Aapravasi Ghat | Port Louis

Information

Landmark: Aapravasi Ghat
City: Port Louis
Country: Mauritius
Continent: Africa

Aapravasi Ghat, Port Louis, Mauritius, Africa

Aapravasi Ghat is a 19th-century immigration depot located on the bay of Trou Fanfaron in Port Louis, Mauritius. The site served as the primary entry point for indentured laborers arriving from India, Southeast Asia, East Africa, and China between 1849 and 1923.

Visual Characteristics

The complex consists of three single-story stone buildings constructed from dark basalt blocks bonded with lime mortar. Only about 15% of the original structure remains intact, including the entrance gate, the hospital block, the immigration shed, and a series of 14 stone steps where laborers first stepped onto the island. The architectural style is functional and colonial, characterized by thick masonry walls and corrugated iron or slate roofing.

Location & Access Logistics

The site is situated on Quay Street in central Port Louis, adjacent to the northern bus terminal. It is approximately 1 km from the city center and the Caudan Waterfront. Public access is available via the M1 motorway; limited street parking exists nearby, though the Granary parking lot is the closest major facility. The site is a 5-minute walk from the Port Louis North bus station, which services routes from the northern districts.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Constructed in 1849 by the British colonial government, the site was designed to manage the "Great Experiment"-the transition from enslaved labor to indentured servitude following the abolition of slavery. It was the first of its kind in the world, establishing a logistical model later exported to other British colonies. The site sits on reclaimed land near the natural harbor of Port Louis.

Key Highlights & Activities

The Beekrumsing Ramlallah Interpretation Centre provides a permanent exhibition of archaeological artifacts, including clay pipes, glass bottles, and historical documents. Visitors can view the original stone steps and the bathing area used by arrivals. Guided tours are conducted by site heritage officers during operating hours, focusing on the processing stages of indentured immigrants.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The interpretation center is air-conditioned and equipped with public restrooms and a small gift shop. Shade is provided by the internal courtyard and the modern museum structure, though the exterior ruins are exposed to the sun. Reliable 4G and 5G cellular coverage is available throughout the site. There are no food vendors inside the gates, but numerous cafes and markets are located within a 200-meter radius in the city.

Best Time to Visit

The site is best visited during the morning hours (09:00 to 11:00) to avoid the midday heat and the peak afternoon traffic of Port Louis. For photography, the morning light illuminates the basalt structures and the harbor backdrop clearly. May through October offers the most favorable weather conditions with lower humidity and minimal rainfall.

Facts & Legends

Aapravasi Ghat was originally known as Coolie Ghat, but was renamed in 1987 to "Aapravasi Ghat," which translates from Sanskrit as "the landing place of immigrants." A significant historical oddity is that nearly 70% of the current Mauritian population can trace their ancestry back to this specific 0.16-hectare site, making it a critical node for global genealogical research.