Forest Research Institute main building and lawn in Dehradun (photo: Raju Kumar, Unsplash)

Things to Do at FRI Dehradun: Museums, Main Building & Film Spots

At FRI, walk the arcades of the main building, see the six forestry museums, photograph the famous front lawn and film spots, and stroll the tree-lined avenues of the campus.

Must doMain building and lawn
Don't missTimber Museum
For film fansArcades and courtyards
Time needed2-3 hours

The main building

Front lawn and facade

The classic view of the long red-brick building with its arches and towers. Best at opening time or late afternoon.

All year30 minEasy

Arcades and courtyards

Walk the long open corridors around the inner courtyards, the spots you may know from Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein and Student of the Year.

All year30 minEasy

The six museums

Timber Museum

Giant cross-sections of old trees, with their growth rings, and samples of woods from across India.

Museum hours20-30 minEasy

Silviculture Museum

How forests are planted, grown and looked after, with models of forest types.

Museum hours15-20 minEasy

Social Forestry Museum

How villages and towns grow trees for fuel, fodder and shade.

Museum hours15 minEasy

Non-Wood Forest Products Museum

Resin, gums, bamboo, cane, medicinal plants and other things forests give us besides timber.

Museum hours15-20 minEasy

Entomology Museum

Cases of insects, from beautiful butterflies to the beetles that damage trees.

Museum hours15-20 minEasy

Pathology Museum

The fungi and diseases that attack trees, and how they are studied.

Museum hours15 minEasy

Around the campus

Tree-lined avenues

Walk the quiet roads lined with tall old trees, with the Mussoorie hills behind on clear days.

Oct - Apr30-45 minEasy

Add Tapkeshwar Temple

The cave temple of Shiva is only 4-5 km away and makes an easy pair with FRI.

All year1 hourEasy

Rules to keep in mind

  • Stay on the visitor routes; labs, offices and hostels are off limits.
  • Personal photos are fine; film, wedding and professional shoots need written permission.
  • Do not climb on the building or pluck plants; this is a heritage and research campus.
  • Keep the campus clean; carry your rubbish out.

Things to Do at FRI: FAQs

How many museums are there in FRI?

Six: Timber, Silviculture, Social Forestry, Non-Wood Forest Products, Entomology and Pathology.

Can I do a photo shoot at FRI?

Personal photos are fine. Film, pre-wedding and professional shoots need permission from FRI and are charged separately.

Is FRI good for children?

Yes. The lawns are great for running around and children usually love the giant tree slices and insect cases.

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