My first (and so far, only; my travel time is sadly limited) trip to India was on my own. While it is true that I was a bit incoherent for a while after coming home, I'm glad that I did go on my own, not with a group. There's something very...visceral, I think is the word I want, about wandering about and finding your way. (But do find a good place to stay in Varanasi; you might need a respite. I enjoyed the Hotel Ganges View there, myself.) www.indiamike.com is really, really helpful.

Echo, I just returned from a third trip to India in three yrs (lucky me). This time, I traveled alone and booked most myself, using a travel planner for a just a few t hings.It was a fantastic trip!!

Agree with those above who recommend a good travel planner for a first trip. Search this forum for recs. There is sooo much that is wonderful and remarkable, but overwhelming, and it helps to have it be relatively seamless the first time (something as simple as having someone meet you at the train station, and get you settled in a place to stay) while you find your India sea legs.

If you decide to entirely d.i.y, people are fantastically helpful. Note that some areas, little English is spoken or understood.

Dog, you're wicked !!!!!!

Hey echo
Maybe you can look into travel with a photography group.
http://photographyonthemove.com/calendar/ There is an expanding interest in India for photography travel.If you get in touch with them they can recommend outfits if the dates they have don't work for you