Bird Gallery Dehradun (Nature Education Centre)

Uttarakhand is home to around 710 species of birds, about 50% of the total number of birds in India. To feature this rich avian diversity and to educate the public, especially children, the Uttarakhand Government has opened a Bird Gallery in Jolly Grant, Dehradun. This Gallery is part of the Nature Education Centre and open for all age groups. If you are an Ornithophile or a birdwatcher, this gallery is nothing more than a paradise for you.
 

Dehradun Bird Gallery features more than 110 high quality images of various bird species, most of which are rare and about to extinct. Located just an hour's drive from Dehradun, the gallery is easily accessible by road. It remains open for the visitors throughout the week, except Sundays.
 

Uttarakhand First Bird Gallery
 

With the help of the research wing of the Forest Department, the Uttarakhand government has opened its first bird gallery at the Dehradun Nature Education Centre. Situated in Kothari Colony, Jolly Grant, it exhibits high definition images of various bird species, many of you are unfamiliar with. In addition to Bird Gallery, this Nature Education Centre also features a biodiversity gallery, cactus garden, plant nursery and recently opened Butterfly Gallery.
 

Visitors can explore detailed information about the birds including their common and scientific names. For visitor's information, a list of birds with their scientific name is displayed on the gallery entrance wall. To identify them easily, the birds are categorized into 10 different groups mainly Predators, Foraging birds, Arboreal, Vultures, Kingfishers, and Woodpeckers.
 

An Immersive Experience
 

As soon as you enter the bird gallery, the sound of birds chirping through a high quality sound system creates a realistic and immersive atmosphere. This immersive sound gives users a unique experience that is hard to found in other galleries.
 

Apart from the birds, the gallery also displays 11 different types of birds nests and feathers, which are collected and partially restored by the forest research team. These nests and feathers are kept in a special glass display frame to preserve its authenticity.
 

Nature Education Centre
 

Being an Uttarakhand first Bird Gallery, the gallery provides in depth information about various species of Uttarakhand. This bird gallery is part of the Nature Education Centre and is open in its premises. The main objective of this bird gallery is to attract bird enthusiasts, school, and college students, and the general public to provide them valuable information and knowledge about these species.
 

Most of these birds are rare and on the verge of extinction, most of them are hard to spot these days. Schools and colleges can organize an education tour, making it an insightful learning destination.
 

Centre Other Attraction
 

Along with the bird gallery, the Nature Education Centre also includes
 

• Biodiversity Gallery.
• Interpretation Centre.
• Insectivorous Garden.
   

The interpretation centre features different soil types from various regions of Uttarakhand and also depicts 100 years old village lifestyle through a model. Interpretation Centre also features : - 
 

• Gucchi : - It is India's costliest mushroom, mainly found in the Kumaun region whose cost is around 40,000/- per kg.
• Keeda Jadi : - A Himalayan Viagra, which is probably the most expensive fungus in the world. It is primarily known for its medicinal properties and has been used since ages in China and Tibet. It is commonly used by athletes to boost stamina and energy.
   

On the other hand, high quality images of various flowers, vegetables and fruits are showcased here at its themed gardens; such as : - 
 

• Triphala Vatika.
• Panch Vati Vatika.
• Dashmool Vatika.
• Butterfly Gallery.
   

Butterfly Gallery
 

The government recently inaugurated Uttarakhand First Butterfly Gallery at this Nature Education Centre. It showcases 105 high resolution images of Uttarakhand's butterflies from five different families. Uttarakhand is home to over 500 species of Butterflies, making this gallery a must visit for butterfly enthusiasts.
 

Gallery Timing
 

Entry Fee
 

To access the Dehradun Bird Gallery at Nature Education Centre, visitors need to pay an entry fee which varies for students and adults.
 

Entry Fee can be paid in cash at the Ticket Counter, located at the entrance.
 

Important Tips for Travellers
 

• Visitors are recommended to book an auto or e-rickshaw from Jolly Grant to access the location.
• Photography and Videography are allowed inside the centre.
• Do not touch the item placed in the Glass Shelf.
• Free Parking is available outside the Centre premises.
   

Nearby Attraction
 

You may also explore other notable attraction nearby to the location, which are : -
 

• Lachhiwala Nature Park.
• Kalu Sidh Temple.
• Laxman Sidh Temple.
• Rishikesh City.
• Kunjapuri Temple.
• Fun Valley.
• Narendra Nagar.