People who live in or have traveled to India?

I am trying to plan a trip to India and a couple other places in July or so. I wanted to know of some places to check out, I HATE huge groups of tourists, immensley, I want to go experience the culture, see local stuff, not walk around with a big group of Americans, I hate it, so what are some hidden treasures or more local places I could see? What cities should I go to? I want to do a lot of photography while I am there, especially of local markets and Hindu culture and art, what would be some good places to check out? Thanks a ton

i can tell u that since u r interested in cultrue and stuff u should see varanasi..
but in july it might be too hot and monsoon starts by july too
so weather might give u great pleasure if its rain..
or u might be exhausted in hot..
i donno much about south india rajasthan where im sure u will find a lots of things to take pics and see about indian cultures.
varanasi is a must see in my opinion..
search abot varanasi in net..
then u can go to farther up in north ..
which is rich in natural beauty..
taravelling alone or with one partner is kool.. than with a huge group
happy journey..

It is very rare to c originaly HINDU populous city and HINDU temples in INDIA bcoz its ruled by Mughal more thn 1000 years so they have destroyed lots of temples n build mosque at the same site so Originaly HINDUISM is worship now bt there r some places i m giving u the site so u can decide where to travel
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Varanasi
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palitana
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Somnath
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madurai
http://www.indiasite.com/temples/
http://www.templenet.com/
and specially visit to my city here is the site add
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vadodara

good to learn ur interests.I am in India so u can rely on me.
1. u may avoid July-aug., since it may beraining at many places in India. sept. should be excellent.
2. India is a country of extremely diversified culture. to select a few for u..
A) Hindu- sept 30, is a beginning of 9 day festival (nav ratri) in Kolkata(Durga puja). The same is also celebrated with great enthusiasm in gujarat(Ahmedabad or baroda). Don't miss If u happen to be in India on 24th Aug., (birth day of Lord Krishna) go to Mathura, the birth place of lord Krishna.
B) Buddhist- if u r planning to go to Kolkata, go to Darjiling, siliguri, Kalimpong(all r hill stn & profoundly Budhist)
C) ISLAM;-Visit Ajmer for alliance of hindu & islamic culture.
HISTORY; don't miss Taj(Agra) & do visit jaipur or udaipur for Rajput history.
LOCAL STUFF: Incredible India organizes village life tour in vatrious parts of the country where u shall have chance to see from a very close distance the life of villagers,their culture, their arts and crafts. Jaiselmer shall be very nice & there u can have a camel ride into the dessert too.
for more details, e mail me. I shall be glad to help u.
shroffjatin@gmail.com
good luck.

You can find a lot of interesting tourist places for a cool and enjoyable vacation at South India, with a great culture and beautiful sceneries for photography. Madurai, Tanjavur, Mamallapuram, Hampi, Mysore, Belur and Halebid are great places for learning Hindu culture and architecture, a journey in the backwaters of Kerala are a wonderful experience. There are many other interesting places such as hill stations, busy and unexplored beaches in South India.

http://indiareadyreckoner.blogspot.com/2007/09/best-place-to-visit-in-india.html