Kala Ghoda kaleidoscope

Inside of the map

There are political maps and tourist maps. Then, there are those maps that seem like collectibles. The Kala Ghoda foldable map (limited edition) by Inktrails Illustrators falls in the latter category, and could easily become a conversation-starter.

Made from hand-made paper with illustrations by an artist who signs off as Archana, the detailed artwork for every landmark is a delight to the discerning eye as well as a first-time visitor as we discovered when we showed it to an out-of-towner. We liked the careful curation, from the obvious (Elphinstone College) to the lesser-known (Watson's Esplanade Hotel). The short descriptions are crisply drafted, informative with the right mix of facts and trivia. Academic language is avoided which is a refreshing departure, especially for a topic like heritage that can be overwhelming for some.

The cover. Pics/Rane Ashish

The cover of this foldable map that visually celebrates a heady assemblage of landmarks on a single page is a treat in itself. In fact, it is what grabbed our eye in the maze of city collectibles and souvenirs that grace the Museum Shop inside Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS). If you need a reminder to illustrate why Kala Ghoda is regarded as the heartbeat of Mumbai's art and cultural landscape, this map will show the way.

At: Museum Shop, CSMVS, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Fort
Cost: Rs 2,850