Lots of misconceptions about the food in many contributions above - much like the McDonald's simplified version of thought.
Just because a majority of Indians are Hindu, this does not mean that everyone else has to fall in line. In fact, Hindus in, for instance, Kerala, do eat beef.
You will find reasonably good local beef served in many 5-star hotels nationwide. Once you have settled in, you'll even find a good local supplier. For instance, there is a very unassuming meat shop near Ulsoor Lake in Bangalore, run by a Muslim. Excellent beef, available in various cuts, including steaks. He even ships India-wide in insulated containers chilled with dry ice.
Supposedly dry states such as Gujrat are drowining in alcohol - the prohibition is only in place to line the pockets of the local politicians.
Cheer up: in India, there's always a way around what appears to be an obstacle.