FRI Dehradun, the Forest Research Institute on Chakrata Road, closed to visitors at the end of January 2026 for repairs and new security arrangements. It reopened on 25 May 2026 with two visitor sessions a day and new entry fees. Most travel sites still show the old ₹20 ticket, so if you're planning a visit, go by the figures below.
FRI Dehradun entry fee in 2026
These rates come from FRI's visitor circular, in force from 25 May 2026, as reported by Dehradun Wants and in a visitor guide that cites the circular:
- Campus entry: ₹100 per Indian visitor, valid for one session (it used to be about ₹20)
- Foreign nationals: ₹1,000 per person
- Museums: ₹150 extra for Indian adults, ₹1,500 for foreign adults
- School groups: ₹30 per child for the museums
- College groups: ₹50 per student for the museums
- Vehicles: ₹50 for a scooter, ₹100 for an auto, ₹150 for a car or taxi
The fine for going in without a ticket is ₹1,000 per person, so buy one at the gate even if you only plan to walk through.
Timings: the two visitor sessions
Visitors can now come in for one of two sessions: 10 am to 1:30 pm, or 1:30 to 5 pm. The ₹100 ticket covers a single session, so if you walk in at 1 pm you only get half an hour before the morning session ends. Get there at 10 am or 1:30 pm to make the most of it.
There's no fixed weekly holiday, but FRI does close at short notice for convocations, official visits and events. If you're coming from out of town, check FRI's website or call before you leave.
What you'll see
The institute started as the Forest School of Dehradun in 1878 and became the Imperial Forest Research Institute in 1906. The main building, designed by C. G. Blomfield and opened in 1929, combines Greco-Roman columns with red-brick colonial arches. Around it is a campus of about 450 hectares, with the outer Himalaya behind.
There are six museums inside, each covering a different part of forestry:
- Pathology: tree diseases and the fungi behind them
- Social Forestry: how villages plant and manage trees
- Silviculture: how forests are grown and cared for
- Timber: Indian woods and what they're used for
- Non-Wood Forest Products: resins, gums, bamboo and medicinal plants
- Entomology: insects, including the ones that damage trees
How to reach FRI
FRI is about 7 km from the Clock Tower along Chakrata Road. The simplest way is an auto or cab from the Clock Tower. If you're driving, remember to budget for the vehicle charge.
Tips for a visit
- Wear comfortable shoes, because the campus is huge.
- Keep your ticket on you until you leave.
- If you're paying for the museums too, start with them and walk the campus after, so you're not rushing them at the end of your session.
Frequently asked questions
What is the FRI Dehradun entry fee in 2026?
₹100 per Indian visitor per session, plus ₹150 for adults who want to see the museums. Vehicle charges are ₹50 to ₹150. These rates apply from 25 May 2026.
What are FRI Dehradun's timings?
There are two visitor sessions: 10 am to 1:30 pm and 1:30 to 5 pm. FRI can close at short notice for official events, so check before a long trip.
Is FRI Dehradun open on Sundays?
Under the current rules FRI has no fixed weekly closing day, but it does close for convocations and official visits. Check the FRI website before you go.
How far is FRI from the Clock Tower?
About 7 km, along Chakrata Road.
How many museums are there at FRI?
Six: Pathology, Social Forestry, Silviculture, Timber, Non-Wood Forest Products and Entomology.
Find more on Doon Dekho
FRI has its own page on Doon Dekho with directions and the latest fees. For more ideas, browse Explore → Places to Visit → Landmarks.