Travels in India (Tavernier) 26.1

26.1

From Golconda to Masulipatam it is counted to be 100 coss by the straight road ; but when you wish to go by way of the diamond mine called Coulour in Persian, and Gani in the Indian language, it is 112 coss, and this is the route which I have ordinarily taken. From Golconda to Tenara, 4 coss. Tenara is a fine place, where there are four very beautiful houses, each having a large garden. That one of the four which is on the left of the high road is incomparably more beautiful that the three others. It is all built of cut stone and in two storeys, containing large galleries, beautiful halls, and fine rooms. In front of the house there is a large courtyard, somewhat like the Place Royale in Paris. On each of the three other sides there is a large entrance, and from one side to the other a fine veranda, elevated about 4 or 5 feet above the ground and well arched over, and here travellers of the superior classes are accustomed to lodge. Above each entrance there is a grand balustrade, and a small chamber for ladies. When persons of position do not wish to occupy these dwellings, they can have their tents pitched in the gardens; and it should be remarked that only three of these houses may be occupied,—for the grandest and most beautiful one is reserved for the Queen. When she is not there one may see it and walk through it, for the garden is very beautiful and contains many fine pieces of water. The whole area is laid out in this manner.