| Vannarapettai | |
| Other Name: | Vannai, Pazhaya Vannarapettai, Washermenpet, Old Washermenpet |
| Settlement Type: | Neighbourhood |
| Pushpin Map: | India Chennai#Tamil Nadu#India |
| Pushpin Label Position: | left |
| Pushpin Map Caption: | Washermanpet, (Chennai) |
| Coordinates: | 13.1148°N 80.2872°Whttps://geohack.toolforge.org/geohack.php?pagename=Vannarapettai&params=13.1148_N_80.2872_E_type:city_region:IN-TN |
| Subdivision Type: | Country |
| Subdivision Name: |  India |
| Subdivision Type1: | State |
| Subdivision Name1: | Tamil Nadu |
| Subdivision Type2: | Metro |
| Subdivision Name2: | Chennai |
| Governing Body: | CMDA |
| Unit Pref: | Metric |
| Elevation M: | 58 |
| Population Density Km2: | auto |
| Demographics Type1: | Languages |
| Demographics1 Title1: | Official |
| Demographics1 Info1: | Tamil |
| Timezone1: | IST |
| Utc Offset1: | +5:30 |
| Postal Code Type: | PIN |
| Postal Code: | 600021 |
| Registration Plate: | TN-04 |
| Blank1 Name Sec1: | Planning agency |
| Blank1 Info Sec1: | CMDA |
Vannarapettai is a northern neighbourhood of Chennai, India. It is also known as Pazhaya Vannarapettai, sometimes shortened as Vannai. It is located north of Parrys Corner and adjacent to Royapuram. Washermanpet is famous for its jewelry shops and matchbox industries, many of which are centered on two main arterial roads.
The name comes from the fact that it used to be the washermen's enclave in Chennai, where many of the city's dhobi ghats used to be located. Prior to the development of T.Nagar and Purasawalkam, Washermenpet acted as the textile business [1] hub of Chennai.
Washermenpet is one of the several Dhobikhanas in Chennai since colonial times with others being Adayar, Chetpet, Saidapet and Mylapore.[2]
There are many historical educational establishments present in this locality.
Old Washermanpet is surrounded by various private schools, government-run schools as well as government-aided schools to provide nursery to secondary education.
Sir Theagaraya College is a government-aided college that is affiliated with the University of Madras, offering courses in the arts as well as sciences. It is one of the oldest colleges in Chennai.
Stanley Hospital and RSRM Hospital are two major hospitals in Washermanpet while CSI Rainy is located in Gollavar Agraharam Road.
Washermanpet has a bus terminus and a railway station. Washermanpet Metro Station serves as the northern terminus of the Blue Line of the Chennai Metro rail network and another metro station is expected to be located underground, near Sir Theagaraya College in Old Washermanpet.[3]
Anna Park is used by the residents for morning walks and recreational activities. Robinson Ground and Sir Theyagaraya Ground are frequented by children for sport activities. These public areas were often used by the Dravidan Federation during its nascent stages and witnessed several speeches given by orators such as C. N. Annadurai and M. Karunanidhi.
The famous Mint Street, also known as "Thanga Salai" (Tamil: தங்க சாலை) has several landmarks, such as R Square, and Maharani Theatre. The famous Periyapalayam Mariamman Temple is also located at the start of T.H. Road and Sri Kothandaramar Temple on Perambalu Street.[4]
Broadway, Parrys, Royapuram, Korukkupet, Tondiarpet, Kodungaiyur, Sowcarpet are located adjacent to this locality.