UNESCO, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization World Heritage Sites are defined as significant and important places of cultural or natural heritage as described in the UNESCO World Heritage Convention. UNESCO World Heritage Convention was established in 1972. India is blessed with huge, tremendous and rich heritage, the architectural marvels and cultural institutions that shows the geographical expanse of India and it is the birthplace of Ayurveda and Yoga. As listed by UNESCO, there are 37 UNESCO World Heritage sites in India. India is one of the top countries globally in terms of the number of World Heritage sites.

The selection process for being listed as World Heritage sites were primarily based on four natural and six cultural criteria until the end of 2004. With the adoption of new rules and guidelines, there are now 10 selection criterion as listed below.

1. Human creative genius

2. Interchange of values

3. Testimony to cultural tradition

4. Significance in human history

5. Traditional human settlement

6. Heritage associated with events of universal significance

7. Natural phenomena or beauty

8. Major stages of Earth's history

9. Significant ecological and biological processes

10. Significant natural habitat for biodiversity

Countries should be encouraged to sign the World Heritage Convention and to ensure the protection of their natural and cultural heritage.
Countries should be are encouraged to nominate sites within their national territory for inclusion in the World Heritage List.
Countries should be encouraged to establish management plans and set up reporting systems on the state of conservation of their World Heritage sites.
Emergency assistance should be provided for all World Heritage sites.
Governments should encourage public awareness building activities for World Heritage conservation.
Participation of the local population in the preservation of their cultural and natural heritage should be supported.
International co-operation in the conservation of our world’s cultural and natural heritage should be strongly encouraged.