A process for producing a catalyst for cyanhydrin hydration, which comprises a manganese oxide as a main component and is excellent in both physical strength and reaction activity, is provided, as well as a catalyst for cyanhydrin hydration obtained by the production process. Specifically, a process for producing a catalyst which is useful for cyanhydrin hydration and contains a manganese oxide as a main component, potassium, and one or more elements selected from the group consisting of bismuth, vanadium and tin, in which the above compounds are mixed together in an aqueous system; the resulting slurry precipitate is subjected to solid-liquid separation; and the resulting hydrous cake is dried in at least two separate stages comprising a predrying and a main drying, is provided, as well as a catalyst for cyanhydrin hydration obtained by the production process.