A couple from India has been punished for driving an SUV on sand dunes.

A couple in northern India was punished for driving an SUV through the ecologically vulnerable dunes of Nubra Valley.

The pair from Jaipur was on holiday in Ladakh, according to police.

They were discovered traveling through the dunes of Hunder, a lovely settlement in the Leh district noted for its frigid desert scenery.

For "violating prohibitory orders," they were fined 50,000 rupees ($643; £512).

"District police Leh advises tourists not to ride on dunes since it harms the natural scenery," the police wrote on Facebook on Thursday.

Ladakh, a federally managed enclave with unspoiled landscapes and towering mountains, is a strikingly beautiful yet rarely populated place.

Tourists flock to the region during the summer months of May and June to see the sights.

However, experts claim that the uncontrolled influx of tourists has harmed the region's natural attractiveness.

Anger was sparked when a video of two men racing their Audi through the waters of Pangong Lake went viral in April.

The males were seen screaming out of the sunroof of the automobile, sprawled over the riverbanks with beer and water bottles, as well as packets of crisps.

Many people hailed the Leh police on Thursday for taking fast action against the pair. "Our District Police Leh has a lot to be proud of... Please keep the mountains/landscape clean, and I'd like to see more strict traffic regulations! "comment was made.

"Hats off, Ladakh Police," another commented.