.
Major Attractions in Forest Research Institute or FRI
1. Greco-Roman colonial architecture
The Forest Research Institute is built under the Greco-Roman colonial style which gives a perfect look to the building.
2. Museums
The building consists of several museums such as social forestry, pathology, silviculture, timber, non-wood forest products, and entomology.
3. Popular Bollywood Spot
More than half a dozen movies Dulhan Ek Raat Ki, Krishna Cottage, Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein, 404, Paan Singh Tomar, Nanban, Student of the Year, Student of the Year 2, Dilli Khabar, Yaara Genius, Dear Daddy, and Maharshi were majorly shot in this campus. A television commercial ad of Bournvita was also shot here. Punjabi song Pyaar tere naal he and Sajjan Raji by Satinder Sartaj also shot here. Web series like Punch beat is also shot here.
4. Tiger Falls
Just about 4 kilometers away from the FRI, the tiger Falls is one of the delights to look for. The sound of waterfalls is like the roaring of a tiger, that’s why it is named “Tiger Falls”. This holds a gigantic view and soothing atmosphere.
How to Reach Forest Research Institute or FRI
Situated in Dehradun, the Forest Research Institute of Uttarakhand is a branch of the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education. For visiting this oldest institute of its kind, you need to travel 2372.2 km from Bangalore, 2405 km from Chennai, 1650 km from Mumbai, and 255.9 km from Delhi.
By Air
The nearest airport to the Forest Research Institute is Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport. To travel here, you can consider taking connecting flights from Delhi and Chandigarh airports. From the airports, you can easily book a cab or some other means of public transportation to reach here.
- From Patna - Board Air India, Vistara, SpiceJet, and IndiGo flights from Patna International Airport. The flight may cost you around INR 5200-5686
- From Ahmedabad - Board Air India, Spice Jet, Vistara, and IndiGo flights from Ahmedabad Airport. The flight may cost you around INR 3491-8847
By Train
Deboard at the Dehradun Railway Station and from there you can easily take buses, autos, and cabs going towards the Forest Research Institute.
- From Howrah - Board UPASANA EXPRESS train from Howrah Railway Junction and deboard at Dehradun railway station
- From Delhi - Board DEHRADUN EXPRESS train from Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station and deboard at Kathgodam railway station
By Road
Depending upon your geographical location, you can choose to travel to this place via multiple options like buses (inter-state/private) private cabs or if living in a nearby place, then you can also prefer to self-drive here.
- From Ambala - 146.5 km via NH7
- From Chandigarh - 167.1 km via NH7
- From Nainital - 356.3 km via NH307
You can plan your trip and create your own route to the city with Adotrip’s technically driven circuit planner. Click here.
