A perfect combination of beauty & ancient history, Aapravasi Ghat, located in Mauritius, will fill your heart with adventure. Mauritius represents the mixture of different cultures of Chinese, African, Indian, Southeast Asian, and French. So, the country holds the thriving history of many modern era parts with unfolding stories to explore. One of the memorable & interesting visits to Mauritius is Aapravasi Ghat, an essential root of ancestors. The ghat represents an immigration depot and keeps a history of Mauritius with a glimpse of colourful diversity.
Travellers with ancient history & cultural interests will love the vibes of the place. In the blog, ahead let’s unfold its history and & other aspects:
History Roots
Aapravasi Ghat falls under an impressive historical site to symbolise Mauritian identity & culture. Here, during ancient times more than 70% of today’s local population ancestors reached the island using this immigration depot (Now, Aapravasi Ghat). During the early post-slavery years of 1834-1920, the depot was founded to receive labourers coming in search of work under sugar plantations. Overall more than 2 million labourers immigrate to the location.
If you closely look at the buildings of Aapravasi Ghat, it shows the earliest manifestations of the future global economic system of that era of time. It defines not only the development & formulation of a modern systematic structure for contractual labour but also empowers & outlines the traditional and high values of labourers & their wives and children who left their countries of origin, in order to work in foreign lands.
With the presence of a goldmine of history, the Aapravasi Ghat was announced as a national monument by the Government of Mauritius in April 1987, and following which in 2006, UNESCO declared the ghat into the list of world heritage sites.
Basic Information About Aapravasi Ghat
Aapravasi Ghat Mauritius remain open Monday – Friday: 9 AM to 4 PM & Saturday: 9 AM to 12 PM ( Note: Closed on Sunday and Public Holidays)
Entrance fee: Free
How to reach Aapravasi Ghat: The location is 1st Quay Street in Port Louis, Mauritius. It is easily reachable by private taxi or cab.
Airways: The closest airport for Aapravsi Ghat is Port Louis International Airport (Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport).
Top Attraction of Aapravasi Ghat
Beekrumsing Ramlallah Interpretation Centre
Entering the complex of Aapravasi Ghat, you will find an astonishing museum, which is referred to as an information centre. The centre was inaugurated on 3rd November 2014, it is a mine of historical artefacts and well-preserved information relating to immigrants and labourers.
The centre is developed with multiple theme rooms namely, ‘The Voyage’, ‘The Great Experiment’, ‘Life Around the Depot’, etc. From the Beekrumsing Ramlallah Interpretation Centre, visitors can buy any antique representation or information brochure to take away lots of memories.
Tour at Complexes of Aapravasi Ghat
Another interesting place to not miss out on is the complexes of Aapravasi Ghat. It takes visitors on a ride to old times to witness how various activities and things of the labourers and immigrants were in ancient times. It is open for public visit and you can explore places and get knowledge about the lifestyle and the way of doing things of the immigrants. Some of these complexes such as Immigrants’ Sheds, Immigrants’ Kitchen, Sirdars Quarters, Immigrants’ Privies, Steps, and Bathing Areas
Outer Well, Hospital Block consisting of gatekeeper’s Room, Stable, Cart House, Surgery Ward and Kitchen.
Nearby Places to Explore With Aapravasi Ghat
Caudan Waterfront
It is a multi-store complex in Mauritius for shopping and entertainment. Visitors can find a range of hotels, cinemas, restaurants, a casino, and brands for all sorts of shopping. After spending time at Aapravasi Ghat, visitors can spend quality time here with their loved ones. In the shopping list, add one more category of handicrafts that you can’t miss on the Mauritius tour.
Blue Penny Museum
Another nearby place to explore near Aapravasi Ghat is the Blue Penny Museum. It is one of the most recommended places by visitors to explore more about the country’s history. Here you will get documents from, an invaluable collection of stamps, artefacts, and paintings, mark the place on your list! Cameras are strictly prohibited inside the museum, to maintain the beauty of the place and quality.
Jummah Mosque
Next on the list is the Jummah Mosque in Port Louis. The place is famous for its breathtaking architecture, with a touch of Indian, Creole and Islamic architecture. Many centuries ago Islams came to the island after Arab voyagers discovered the port. It will share peaceful vibes smack from the hustle & bustle of the city and should not be missed. Take time to witness the beauty of the mosque within your Aapravasi tour.
Revisit the History: Aapravasi Ghat!
History is an integral part of our development, witnessing the struggle of Mauritians will open up our modern minds. If you want to adventure with travelling to ancient places, add appraise ghat to the list. Plan your itinerary and head to a world heritage site, Aapravasi Ghat, to take away unforgettable memories with your tour.