Here are top boutique hotels in and around Kandy that are well placed to arrange cultural tours (Temple of the Tooth, Kandyan dance performances, local craft/tea visits, village walks and heritage excursions). I’ve noted what each is known for and how they connect guests with cultural experiences.

1. The Kandy House — Converted colonial manor with curated cultural excursions (Temple of the Tooth, Kandyan dance shows, spice/tea garden and artisan visits, village walks). Ideal for a quiet, heritage-focused stay with tailored half‑day/ full‑day cultural itineraries arranged by the hotel. (soultrek.travel)

2. Mansion Nugawela / The Manor House (Mansion Kandy) — A restored walauwa (traditional manor) outside central Kandy; stays here come with easy access to Kandy’s heritage sites (Temple of the Tooth, Royal Palace grounds, Peradeniya) and the property/concierge can organise guided cultural tours and visits to nearby historic sites. (en.wikipedia.org)

3. The Elephant Stables — Hilltop boutique hotel with colonial/heritage character; strong reputation for bespoke day excursions to cultural highlights (Temple of the Tooth, tea museums, Pinnawala) and personalised cultural activities. Good for travellers who want historic atmosphere plus easy access to Kandy’s temples and performances. (scottdunn.com)

4. Helga’s Folly — Iconic eccentric boutique in Kandy famous for its art-filled interiors and theatrical personality; popular with travellers seeking a highly local, creative stay and for arranging cultural evenings (Kandyan dance, local artistry and guided city heritage walks). (foodandtravel.com)

5. Theva Residency (Theva Kandy) — Small luxury boutique on the hills above Kandy offering panoramic views; commonly used as a base for private cultural touring (Temple visits, Peradeniya gardens, curated local experiences) — the hotel arranges private drivers/guides. (luxurylanka.com)

6. Madulkelle Tea & Eco Lodge (Knuckles nearby) — If you want a hiking/tea‑estate focus alongside culture: Madulkelle (about an hour+ from Kandy) offers tea‑plantation tours, village visits, community activities and occasional Kandyan cultural events — good if you want tea‑country culture combined with village experiences and guided walks. (srilankawildroom.com)

Tips for booking cultural tours from boutique hotels

• Ask the hotel concierge to book a licensed private guide for Temple of the Tooth and the evening puja (it’s the most meaningful way to experience the site). Many hotels also pair the visit with a Kandyan dance performance. (holidayarchitects.co.uk)
• For craft/arts experiences (batik, wood‑carving, artisan visits) and spice/tea garden visits, request a hotel-arranged local visit so you support reputable workshops and get better interpretation. (soultrek.travel)
• If you want a tailor‑made day (e.g., Temple of the Tooth + Peradeniya Botanical Gardens + local market + cultural show), boutique hotels typically create private full‑day itineraries — confirm timing (temple puja and show times) when you book. (holidayarchitects.co.uk)

If you’d like, I can:

• Send quick sample 1‑day cultural itineraries based at any one of these hotels (Temple of the Tooth + dance + market + craft stop), or
• Check live availability/rates for one or more of these hotels for your travel dates (I’ll need the dates).