I genuinely enjoy maps and physical geography, not picking it only because of overlap. Is the optional still reasonable if I'm ready to do the practical/map side properly? Hearing mixed things about how bulky paper 1 vs paper 2 feels.

If you like it, that's already better than half the 'overlap' crowd. Paper 1 (principles) needs clear diagrams; paper 2 (Indian geo) needs examples you can locate. Overlap with GS1 geo and some environment is useful, but optional still needs its own weekly slot.

Thanks. I'll start with a standard physical geo text and the syllabus itself, not a 10-book list.