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Suyash Dwivedi CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons

Aapravasi Ghat

Historical Site

Port Louis' Aapravasi Ghat preserves the 19th‑century landing depot for indentured labourers from South Asia; visitors come for the on‑site museum, interpretive exhibits and memorials that document migration, plantation labour and Mauritius' colonial history.

Aapravasi Ghat Port LouisGrand BaieLe Morne BrabantAapravasi Ghat
In this guide

Aapravasi Ghat essentials

Address: Le Caudan Waterfront area, Port Louis, Mauritius
Website: aapravasi.govmu.org
Hours: Museum/site hours vary; typical museum hours Tue-Sun 9:30am-4:30pm (closed Mondays) - check local listings before visiting
Admission: Free entry to the Aapravasi Ghat site; museum exhibitions may have small charges or be included in local cultural passes
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About Aapravasi Ghat

Aapravasi Ghat in Port Louis is the 19th-century immigration depot where indentured labourers arriving in Mauritius were processed and accommodated. It is a key site for the history of indenture and migration in the Indian Ocean region.

On site are the archaeological remains of the depot compound and a dedicated interpretation centre that displays documents, photographs and artefacts related to the arrival and processing of migrants. The interpretation materials trace routes, contracts and personal stories of those who passed through the depot from the mid-19th century into the early 20th century.

The compound was established when colonial administrations began bringing contracted labourers to replace emancipated enslaved labour in plantations; it served as the arrival and registration point and as temporary housing. Over time the site fell into ruin before archaeological work and conservation created the present museum and preserved remains.

Aapravasi Ghat is located on the waterfront in Port Louis, the capital of Mauritius, close to the harbour and the city’s administrative core.

  • Historical significance: The site marks the starting point for many of the island’s Indo-Mauritian families and documents the migration of indentured workers from the mid-19th century onward.
  • Research resources: Visitors can view archival material, ship manifests and archaeological finds at the interpretation centre to trace individual migration stories and labour routes.

What to See#

  • Depot ruins: Ruins and archaeological remains of the 19th-century immigration depot where indentured labourers from Asia were processed and housed on arrival in Mauritius.
  • Interpretation centre: An on-site interpretation centre and museum that presents the history of indenture, arrival records and artefacts related to the migration of contract workers in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Things to Do
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Aapravasi Ghat

Best visited in Mauritius's dry season (May-October) when humidity is lower and walking in Port Louis is more pleasant.

Cool Season
May-Oct · 18-25°C
Drier and more comfortable for walking around Port Louis and the waterfront.
Warm Season
Nov-Apr · 24-30°C
Hotter, more humid and prone to showers-still fine for museum visits but avoid midday heat outdoors.

Weather & Climate near Aapravasi Ghat

Climate

Aapravasi Ghat's climate is classified as Tropical Monsoon - Tropical Monsoon climate with hot summers (peaking in January) and warm winters (coldest in August). Temperatures range from 18°C to 30°C. Abundant rainfall (1652 mm/year), wettest in February.

Air Quality: AQI 39 Good
Best Time to Visit
SeptemberOctoberNovember
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
30°
Warmest Month
20°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Very Good 23° - 30° 27° 249 mm partly cloudy 79% 3.0 m/s 3.0 extreme 13.1h
February Good 23° - 30° 27° 270 mm partly cloudy 79% 2.3 m/s 2.8 extreme 12.7h
March Very Good 23° - 30° 26° 216 mm partly cloudy 78% 2.3 m/s 2.4 extreme 12.1h
April Very Good 22° - 29° 25° 193 mm partly cloudy 78% 3.0 m/s 1.9 very high 11.5h
May Very Good 20° - 27° 24° 130 mm partly cloudy 75% 3.3 m/s 1.4 high 11.0h
June Excellent 19° - 26° 22° 82 mm partly cloudy 73% 3.3 m/s 1.2 high 10.8h
July Very Good 18° - 25° 22° 86 mm partly cloudy 73% 4.0 m/s 1.2 high 10.9h
August Excellent 18° - 25° 21° 81 mm partly cloudy 73% 3.7 m/s 1.5 very high 11.3h
September Excellent 18° - 26° 22° 53 mm partly cloudy 73% 3.2 m/s 1.9 very high 11.9h
October Excellent 19° - 27° 23° 55 mm partly cloudy 75% 3.1 m/s 2.4 extreme 12.4h
November Excellent 21° - 28° 24° 73 mm partly cloudy 75% 1.8 m/s 2.7 extreme 13.0h
December Very Good 22° - 29° 26° 164 mm partly cloudy 76% 1.8 m/s 2.9 extreme 13.2h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Aapravasi Ghat

Aapravasi Ghat is in central Port Louis near the Caudan Waterfront. From the Port Louis bus terminus it is a short walk; taxis and rideshares are readily available across Mauritius. The site is easy to combine with visits to the central market and waterfront precinct.

Tips for Visiting Aapravasi Ghat

  • Visit the museum and audio‑visual displays first to get historical context before walking the pier and the restored immigration buildings.
  • Combine the visit with a walk through Port Louis's Central Market and the nearby Caudan Waterfront to see the modern city that grew around this colonial port.
  • If possible, time the visit for a guided tour to hear personal stories and excerpts from ship logs and immigration registers.