The Odyssey: Reimagining Odysseus' journey in Mumbai to help you explore the city

Graphic/Suhas Kale

Island of the Sirens

Pic/Rane Ashish

This is the part of the story where Odysseus asks his soldiers to bind him, and plug their ears. No soundtrack to Mumbai would be complete without the honkers at the Haji Ali traffic signal who force you to shut your ears

Also visit: Haji Ali and Ma Hajiani Dargah. Ornate carvings and jharokas decorate these calm oases amidst passing traffic surrounded by a turbulent ocean

Troy

The Odyssey begins at the site of the great battle of Troy. In Maximum City, the Worli Fort still carries memories of guns that once defended sea attacks

Also visit: Worli Koliwada; a centuries-old fishing hamlet whose residents might have taught Odysseus a lesson or two

Island of the Phaeacians

The penultimate refuge for our lost hero, this is where Odysseus finds a flourishing kingdom to help him. The verdant greens of Sanjay Gandhi National Park certainly are the last refuge for the Mumbaikar

Also visit: Kanheri Caves. The rock-cut marvels still hold myths and mysteries for the curious visitor

Island of Lotus Eaters

File Pics

An island where visitors lose themselves among fun, food, and flavour. That sounds like Bandra. Many a foodie has lost themselves cafe-hopping in the suburb. Plus, the Queen of the Suburbs has been suffering from apathy for a while now, a familiar sight for Odysseus' crew

Also visit: Hill Road and Chapel Road for vintage bungalows, street art, bakeries, and boutiques

Island of Circe

Pics/Ashish Raje

The Greek Goddess was famous for turning erring humans into animals, as she does with Odysseus and his men. The chatty penguins and feisty leopards at the Rani Baug, Mumbai Zoo might make you wonder if they did once serve among boisterous sailors.

Also visit: Dr Bhau Daji Lad Museum, Mumbai's oldest museum offers a glimpse into the city's natural and cultural evolution.

The Underworld

Pic/Satej Shinde

The closest experience of the Underworld in Mumbai is a trip through the Aqua Line which begins with a long climb navigating its labyrinthine stairs

Also visit: The CSMT building. Emerging out of the underground labyrinth to view the majestic architecture of the BMC headquarters and the CSMT building is an experience to speak of

Ithaca

With its ancient Old Woman's Island, the sight of Gateway of India at Apollo Bunder has to feel like home for Mumbaikars

Also visit: Sassoon Docks. Busy, colourful, and perfect for a sailor to relax in its environs. Perhaps you will find an old Odysseus, stitching his net, with a story to share

Island of Cyclops

Pics/Shadab Khan

A mysterious, volcanic island marked by rock-cut caves. The Elephanta Island off Mumbai's coast fits this description to a tee. Its ancient mystery and scenic beauty notwithstanding, we'd suggest you wait for the monsoon to pass

Also visit: If crossing the sea seems unfeasible, drop by the Colaba Market to stumble upon yet undiscovered treasures

Did You Know?

Composed between 725 and 675 BC, Homer's Odyssey is an epic poem that spans 24 books, and contains 12,109 verses.