Situated along the lush Malabar coast of western India, Kerala is the state with highest literacy and eco-consciousness in all of India. With influences from Christian and Muslim cultures, the food of Kerala is as diverse as it is delicious with lots of seafood, meats (including beef), coconut and tamarind and using aromatic spices like black pepper and cardamom, which grow wild in this tiny jewel state. Tamil Nadu, a highly urban large state right next to Kerala is the southernmost state in India. With a varied cuisine through the state including dosas and its derivatives, use of lentils, rice and tamarind is popular.