Here are top boutique / small-luxury stays in and around Dambulla (the “Cultural Triangle”). I’ve included the vibe, standout features and a source so you can check availability and exact prices.

1. Diyabubula — Barberyn Art & Jungle Hideaway (small art‑and‑nature lodge; 5 villas, very private, art/architecture by Laki Senanayake; full‑board, nature & birding). Ideal for solitude, art lovers and slow stays. (diyabubula.com)

2. Kalundewa Retreat (eco‑boutique on ~100 acres; contemporary chalets and a “floating” room, organic garden dining, strong sustainability focus). Great for nature, birding and relaxed romance. (kalundewaretreat.com)

3. Jetwing Vil Uyana (eco‑boutique wetland reserve with a handful of habitats/room types; award‑winning sustainability and wildlife viewing; close to Sigiriya/Dambulla). Best for eco‑design and wildlife. (jetwinghotels.com)

4. Water Garden Sigiriya (30 architect‑designed private villas, many with plunge pools, set in water gardens with Sigiriya views). A designer boutique for privacy and comfort. (watergardensigiriya.com)

5. Lake Lodge Kandalama (small 12‑room boutique hotel overlooking the lake; minimalist, intimate rooms and good birdwatching). Good mid‑size boutique close to Kandalama/Dambulla. (lakelodgekandalama.com)

6. Heritance Kandalama (Geoffrey Bawa–designed, architecturally famous resort built into the rock/forest; larger than micro‑boutiques but a cultural‑triangle icon with strong design credentials and panoramic views). Choose this if you want iconic architecture and resort facilities. (Hotel notes Dambulla Cave Temples ~13 km away). (heritancehotels.com)

7. Jetwing Lake (modern, sustainably minded hotel in Dambulla with full facilities — pool, spa, good base for Cultural Triangle sites). A reliable 4–5★ option with contemporary amenities. (jetwinghotels.com)

8. Atha Resort Sigiriya (very small village‑themed boutique with just a few rooms; rustic/eco vibe and close to Sigiriya rock). Good budget‑friendly boutique for proximity to Sigiriya/Dambulla. (atharesort.com)

Quick tips

• Most of the properties above are in the wider Kandalama/Sigiriya area (the Cultural Triangle) rather than central town‑only Dambulla — that’s normal: the best boutique stays cluster around Kandalama/Sigiriya but are an easy drive to the Dambulla Cave Temple. (heritancehotels.com)
• If you want absolute privacy and an artsy, tiny‑lodge feel pick Diyabubula; for eco/wetland wildlife pick Jetwing Vil Uyana or Kalundewa; for iconic architecture and full resort facilities pick Heritance Kandalama or Water Garden Sigiriya. (diyabubula.com)
• Rates and availability change seasonally — check the property web pages or a booking site to compare dates and any current offers. (I can check live availability/prices for your travel dates if you’d like.)

Would you like these shown on a map, or should I check availability/prices for particular dates?