Aapravasi Ghat,Mauritius

The site carries personal stories of millions who arrived with hopes of work and a new life; oral histories include accounts of arduous sea voyages, arrival rituals, and names recorded in ledgers now preserved in archives. Local narratives also recall the transformation of the Port Louis shoreline and the memory of the ‘ghat’ as both a gateway and a place of separation.

• Remains of the Immigration Depot (stone foundations, rooms and processing areas)
• The Landing Steps and Ramp where migrants arrived from ships
• Interpretation Centre / Museum with exhibits, documents, ledgers and personal items
• Restored stone buildings and archaeological displays
• Harbour and Port Louis views offering context to the historical setting

• Archaeological remains that reveal the layout and operations of the 19th-century depot
• Interpretive displays that trace personal migration stories and global labour networks
• Proximity to Port Louis historic district and markets (easy combined visits)
• UNESCO World Heritage signage and curated conservation efforts

• Guided tours of the archaeological site and interpretation centre
• Self-guided walks with information panels explaining processing routines and daily life
• Educational programmes and temporary exhibitions on migration and labour history
• Photography of the restored ruins and harbour backdrop
• Walking tours combining Aapravasi Ghat with nearby historic Port Louis sites and markets

• National commemorations related to migration and cultural heritage (e.g., Indian Arrival commemorations and related public events)
• Temporary exhibitions and history-focused events organised by the museum/archives
• Community remembrance ceremonies and school educational visits

The drier months (May to October) are generally best for pleasant walking and outdoor exploration. Avoid the wet/hurricane season (November to April) if possible.

Mauritius has a tropical maritime climate: warm and humid from November to April (rainy, cyclone risk); cooler and drier from May to October.

Opening hours and entry fees may change—check the official site or local tourism information before visiting. Typical hours for heritage sites are roughly 09:00–16:30, with a small admission fee or donation for museums/interpretation centres in many cases.

Located in Port Louis near the Caudan Waterfront. Accessible by local bus routes, taxi, or on foot from central Port Louis. The nearest international airport is Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (SSR), about 45–50 km away (approx. 45–60 minutes by car depending on traffic). Parts of the archaeological site include uneven surfaces and steps—wheelchair access may be limited to some areas; contact the site for specific accessibility arrangements.

Allow 1–2 hours for a focused visit (longer if combining with nearby Port Louis attractions or attending guided tours/exhibitions).

Light, breathable clothing, comfortable walking shoes, sun protection (hat/sunscreen), and a light rain jacket if visiting in the wetter months.

While in Port Louis try local specialties such as dholl puri, rougaille, gateau piment, and fresh seafood. Souvenirs include local textiles, sugar and tea products, handicrafts, and CDs or items related to Sega music and Mauritian culture.