andamans -- lodging, food recommendations?

hi...have searched for the andamans on thorntree and it seems most folks are concerned with taking boats to thailand and/or burma. hoping someone has visited the andamans, specifically port blair and havelock, and has some info based on experience beyond the basic details.

so what i'm looking for are some useful opinions on the lodging options and whether the emerging tourist industry has created some exceptional food, nightlife options worth pursuing, esp for the solo female traveler. at the very least, i think it's going to be a calm, tropical beach paradise but would love to look out for anything more that could make it even more memorable. also, some practical elements, such as how much cash to bring, etc. thanks in advance!

ps -- i used to be a diver and unfortunately, have limited myself to snorkeling for various health reasons. would love anyone's tips on non-scuba activities...

food, nightlife options are very limited. But if you hang out at pristine at havelock
you would know about the happening things .When you land in port blair withdraw enough cash for your trips to the other islands as the other islands do not have any atm machines.
sandeep was a good contact for info and hotels in port blair as hes lives there 993208241

budget-hotels-andaman-islands.html

Hi

First of all you can not take boat to Thailand or Burma from Andamans... The only accees points are Kolkotta / Chennai

Night Life: Port Blair sleeps early.... By 08.30pm all shops will be closed....

Havelock Island is also a relaxed place where you dont have colourful beach life/ night life like in Goa/ bahamas etc....

For Snorkling the best options are North Bay and Wandoor Beach.. Esly accessable from Port Blair. Glass bottom boat is also available.

Be careful about the folowing while planing your trip

1) Ferry services between islands are limited... and subject to weather conditions... keep buffer time for your departure flights
2) ATM is available only in Port balir . Hence take enough cash from there itself.
3) Hospital facilities are limited... Keep necessory medicines with you.....

Also DOnt forget to visit Cellular jail and Rose Island...

Feel free to contact for any more details....
Regards
Amal