Aapravasi Ghat, Port Louis (must see)

Aapravasi Ghat is a historic site of profound significance in the history of migration. Known also as the Immigration Depot or Coolie Ghat, it was the focal point of the indentured labor migration system that operated between 1849 and 1923. During this period, Aapravasi Ghat served as the main processing center for over half a million Indian laborers who were brought to Mauritius and other British colonies to work on plantations. This massive movement of people had a lasting impact on the demographic and cultural landscapes of many former British colonies, including Mauritius, where a substantial portion of the population has Indian ancestry.

The site originally comprised a complex of buildings designed to manage the intake and processing of these laborers. However, due to rapid infrastructural development in the mid-20th century, only a few remnants of the original structures remain today. These surviving stone buildings are now protected under Mauritian national heritage legislation, preserving a vital piece of the island's history.

The Aapravasi Ghat Trust Fund oversees the conservation and restoration of this important historical site. Efforts are underway to restore the remaining buildings to their state from the 1860s, ensuring that future generations can appreciate and understand the historical significance of Aapravasi Ghat. In recognition of its global importance, the site was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2006, highlighting its role in the history of migration and its impact on the cultural development of Mauritius.