A new planetarium in Mangalore, India, will open to the public in April 2015 and become “the first of its kind in the country,” according to state government.

The 3D planetarium, designed with young adults and children in mind, is expected to be set up at the biological park Pilikula Nisargadhama, to open shortly after the park’s completion in March.

The government has agreed to sanction RS5crore (US$832,000, €615,000, £486,000) towards construction costs, which will include the redevelopment of Kadri Park – the largest leisure park in Mangalore.

KV Rao, director of training at the Pilikula Nisargadhama biological park said that the planetarium will have all modern equipment to present students and enthusiasts with the best learning experience.

Other plans for the park include a new children’s play area and a musical fountain with a laser show, along with beautifying the already existing park.

The Mangalore Urban Development Authority (MUDA) is overseeing the project and tenders related to civil works have been finalised, with the contract to construct buildings for the planetarium awarded to Mangalore-based Roy Constructions.