The laughter of kids around the corner, the sound of hawkers at Causeway, the overpowering feeling of heavy-duty detergents at Dhobi Ghat or the sight of the rickety signage above your favourite Irani café. If you’re missing the sights of Mumbai, these city chroniclers on Instagram will give you a slice of it at home.

All in a frame

"The first thing that strikes anybody who lands in the city is the smell of the sea and its distinct saltiness," says photographer Gopal MS, whose photobook Matsyagandha maps low tides and distinct smells from the island city. His frames translate the aroma of ground spices in Chinchpokli, and the stench of Malad creek and decaying flowers at Dadar’s phool market. "If you travel on a crowded train, you don’t even need to look at signboards to figure out what station you’ve crossed. The smell tells you exactly where you are," he concludes.