PK (2014) Rajasthan Trail: Mandawa to Jaisalmer
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# PK Rajasthan Trail
Aamir Khan wandering through Rajasthan in PK gave Shekhawati's painted havelis their first mainstream exposure. The film used Mandawa, Jaisalmer, and Delhi as primary locations.
Mandawa / Shekhawati
The painted haveli sequences. Mandawa is the most accessible Shekhawati town — 250km from Delhi, 170km from Jaipur. The Castle Mandawa hotel (filming location) is bookable. Havelis are everywhere — free to photograph from outside.
Jaisalmer Fort
The living fort sequences. PK's scenes inside the fort capture its narrow lanes and carved sandstone perfectly. 3,000 people still live inside. The fort is best explored early morning before tour groups arrive.
Delhi — Jantar Mantar
The rally scenes. Jantar Mantar is a Mughal-era astronomical observatory in the heart of Connaught Place. Also India's designated protest site. Worth 30 minutes.
Practical Intelligence
PK circuit: 3-4 days. Delhi → Mandawa/Shekhawati (day 1-2) → Jaisalmer (day 3-4). Or reverse from Jaisalmer. Budget: ₹2,500-4,000/day.
Monthly Scores
| Destination | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi | 6.0 | 8.0 | 8.0 | 6.0 | 2.0 | 2.0 | 4.0 | 4.0 | 6.0 | 10.0 | 8.0 | 6.0 |
| Jaisalmer | 10.0 | 10.0 | 8.0 | 4.0 | 2.0 | 2.0 | 4.0 | 4.0 | 6.0 | 10.0 | 10.0 | 10.0 |
| Shekhawati | 10.0 | 10.0 | 8.0 | 4.0 | 2.0 | 2.0 | 4.0 | 4.0 | 6.0 | 10.0 | 10.0 | 10.0 |
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