Three of the islands on the
Dal Lake in Srinagar are popular attractions. Of these, the Sona lank (Silver Island) on the division of the lake called the Lokut Dal and Rupa lank (Gold Island) on Bod Dal draw bigger crowds.
It is said that Murad, son of Emperor Shah Jahan, built the Rupa lank. It is also called ‘Char Chinar’ (Four Chinars) after the 4 Chinar trees planted by Akbar the Great which still grow on the island. Now Sona lank is also referred to as ‘Char Chinar’ as it also has 4 Chinar trees on it.
At the end of the main stretch of the boulevard and only a short distance from the shore, is the third island of Nehru Park. Evening shows, dances and festivals organised here during summer have a lot of patrons.
