The lake derived the name avalanche because of a huge landslide (avalanche) that occurred in the region in the early 1800s. Avalanche received 92.1cm rain in 24 hours on 9 August 2019 which is highest 24 hr Rainfall in South India. The day before it received 82 cm in 24 hr on 8 August 2019.[1]
Avalanche Lake is an important tourism destination in the Nilgiris district.[3] The lake is surrounded by a rolling landscape with blooming flowers like magnolias, orchids and rhododendrons. Tourists can traverse beside the lake through winding paths around the lake.[1] Tourists visiting the lake can also engage themselves in Trout fishing.[4] A trout hatchery is established near the lake, from where visitors can get fishing rods and other fishing accessories required for trout fishing.[5] The lake is also used by tourists as a camp site wherein they pitch tents near the lake. Other tourist activities in the area include rafting across the lake and trekking the nearby hilly regions[6] like Upper Bhavani where there are thick forests and untouched wild habitats.[5]
